I remember when I got on here again, a short while ago, I was asking about a 400 Sportsman, had the quality improved, Etc.. over the last polaris I owned, a 96 300 Xplorer. Thinking back, you know, I had the typical loose tie-rods and such, but honestly I cant remeber this thing EVER leaving me stranded in 4 years of VERY hard ownership, and I think I can remember replacing only 1 belt?
This thing was constantly in mud and water up to the racks, the little 2-stroke screaming wide open.
I remember one winter, my neighbor had just gotten a new Prarie, a 97 model, right when they first came out. His tires were 1 size larger than mine, but I had a locked front end, so it was kinda even in deep mud, but on hills and such, a different story. He was following me up a hill in about 3 inches of snow, and about 20 feet from the top, I just stopped., of course he had too also. Well I punched it, spun across the hill to the left and the right and finally started inching my way up, He tried, and Immediatly slid to the bottom, cursing me as he went down. This "little " machine constantly and consistently put much larger machines to shame, In low I would side hill it with both feet on one floor board, both hands on the throttle side of the handlebar and my butt leaning off just a few inches from the ground to keep it from tipping. then make a sharp turn, and lean over the front racks, and slowly paw my way up the hill. the limited slips couldnt match it. You know its acceleration was decent too, easily besting the new dog, the 97 prarie back in 97.
I Did put a set of rings in it once in what must of been thousands and thousands of miles over the 4 year period. Riding Buddies said that I should have sent it too Polaris to enshrine.
I guess lookoing back it really did hold up well, Other than those blankity blank tie rods and loose bushings every where. OF course, Back then, the only ones offering "true 4wd" were the King Quad and Polaris..Now everyone has it, but Im thinking I would still like to find an old 300 or even one of those new 250 xplorers to play with. This forum was alot of fun then too, I knew alot of people. Alot of the discussions were based on the " Your 3 wheel drive Honda wont go where my Polaris goes" And " Yea, but My honda will still be running in 5 years" Or the new King of the time that came out as I finally left the forums, was the 600 Grizz. which always brought up the " My 600 is faster than your 500 sportsman debate" Which of course turned into the " Well maybe so, but lets see your 600 Grizz with that open diff up front follow me" so I guess as time goes on, ill know more and more, as for now, Im just kinda lurking and reading. Kinda nice being back, kinda nice having a polaris in the yard again.. Still Love my bikes too..
Sorry for the rant..

Ron
04 Sportsman 400