I was wondering what experiences people had with the polaris 700 or 800 EFIs pro's and con's. I was also curious if the AWD they come with is a locking differential? thanks for all the resposes in advance.

4wheelin101

 

Hi 4wheelin 101.

I bought an 05 700 EFI last year, and so far it's been nothing short of awesome. I have over 600 miles on it, and so far the only problem has been one torn rear axle boot. I've not exactly babied the machine, either. It's been up to the racks in mud and water, thrashed over rocks, and plowed snow all last winter. Incredible smooth power, instant throttle response, and super-plush ride. Starting in 05, the Sportsmans came with some really nice new features. Improved handling through new front suspension geometry, all new and much better fitted body plastic, and great storage compartments (a large one integrated under the front rack, and another good size one accessible from the rear). It even has rear lights for use when working behind the machine or when backing up, and truly impressive headlights that are about 10 times brighter than previous models. The rear rack has also been designed to accept the lock and ride anchoring system, which allows you to instantly secure accessories like never before. Also starting with the 05 models, the Sportsman comes equipped with the hands-down best stock tire on the market, the 26" PXT radial. After experiencing the ride quality and increased traction of radial tires, I'll never go back to bias-ply.

In my opinion, Polaris has always had the very best all wheel drive system in the industry. If you're not familiar with it, it is not a manual locking front differential. The drive system is switchable from 2WD to AWD with a handlebar-mounted switch. Obviously, in 2WD the front wheels are free-wheeling. In AWD mode, the front wheels are also free-wheeling, until the rear wheels spin 20% faster than the fronts and then the entire front end automatically engages, providing true all wheel drive. Conversely, when normal traction of the rear wheels is regained, the front end disengages, and you're back to easy-steering 2WD. Most utility quads, namely the Japanese brands, claim to have switchable 2WD/4WD or even a full-time 4WD system, but in reality they use a limited slip front differential that ultimately results in power only being supplied to one front wheel. I see that some of the import manufacturers have recognized the benefits of real 4WD, and now offer a locking differential that you have to actually hold a lever in to lock the front end. Why you'd want to deal with that nonsense while you're trying not to get stuck is beyond me.

I haven't rode an 800 yet, but I've heard that it's power is even more impressive than the 700. Fuel injection is absolutely the way to go. I also own an 04 (carbed) 600 twin, and the motor performance due simply to the difference in fuel delivery, is like night and day.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but I guess if I can't be riding it, I like talkin about it! Feel free to come back with any specific questions you might have.

-Steve

 

Wow sounds like you might of sold me a Polaris. If you do this very often you should be making commision...thanks for the much needed info i appriciate it.

4wheelin101

 

I've got a '05 700 EFI and just over 1,000 miles on it. I was pissed a few weeks ago when I got an error code 51 and took it to the dealer, because I was in the middle of my bow elk hunt. I have a thread on it, the dealer tried to rip me off, and I actually fixed the problem myself....

If you read through that thread, and one of my other threads about problems with these units, there are only a couple of minor items. One is the bolt in the center of the coil comes loose, which is a chassis ground that the coil needs and the coil will arc to the frame. So keep and eye that your coil bolt is tight...

the other problem is a rubber stopper they use on the exhaust header, I think to take up vibration and make the machine run that much smoother....just keep an eye on the not on the stopper that it stays tight...

other than that, great machine....the fuel injection is awesome for me here in New Mexico, I ride from 5000 to 13000 feet, I'll be heading up to the mountains this weekend, so will put on a couple hundred more miles....

good choice for a machine, toughest frame and suspension in the industry, heavy than others, but tough is what you need in a utility machine....and you can ride it fast, sliding the rear end around corners and soaking up the bumps....

about the only other machine i would pick for all around utility machine would be the efi suzuki 700

 

what are you waiting for? GO OUT AND BUY IT

 

Good point about the rugged frame and extra weight on these babies, Elkbow. Last winter I was a little worried at times that I was abusing my machine while plowing. We have an 800 foot gravel driveway, and sometimes it would seem that the poor thing was taking some pretty hard hits. When I removed the plow frame brackets in the spring, I half-expected to find cracks or some other damage to the frame. I carefully inspected the entire undercarriage, but it pretty much still looked like new. So now I'm confident that nothing that happens while I'm just riding will hurt it too bad if it can withstand the abuse of plowing. These things are built like a truck. oh, a CHEVY truck, that is. hehe

I did forget to mention that stupid little rubber exhaust vibration dampener, or whatever you wanna call it. Mine started smoldering the first day I got the thing home. Took about 5 minutes to remove the melted remains and replace it with a thick stainless spacer. I don't notice any new vibration noise or rattles since the fix, but not smelling the burning rubber is nice. Wonder why they thought it would be ok to attach a piece of rubber to a hot exhaust pipe? I will definitely check out that coil bolt as well.

As for the weight of the Sportsmans- I know that this is the vital statistic that fans of the import bikes like to hang their hats on, but the fact is that weight=quality and durability. I find the heaviness of my machine a comfort in most cases, and the confidence I have in it's durability far outweighs any claims of increased speed or handling that may come with a lighter atv.

4wheelin 101, I see you live in Alaska, you lucky bastid. Like the Spyder says, Go out and buy one dude! Start havin some fun!

 

I have a 05 700efi with about 2500 miles and over 250 hours on it and I really like it. The other manufacturers machines just don't appeal to me since I've had the sportsman. I agree with everything that skunksquasher says, I don't mind the extra weight at all either. If you look at other models, it is my opinion that you get more with the sportsman than the others. Go ride one and I will guarantee you will take it home.