i just got my first ride on the rubicon today and i hate to say it,but it just plain feels better riding it.it has so many features that polaris should think about(no belts) now dont get me wrong i still love my sportsman but if i have the chance i would trade it in on one anyday.the holdback going downhill is simply awsome! in the hills of kentucky we really need it.anyone who has ridden both quads,lets here your unbiased opinion on them both

96 sportsman 500

 

i have heard they are a dream to ride, but that was just a test drive, probably on pavement. it is also $1000 more, doesnt have indepenent rear suspention, or the power (so i have heard). have you tried the sportsmen with ebs? it works nice!

 

DOC MUDD
You say the Rubby has many things that POlARIS needs,just out of couriousity what is that,what is the draw back to the belt.Have you read this.CM
https://atvconnection.com/atvconnect.../nyatvpull.cfm

 

I know what you mean about the engine braking. My Griz is about as tight as a manaul tranny! It inspires alittle more confidence when going down a steep hill. The nice thing is I didn't have to order it special, or pay extra for it. Thats just the way it is!

 

The best thing in that article is that fat guy on the crappy old warrior. What was he thinking?

 

They (Sportsman 500_Rubicon) are the same price down where i live, the dealers are tight on the MSRP.

 

The EBS in my SP works as good as the Grizz going downhills. I am not sure what the deal is with people hating belts, no one I know has ever had any trouble. Use them right and they will use you right. From what I hear it is keep the SP when it comes to the Ruby. Plus the HO for 2001 with the improvements will be hard as heck to beat.

 

MYSELF yes it's the "500SP" all the way,but if the Rubby fits you by all means thats what you should have as we are all different and require different things.CM

 

EBS is standard on the SP as well. You do not pay extra for it, or order it special.
Plus you don't pay extra for true all wheel drive, liquid cooling, 4 wheel independant suspension, thats just the way it is.

I see nothing wrong with the Grizz or Ruby. I think they are fine machines, I would own one in a heartbeat. But there are reasons I like the SP better.

I agree with others here. If the ATV works best for you, then that is the machine for you. No matter if that ATV is a Yamaha, Honda, Polaris, or any other brand.

 

exactly the Ruby is a good atv. Could not go wrong with owning one at all, not even for a second. All depends on what you like and what you don't like about any particular atv. I like the ride and the power of my SP, i like the way it looks and I love it when a huge mud hole is in front of me and I power through it like it wasnt even there.