Well call me crazy, but I may trade my 2000 Scarmbler 400 4x4 in for a ho500 or a 600 grizz this week. I love the speed of the scram, but I can't stand the chain drive through the deep mud and sand. As some of you know I've had tranny problems in the past and almost had a third disaster not to long ago. Besides, I'm a hunter and can't stand the thought of not being able to use my brand new quad to help get me into some nasty secluded woods and haul out a deer. I'm sold on the shaft drive and like the IRS of the sportsman, but really, who has owed a sportsman for at least 3 years and can tell me the reliability compared to a grizzly or any other jap quad for that matter. I'm really sold on the sportsman but I'm alittle worried about there long term. I've spent alot on Polaris this year trying to make up my #$^%*(& mind and now that I may have a third chance to finally get the right quad(adventure riding, fast, slow, comfort, dependability, hunting, exploring, hauling treestands, light yard work, plowing) I want to make the right choice. As you all know I'll be getting garbage for my trade-in and will have to cough up 2,500-3,000 towards my new purchase. This is the price I have to pay for my messed up 1st & 2nd decisions, but its a price I will pay to make the final one right. I'm not here to start a war in the forum, I'm just looking for facts. Please refrain from lame comments and try to remember that all quads have there problems, I'm just looking for the one with the least amount. My dealer carries Polaris, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Any suggestions would be appreciated, just keep it clean, I'm the one coughing up the cash. I've already looked up prior discussions and got some pretty good advice, but it seems the discussions always turn into a battle of quad bashing.

 

They are both great quads but if it were me, which it will be in 3 months, I say SP500HO. The rear suspension is unbeatable and with it's upgrades this year, nothing should stop it! My father-in-law has a Sportsman and already 3000 miles on it. Just one reliability incident in 3000 miles...not bad. Thats what happens when you lend it to a beginner and he does 20 miles of rough riding in low gear, towing a trailor, at over 20 MPH... But then again he does not do any maintenance either, ever.

It is really your decision to make. Might as well test ride both...that is where the final decision is made!

Good luck,

Brian

 

I must have the oldest SP on this site and had no proplems with it so far.I would look at the Yamaha Wolverine I know it,s faster than a non-H.O SP500 and has a light weight for it's motor size and has racks for hunting or fishing.I would also wait to look at this new 650 Kawasaki to see if it,s for you.

 

My buddys 97 SP500 has been rock solid dependable since day one and believe me it has been through hell. If it wasnt for my buddys SP Id probley be on a Honda now but after seeing just how tough the Polaris's are I bought one.
I say go for the 500 HO. Man that is going to be one bad *** ride if you ask me.

Andy G