Yes please, prove me that a solid axle is better than independent suspension.
To me (this is personal opinion), the only advantage the Traxter has over the SP is manual gearbox (besides equipment -winch, tires, bumper...-).

PS. I will never again buy that mag.

 

Dave,
My buddy owns a SP500, we do alot of riding together. My XT went through deeper mud were his
got stuck, I had better traction climbing steep hills and I could corner better than him.
But his quad was faster on straight runs and handled the bumps much more comfortable than mine.

 

No way a Traxter outhandles a Sportsman,in any terrain.I think that your opionions could be based on you being a better rider than your friend is.You guys outta switch rides for a hole afternoon than make a more accurate evaluation,
Bill

 

If the traxter out handles the sp how come I've never seen one in the woods yet. I sure would like to ride with one just out of curiosity!

 

I find it hard to believe a Traxter is faster then an HO. Top speed or acceleration. Having ridden an HO, I thought it was a very strong bike. However in the "handling" department, I don't know? When I tried to do a spinning 360 from about 10mph, it scared the hell out of me! I thought it was going to roll for sure. In that kind of riding anyway, it did not inspire alot of confidence.

Rick

 

Before purchasing my new '00 sp500, I test drove the Traxter, which is a lighter, and thus quicker machine than the Traxter XT. At the time, I had absolutely no desire whatsoever for that worthless, snowmobile-belted, tank-heavy Polaris Sportsman. The ride on the Traxter was very nice, its handling fairly smooth, turning circle somewhat wide, engine very quiet. The electronic shifter, however, would not allow rapid up- or downshifts. THEN I rode a Sportsman. The ride was as smooth as a Cadillac on the Interstate, the acceleration was exhilarating, drivability was easy (even for someone with two broken ribs), engine was quiet yet powerful, and it would turn inside half the diameter of the Traxter. There is no comparison: The Sportsman is twice the machine the Traxter is, for less money! The one feature I did like best on the Traxter was the 8-gallon tool box. Being a farmer, I would have found enough tools to fill it.

 

slimchiply

thanks for your opnion on the sp. the only problem i have is that the traxter is not lighter than the sp500, it heaver. and the traxter xt is lots heavier than the sp500. and niether traxter has IRS.

later
jon

 

ledebuhr:

I'm sorry that I didn't clarify that. What I meant was that the XT was a heavier, thus a slower machine than the Traxter, which I test drove. And the Traxter didn't seem as fast nor as quick as the SP 500. And you're right about the suspension. It's nowhere near as smooth a ride as the Sportsman.

 

ranpap,
It would be nice if you lived closer to texas so I could make you eat your words. I have only ridden with one TraxterXT. It is a nice bike, but certainly not much better than the Rubicon or AC500. As far as the traxter cornering better, you have to be joking. I would love to race a traxter in the Barrel Race at FWP. I would even be willing to put some money on it.

Greg