I'am still doing my homework, trying to select the right atv.
I really like the Sportsman 500 HO, and I can get one at a pretty
good price ($5881 OTD), but a local independant atv mechanic
says they have a lot of problems, particularly with the suspension.
He said it is caused by the high ground clearance that puts shafts and
stuff (I'am not a mechanic) at an extreme angle.

Would anyone that has some accumulated experience with this model
please share there opinion? I would hate to spend that much money
and not have a dependable machine. I am also looking at the Kodiak
450, but I'm not getting as good a price.

Thanks for any info!

 

I HAVE A 02 SPORTSMAN 500HO AND I LOVE IT. PLEANTY OF POWER AND RIDES AND DRIVES GREAT. THE ONLY PROBLEM SO FAR IS THE BELT. I PUT A DAYCO HP BELT AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM.

 

Sportsman 400 here, same except for smaller bore, stroke, and carb on the engine. No real problems to date, just a recalled spark plug wire (fixed in an hour at dealer, no charge). Amazing capability and versatility, zero complaints from me.

I've had it for 9 months and 1200 rough miles.

 

I have the 04' 700EFI and absolutely love it, the only major issues I have had are a fuel pump go bad at 11miles and a belt go bad with about 450miles on it. the belt was sort of my fault because I do alot of mud bogging so water got in the clutch/belt cover through the cover vent tube and caused my belt to slip causing it to burn up getting out of the mud/water holes. other that that it has been a great machine. polaris's quality and workmanship keeps getting better and better as the years go by.

 

I've had 7 polaris' and keep trying to break one. Just can't do it.

 

Going on 1300 miles and not one problem with the drivetrain or suspension. As Tyler711 said, there have been a few minor recall issues, but that is not limited to Polaris. Buy with confidence - you'll love the 500HO!

 

i have a 700 efi with 280 miles and it has been nothing but a headache from day one. 5 torn boots, shredded belt, rear brake pedal quit working,no grease in rear hub bearings, rear gearcase was a half quart low, and front muffler mount which is made out of rubber of all things is melted. ive had more touble in 280 miles on my polaris than i had with my yamaha with 3000 miles on it. you couldnt give me another polaris. polaris sucks sucks sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]

 

2C3 you better change your profile then...

I have a 2004.5 700 EFI and love it also. I have about 140 trouble free miles knock on wood...

 

Wow, don't know what to say 2c3. I see Dale Jr fan and hope that doesn't have anything to do with it. So are we, but this year he sucks sucks sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

burned!


i have 350 trouble free miles on my 800, best 4 wheeler i could amagine, though it dosnt suit all my needs, and thats why im getting a dirtbike