I saw the article on the main site www.atvconnection.com
There were a lot of changes.

The article said that the softer spring rates resulted in a smoother ride. They didn't say whether the new front suspension and the wider front track made the steering easier, harder, or different.

For the guys who bought one, how does it compare to the previous Sportsman in terms of ride and steering?

Has the steering feel changed at all?

Does it ride noticably Softer over bumps?

What other ride differences have you noticed?

Thanks for the information.

 

hopes this helps. At the Rocky Mountain atv jamboree a couple weeks ago, which polaris was a sponsor of, I was privilaged enough to get to test ride an 04' for 15 minutes then an 05' for about 15 minutes. the coarse was a combination of rocky, steep, and loose in the mountains of Utah. I can tell you FOR SURE that the steering feels exatly the same, but the ride on an 05' is unbelievable! you can hardly feel it when you hit a 6" rock at 15 mph. Talk about cushy, it's almost too cushy though. Being able too "feel" the road can, in my opinion, add some safety to your ride.

 

I've got the '05 700 EFI. Awesome machine, motor feels different than the 04', not as much whine, suspension is better, nimble, easy steering, comfortable, spacious storage, work lights, brighter headlight, etc, etc.

Check out this thread, scroll down to my reply and you can see several pics of my machine...:

thread

 

Thanks for the info guys. Very nice pics elkbow.

 

Anyone else?

 

hey Jeff how many times are you gonna ask about this. go out and get yourself one

 

Was starting to think the same thing. JUST GET ONE!

 

You guys are right. Back in 2000 I wanted one and I still do. Now that a friend picked up a 2004.5 sportsman 500 a few months ago and I've had a chance to ride it, I want one even more.

The only thing that has held me back is the two wheel ebs and the supposed quality issues. Many people have driven polaris quads for thousands of miles and have had no trouble, and some people have a lot of trouble with their quad. I've learned that ALL manufacturers have problems with their quads because they are machines. My Outlander has had over $2,000 of problems before it hit 10 hours. It was covered under warranty since it was the fault of the manufacturer.

Anyway, thanks for the encouragement.

 

Go for it![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

yes i have a 2005 ho 500 had it for about two weeks love it so far nice ride and power like the new bodystyle and all the storage i like the new tires and the ground clearnce also havent had a chance to check out the new lights yet seams like a very nice quad