Hi Group,

I am thinking about getting a sportsman 800 and would like some HONEST input from some owners and others. How reliable, handling etc. I have herd rumors that they are Polaris is plagued with problems.I need a good work bike and I also play hard. ( as hard as a 42 year old will play any way).

Thanks in advance,
Hoepig

 

hoepig,

I have 3 sportmans 2000 500 2003 500HO and a 2005 800EFI

When I bought the 800 I could not belive it. After riding the 800 the 500 felt like it was broke!

I have never had a major issue yet on any of them.

I would buy another when the time comes...Good Luck

 

I really like my 800. I started out with a leaking master cylinder and the fluid level in the overflow shows low when cold and shows at the max line when hot. Not a big deal, but it did cause me some grief. When it was cold, I would fill it to the recommended level and everytime I ran it, it would push some more out. It took me a while to accept this as normal. I spent alot of time trying to diagnose a non-issue. Those are the only two problems I've had. The master cylinder was replaced under warranty and has been fine since and the coolant level was just a learning curve with my new machine. I have had no reliability issues at all. The single brake lever took some getting used to but it has not caused me any problems. I adapted to it pretty quickly. The same thing with the AWD. I am used to having control over such things and the convenience of it is just unreal and didn't take long to get used to. It is seemless and real four wheel peel. I really like the handling and it is very stable with a load on the racks, or at speed. If you need more articulation, you can fab a swaybar disconnect that pulls up out of the way when in the rough stuff and pin it back on when sprinting. The power is great and the ride is Cadi-like. It sounds like we are alot alike, I work with mine primarily and ride the snot out of it for fun when I can. Hope this helps.

 

i love my 800. i had the 500 b4 and loved that as well. it takes getting used to in the handling aspect of the 800 and its power when pushing it but as stated very stable. the only dislikes is the ptx tires as far as they roll to much because thier radials that are only 3 ply. its a gas guzzler as well but you have to know that your buying an 800 for power not good gas milage. just my 2 cents