I have been researching different ATV's hoping to buy one in the near future and the one thing I've noticed lately lurking is that Polaris seems to be a less problematic brand. Granted they all have some issues and some worse than others but do you feel that this brand, especially the sportsman models, seem to have less "serious" issues than some of the other brands? Please no brand bashing. I just want real opinions. Honda's are known for quality and I really like them but,again, from what I've seen (65% at this forum) I see less major complaints.

The different models I've considered are:
1. Sportsman 500 HO or larger
2. Rincon
3. Rubicon
4. Praire
5. AC 500 or larger
6. Grizzly

Basically anything 500 or larger - Utility - Primarily used for fun but capable of towing, plowing, etc...

The last couple of weeks the Sportsman looks more and more like what I want. I've asked a few questions in the past here and have been well recieved. My next question is about the sportsman. I'd just like to know if there are any serious design flaws with this model that you know of?

Thanks in advance

Dave ><>

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Polaris has come a long way in reliability. Some of the older models were problematic and that is where everyone gets the "Polaris is crap" stuff from. I have had no major problems with my scrammy (other can my fault). The 500 H.O. motor has been bullit proof for me. The Sportsmans have been around long enough that most of the bugs are worked out. You cant go wrong with any one of the sportsmans

 

dont listen to thos people, polaris makes a great bike now. if you want an awsome mean trail bike,polaris is the way to go.

 

I'm on my third Polaris quad. All of them 2-strokes, the ones everybody says need to be rebuilt all the time. I've never had a problem with any of them and the '93 250 I just sold this year still ran like new. If I wasn't so hung up on the 2-stroke, the SP600 was lookin' really nice.

 

polaris has awsome bikes out now. We have a magnum that has never failed us...except the starter has gone out a couple of times but that is nothing major. the are loads of fun.

 

I agree with MN - the starters were (?) known for going out. I don't know if they still mount them on the bottom of the motor like my 95 Scrambler - but I know the major problem was water getting in them, and most people don't take the time to clean the bottom of their quads now and then, so the mud and crap can get in there too. Also, all these people talking about not going in water with a Polaris - bunch of crap. The new design for the clutch cover doesn't let water in. And if you want the added safety, remove the cover, run a bead of silicone around it, and put her back on. Like I said, I have a 95 Scrambler with the crappy cover, and I do this and no water gets in. I've had it up to the seat in water and it kept on going where a Rancher sat because his spark plug got wet! lol

 

I know what you are going through, a while back I was in the market for a new ATV. I figured I would get another Honda, but after test riding all of the big bore 4x4s I really liked the SP700 better than the rest. I was leary about all the bad stuff I have heard about Polaris over the years, but after talking to a few people that owned some of the newer ones, mostly 500s I decided to go ahead and buy one. Maybe I have been lucky, but so far not a single problem and I really like everything about this machine. I fully expect to have some maintenance at some point, but I have been dealing with 4x4 trucks for a long time and if you are going to play in the mud, you are going to have to pay at some point (bearings, u-joints, brakes eventually wear out if in the mud alot no matter what brand). The SP700 is really an awesome machine, I highly recommend it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you go with Polaris, which ever one you decide on.

 

You can see in my signature what we think of Polaris. In the last 15 months of riding ours down at Windrock in Tennessee. We've got around 13,000 miles on them. We've had some warranty things fixed. Ball joints on my Predator and my Dad's 500 Sportsman. Other than that, anything that needed to be fixed was self induced. Considering how rough the trails are at Windrock, I think that is remarkable. I always recommend Polaris. I think the 500 Sportsman is as good as any utility. I love my Predator too. It's easy for Honda to be reliable, they have not had as many features as Polaris has. IRS is a good example. The Rincon now has irs, but I have ridden with a guy with one, and I do not like his machine. My opinion, and his too. Polaris has come a long way with reliability, and while they are not perfect, I find that alot of times, that guys with problems, actually have them with the dealer, rather than Polaris. (man that's alot of commas)

Good luck

Scott

p.s. Gibson Les Paul is also better than a Fender Strat....just in case you were looking for a guitar...lol

 

well said! Dito!

 

I agree...But I play a Paul Reed Smith at the moment

Thanks for all the reply's. I called the local Polaris dealer today to get an idea of what the 500's were going for and he said around 6200. I bought my son's Scrambler 50 there and they seem to be good people. Hard to say without having any issues with the quad though so there service may or may not be so great, I don't know.

Anyways I think I've made up my mind, finally, to go with a Polaris. I'd have to special order the 600 twin if that's what I chose to go with, cause they stock the 500 and the 700 but not the 600??? Something about it (600) being so close to the 700 in power or something to that end.

Thanks again and Rock on

Dave ><>