Hi, I have been researching these two atv's very hard and there are some things I like and dislike about each. I like the Rubicon tranny more than the SP and i like the weight advantage over the SP. But I like the clearance and suspension travel of the SP. Here are some questions to some of you who have experience with either of the atvs. Thanks.

1.Which is the better workhorse?
2.Whick is faster?
3.Which is better for mud and trails?
4.Which is more reliable?

 

1. The polaris is a better work horse as its a stronger and more sturdy machine
2. a race would probebly be neck and neck but the honda would most likely win
3. The polaris is best for both situations, but being a large quad, a rubicon might fit into places were the polaris wont.
4. There both equally reliable. the only fault with the honda is that because it uses an automotive style transmition if something breaks in it, its not repairable, new quad or new tranny. theres nothing wrong with belts from the polaris CVT, as belts are used in everything, including cars. The polaris will take more of a physical beating then the rubicon, but there mechanicly equal in reliability.

 

Did you also take a look at the Suzuki Vinson?

 

 

a rincon and a 500 ho would be neck and neck with the advantage to the 650 rincon ,but a 500 ho absolutely smokes a 500 rubicon.

 

i wouldent say it would smoke it. yes the polaris engine is good, but the honda motor is basicly the exact same thing without the HO designation. the Polaris motor is a Fuji Heavy 4 valve SOHC. and i belive the honda motor is a honda 4 valve SOHC. and the polaris is 100 and some pounds more. i could be wrong, and yes that polaris motor is a damn good motor. but i would have to give the nod to the honda saddly.

 

Not always. I have an 04.5 500HO, my buddy an 03 Rubicon. I can take him off the line but he passes me on top end speed. We're both the same size and both machines were stock at the time.

 

Not to be mean or anything but the Rubicon uses a pushrod engine not a SOHC motor. And no those engines are not the same minus the HO on the SP. The SP's engine makes more power then the Rubicon's does- bottom line. If they both made around the same power the Rubicon would smoke it b/c of the major weight difference .The Rubicon just weighs 115lbs less, so they should be close in performance. You should try to test ride both to see which one fits your needs best. Good luck with your decision.

 

The Polaris is a MUCH better workhorse, check out the ratings for towing and racks, not even close. No low range on the Rincon but it would be a better "sport" riding utility quad.

 

I have seen the SP500 and Rubicon race, the SP will beat it. Specs are one thing, real life is another. To me I wouldn't even compare these two quads. They are built for two different applications. The SP is more of a heavy weight Sport/Utilty, and the Rubicon in my mind is Honda's best high displacement workhorse. However it will not out work the SP. I know I'm sounding brand blind, but to tell you the truth the only reason I would buy one is if I wanted the ESP option in the tranny. Because other than just that the SP has it beat. Your best bet is to go test drive both and get a feel for them. Because if you are just compareing specs the SP will kill the Honda, you need to get a feel for which one you like best. I wouldn't buy basied on "It's a Honda so it's gotta be the best" because Polaris makes just a good ATV in the reliabilty department as Honda! Try before you buy.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]