I think if Polaris debuts a 700cc twin with IRS it would be really too close to be classified as an ATV. The ATV definition according to the MN DNR is:

"ATV's) are motorized, flotation-tired vehicles with at least three, but no more than six low pressure tires, with an engine displacement of less than 800 cubic centimeters and total dry weight of less than 800 pounds. ATV's with a total dry weight of more than 800 pounds are classified as ORV's."

If I'm not mistaken the SP 500 is 730 pounds Dry. Add a winch to this beast and larger tires and this would have to legally be classified as an OHV.

Just a thought???

 

If I remember correctly, from earlier "rumors" the 700 engine itself weighed less than the 500 thumper???????????

EC

 

I'm sure Polaris has some tricks up their sleeve to keep the weight down, But, will it be enough?

 

The SP 500 is 697 dry. Adding a winch or bigger tires would not make it an OHV, even it it did put it over 800lbs. The rules apply to the stock machines dry weight.

The twin will not weigh much more then a single cylinder. Yes, it will weigh more, but not very much. Maybe 10 pounds. Definitly not more then 800lbs total.

Besides this, I hear the twin will be a sport quad, and not an SP now? What is with these rumors. Are they even true?

 

Just a question. What does it matter if it is an OHV or ATV? I don't think there are any restrictions out here on size or displacement. Every vehicle that does not have a license plate gets an OHV sticker to go on the trails. Every trail is posted as an OHV trail and then they have little pictures of Jeeps or ATV's or horses on them. They kind of lump every thing together that goes off road. Do they limit the use of OHV's vs. ATV's out there?

 

Yes, There are very strict restrictions between the two. Most trails in MN are ATV only. Don't get me wrong. I still see 6X6's on the trails and I could care less that they classify as an OHV. I personally don't see anything wrong with it.

 

The SP500 is 697, Yes, On Polaris's site the Sportsman 500 DUSE is 730. What makes this one heavier? The 6X6 is 895 pounds. Which in MN Legally classifies it as an OHV. OHV's are restricted from using a lot MN ATV trails.

If the rumor is true that the 700 will be a sport. Great. But sooner or later I'm sure it will find it's way into the utility market. Polaris won't let Kawasaki out do them. No way, No how.

 

You are correct about the DUCE being heavier then a regular SP. I think it is because of the extra stuff on it like the big front and rear bumpers.

 

Regarding the artical in DW on the Polaris 6X6.

IS IT STILL AN ATV?


The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) has the responsibility of defining what an all-terrain vehicle is. Their definition was amended recently to include machines that weigh more than 600 pounds and are wider than 50 inches. But the requirement that an ATV have no more than four wheels still stands. The Sportsman 6x6 has six wheels. Of course, with that definition in mind, the true original all-terrain vehicles like the Argos and Coots in the early ‘70s aren’t considered ATVs anymore either!
We feel that the SVIA’s definition needs redefining, since some states regulate what type of vehicles can ride on their trail systems according to the SVIA’s definition. Dirt Wheels’ position is that the number of wheels should be irrelevant. Three, four, six or eight wheeled vehicles should all fall into the ATV classification, we think. The Sportsman 500 6x6 is by our definition an ATV.

I agree with DW that the number of wheels should not matter. But the weight should. 600 pounds according to SVIA is small. 800 according to the MN DNR could be a little on the light side.

Maybe a flat 1000 pounds should be the limit? But who am I to preech?