All,

Been riding bikes for a long time, and had a scrambler 400 for about 5 years. Like the Polaris, but not sure about the Polaris 4WD system for a lot of rock climbing and log jammed mountain trails. I am looking at a new utility quad, and like the Sportsman 500 HO, but would like to hear from some of you about the way the 4WD engages.

I have not had the scrambler in this type of situation, so have no good experience to lean on. I know the rear tires have to slip 20% faster than front to engage the Polaris 4WD. Will this cause a problem when trying to go slow over a technical rock area, or over logs, when loaded with hunting gear? How much do you really have to turn the rear tires to get the front to pull you up on something? Should I go with another brand with a locker in front for this type duty.

Give me your experiences.

Thanks in advance.

Ken

 

I loved rock and log climbing with my 500HO ... never noticed the back wheels spining before the front. From what i could see and feel the rear tire needs to spin about two to three inchs to engauge the front wheels, they will stay locked until you get moving smoothly a few feet.

 

20045SP500HO say it a good as I could. Don't really notice any delay in engagment. I try to play in the rocks as much as possibe and think the sportsman is about the best. Definatly get a quad with IRS and true four wheel drive. I also picked up some detachable links for the rear sway bar on my sportsmans. Most people have a tire a foot in the air before I have one leave the ground.

 

where did you get the sway bar disconnects? How well do they work on the trail?

 

I found them on EBay. They work really well, I have about 400 miles since installing them between the two sportsmans.

 

any more info or pics? ... just checked ebay and no luck.

 

20045SP500HO check your PM

 

Go for a PVT drive and a good low range also. I would stay away from the new honda with no low range

 

I have an '04 Sportsman 700 EFI and it has performed wonderfully for me on uneven terrain. I have a lot of large trees on my property that have fallen across my trails. I engage AWD and put the gear selector in low and the bike just crawls over whatevers in front of it. I have never noticed any slip in the rear wheels, waiting for the front to engage. It happens very quickly. I would also attribute the rock climbing finesse to the IRS. That rear suspension allows the bike to go smoothly over the most uneven terrain. KEGRACING, you won't be disappointed buying the 500HO.

Mike

 

The 4x4 engagement it so smooth you can't feel it kick in and in low gear it will crawl over just about anything. It's the gearing and "TRUE 4X4" that makes it a great crawler.....