Hello, everyone. I just recently posted a thread titled
"Buying my first ATV" in the "Buying an ATV forum" section.
I did get some responses but one that I have heard frequently
is that Polaris' have been known to have alot of recent belt
problems. I've also heard there has been alot of axel problems
and that there are no grease fittings on the suspension, and
engine breaking is questionable. I also was wondering if polaris'
6 month warranty period is short compared to other atv's.
Don't anyone take this as I'm trying to hammer Polaris because
I would like to get a new polaris sportmsman 500 HO but I don't
want to invest alot of hard earned money if I can expect problems
like this.



Thanks for any advice and input.

 

I'll take a stab at answering some of your questions or responding to your statements.

First "a lot" is a relative term. There have been some issues with belts and axles. From what I have seen "most", also a relative term, have been related to abuse. So I would say that there are not a lot of issues with belts or axles.

It is true that in 2004 they removed almost all grease zerks.

And yes the Polaris 6 month warranty is standard. Altho all manufactures sell an extended warranty at an additional cost.

I hope this helps.

ENZO

 

I have a friend with a Sportsman 500 and he loves it. Has had no problems and rides the heck out of it.It handles so well he refers to it as his couch. I have a hard time keeping up with him on my warrior.

 

that info is crap that others would like you to believe I have heard of people running belts for 2 or 3 thousand miles!! Some of the early 700's had some oiling issues but later models were corrected!!
The 400 and 500HO engines are bullet proof and run well!! Most of the hard core mudders run Sportsmans because of there unbelievable strength and power!

You have to remember that all atv's require maintenance and all have there own little quirks that once you learn you will accept

I work way too hard for my money to throw it away on bad machines and I own 3 of them

Chris

 

The SP500 design is bulletproof. Been improved on for years. I have had no belt issues with over 8000 SP miles between 3 machines. Only normal maintenance & no service repairs needed on 4 Polaris machines(1 500 Scrambler). Seems most other brands are compromises but Sportsman offers it all. No grease fittings are on the new style bushings. The older models had plenty of fittings with lots of complaints about having to do maintenance. Polaris can't win either way I guess.

 

Polaris brags about it's seamless drivebelt and it has a life time guarentee, I think. The only problems I've had with my Sportsman 400 is a dead battery due to cold weather and a frozen clutch wich only needed some adjustments.
I love my 400 I even drive it in the winter and tuck it in at night.

 

you mentioned the 6 month warrenty and within that period they will fix any of your problems. also the polaris dealer are very compromisable. for example i told the people where i bought mine that i would only buy it at regular price if they gave me $150 worth of free things which they did.

 

Do not worry about the strengths of this machine. I bought one two years ago to use in mud drags. Completly stock except for a K&N filter, cutout fenders and 28" Outlaws. I ran in the stock class through to the open mod. class with it. I have many 1st place trophies thanks to the 500HO and not one single breakdown, not even a belt. Just keep it in low range for pulling etc.

 

I bought my 03 Sportsman in late winter of '02 and have had no problems. I run it all year -round including plowing snow with it and have yet to be disappointed. In my opinion, buying a Polaris is a safe bet