I cannot decide if I want a 2005 Sportsman 400, 500, and 600? The prices are as follows:
$5000 for a 400.
$5700 for a 500.
$5800 for a 600.
I will use it for 50% play, and 50% work. I'm concerned the 400 may not have enough power. I'm concerned the 600 will be a gas hog. Does anyone know fuel econony for the 400, 500, and 600 (how many miles per gallon, or how many miles per tank of gas)? What's the reliability of the 400, 500, and 600? I want a reliable ATV Could someone please help me decide?

 

if your going to throw a few grand out you might as well get what you want and what suits your needs. you just need to figure if you really need the extra power. if i were you i would get the 600 cuase it is only 800 more for 200 more cc's.....

 

Thats a hard choice, I bought my 600s because they where cheaper then the 500s at the time. But I have been out rode by a 500 (maybe just better rider) but the 600 will have a higher top speed and just a little more low end torque. The 500 is enough lighter to make up for this.

If I had those prices I'd get the 500 and save the extra $ for mods. There all 3 great quads The 500 is definatly worth $700 more then the 400. The 600 ?

Good luck, Jeff

 

The 500 has the power to do almost anything you want. That motor is a very reliable well proven powerplant. The gas mileage is also better compared to the twins. But, the extra grunt of the 600 would be tempting for only $100 more[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

The 400 will have all the power you need for work. Now for fun factor thats a different story. I would have to agree, if you are considering a 500, then get the 600 lol. $100 more... The 500 runs well. I never rode a 600. Only 400, 500, 700, and 800's. If you want something to keep up with the larger quads, get at least the 500, but again $100 more? lol get the 600!!! The 400 is no slug by any means. Only if you jump from an 800 like I have to a 400, then its a slug! lol.

 

I was out riding all weekend with several polaris's. My dad has a 2001 500 HO and a 2004 600 twin, my friend that was out riding has a 2005 400 with a k&n airfilter. Out of those 3 I like the 500HO the best. The 500 and 600 top end are about the same, but both beat the 400. Off the line the 600 is slightly quicker than the 500 and way quicker than the 400. The 600 IMO handles too heavy and is not as fun to drive. The 500 and 400 both handle decent, but the power difference between the 400 and 500 is well worth $700. The funny thing is I went through deep snow better on my wolverine than all 3 of these. Also My friend and I raced and I won by about 5 feet each time. Off the line and top end were identical, but I pulled away a little bit when I hit 3rd gear.

Hopefully my experience from this weekend helps a little.

Ryan

 

On my website I show the difference of the 400 to the 500 on one of my videos.

 

In my area (Minn), last fall most of the dealers were selling the 600's at quite a reduced rate, 2004 models. The cheapest I saw was 4899 in the twin cities area, and about 5100 around my area appr 100 miles north. The rumor was Polaris was going to discontinue the 600's so they were getting rid of the extras. I havent been keeping track, but it looks as though they made them in 2005. I cant say for sure if there are any left at that price now but they were sure advertising them like crazy last fall. Good luck.

 

Not to start rumors but...

I heard that 2006 there will be in the sportsman line up;
400
500HO Carb
500HO EFI
700 EFI
800 EFI

that Polaris would drop in 2006;
600
700 Carb

But thats the rumor mill [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] ... time will tell.

 

I've also heard there going to drop the 600's in 06