In one of the posts, and I have heard this elseware, it was stated that the sportsman is faster...65mph compared to the Rubi at 55mph. Just curuios if anyone has other top end comparisons? What would be a good cruising speed for each down a dirt road? I know a Sportsman can cruise along at 45-50mph no problem and you dont feel like you are stressing it out, how does the Rubicon cruise, will it run down a open streach at 45mph or better for long periods of time without feeling you are going to tear something up?
I have also heard that the Rubicon has much better get up and go from a standstill...is this true? Will it get the jump on a sportsman from a standstill? How is it on throttle response?

 

Which did you purchase? Rubicon or Sportsman?

 

I've had a 99 sp500 for a year and I rode my friends Ruby last week. Top end on the Polaris is about 56 mph and the Ruby is about 52 going by the speedo. They both accelerate about the same with the Ruby a little better on the start. I just rejetted mine for a trip to Colorado next week so it was slower than usual on take off. We are taking the Ruby also but still have to rejet. I would think the HO500 would be noticeably faster. When riding all day on the trails in Colorado or at Hatfield-McCoy the smooth ride of the Polaris is much less tiring. The Ruby looks like it is going to be very difficult to rejet as the carb is really hard to get to. We ride double sometimes and the plastic rack is much more comfortable to sit on. If the Colorado trip reveals anything important about the difference between the 2 wheelers I'll respond in a couple off weeks.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The Colarado trip went great. Both machines ran fine although sometimes the Honda would not start when in gear because they use a rev limiter. When placed in neutral it started fine. The trails were steep and very rocky and rough. Both had plenty of power and very good engine braking. The Honda rode very stiff and the brakes are lousy. The left handle bar is a confusing array of buttons and switches. The trans was smooth but I could not feel any difference between D1 and D2 on uphills or downhills. ESP mode seemed completely unneeded. The Honda does not have brake lights but its lights look more modern-- see thru lenses. The Honda seat is not as comfortable. If this is Hondas biggest and best, they are behind Polaris and some others.

 

I just bought a Rubicon,I to was trying to decide on what to buy.I made the conclusion.On what I see at the dealer that I work at.The service time on Polaris is twice as long and it is not fun!I no that the Ruby has a computer but for the little amount of electronics that are on the Polaris,I have see more problems(with the 4wd).I dont like that the wires to the hubs are out in the open and can be torn out easy,and also the speedo sensor.I also her more complaints with brakes squealing on Polaris than problems with the Honda's not doing there job.I may not sound like it but I do like the Polaris I just find these things can be improved and they have done so with the new Magnum 500 RMK.Polaris has removed the hub system,And I feel that this a good move for them.So what I would suggest is maybe if you are Not set on the IRS than look at this machine,I think this is going to be a good machine.By the way I really like my machine so far.

 

Slyfox, you can read these posts forever and still be undecided. Go and ride both (if the dealer won't let you, take your buisness elsewhere). That is the only way to know which machine is best for you. Its too bad you aren't including Kawasaki and Yamaha. They all make good machines now and the top ones from each manufacturer all offer something different. If speed is the important factor to you, you may be looking in the wrong place. The new Prairie and Grizzly are the fastest four stroke sport/utilities available right now, but the Sportsman 500 H.O. isn't that far behind. The Rubicon seems fast from a standstill because it has instant throttle response (so does the Kawasaki Prairie 650) but does not have the top speed of the Sportsman. The Sportsman has slower throttle response in comparison. Try them.