went down and picked up the wifes new ride this morning.06 sportsman 450 yellow. kind of reminds me of my 02 500. around the same power and set up w/out the ebs though. (she doesnt like that anyways.) already order longer studs to put my 800 rims and tires on it for better tracion and looks. anyone know what take offs would be worth? it will look real good w/ the 800 wheels on it.

 

Congrats, I have no idea what the takeoffs may be worth. Get off of here and ride that thing and give us a review. With no EBS, I am inerested to hear how it behaves on the downhills. Thanks. Tell the wife I said congrats as well.

 

you kidding its hers and shes not letting me drive except down to the other garage. lol. one thing its not my 800, wow it makes me realize just how much power mines got. but going down the back hill (not very far) it free wheels after it idels down w. the gas off and just turns the belt you know. but ill bet w/ that 34 mm carb. shell get great fuel milage. she cant ride it for a couple more weeks, still recooping from her major surgery but ill post when she gets in the good stuff.

 

I wasn't aware that she had surgery. Nothing too serious I hope. Send her our best. I bet if you take good care of her while she is healing up she might let you ride it.

 

I started riding on a 1987 Polaris Trail Boss. Basically the same machine as the current Trailblazer 250. EBS did not exist back then but they still had the 4 wheel hand brake system. I got used to riding without EBS way back then and my current 2004 Sportsman 400 doesn't have it either. As far as I'm concerned, I don't need it and don't have any concerns what-so-ever of doing hill desends without it.......the 4 wheel brakes handle it just fine and it's not the least bit problematic.

It is simply a matter of being familiar with your ride and aclimating to it. I'm certain there are people who have always had EBS that would freak out doing a downhill on a non-EBS machine if they were not aclimated to it. Once you aclimate to it.......it then becomes a non-issue.

 

actually my wifes 250 doesnt have it and neither does the new 450 so its not even a problem there. ive ridn both and it seems to me that it just saves a little on the brakes w/ it is all. i actually use the revs a little going a sleep decline to keep the wheels from sliding when it really kicks in on the engine braking. i still dont mind either way. not much taking getting used to in my case. the wife on the other hand is a nut anyways.

 

hey guys, the machine responds the same as ebs equipped machines until you are barely creeping, and then it free wheels, no difference until then, ; wayout, out...................

 

I took the wifes 06 SP450 riding for about 50 miles today. Going from the Outlander with 4 wheel ebs to the X2 with rear ebs only then to the 450 with no ebs has taken some adjustment. I like the 450 engine braking. The engine still slows you down until the rpms get down to idle. I just keep on the throttle a little and it will keep the rpm's up enuf to keep the belt engaged. It will continue to slow down then. The engine braking isn't as strong as the X2 so the rear wheels don't seem to lock-up on loose stuff either. So far I am impressed with the 450's power and performance (300miles)