Why are the reviews I have read so negative on the 500 Sportsman in regards to the engine braking? The two reports I have read say it left the rider a little concerned. All I can say is that with mine I am impressed with the engine braking and its ability to do what it needs to..... Anyone else feel the same way?

 

The EBS on the Sportsman works fine on medium grade hills but on very steep hills the back wheels skid (they are still turning only not as fast as you are going down hill). Applying the brake makes it skid more but it does help control. What I do on very steep stuff is put it in neutral and use my brakes this way I stay in control and the back wheels don't skid. There is another technique whereby you can lock all 4 wheels together and use the EBS to descend but this has it's drawbacks too.
For me I love EBS but like every thing else on this planet nothing is perfect.