Hi all I currently own a 1991 350 Honda. I am needing to update soon. I primarily use my quad for hunting right now, but plan on riding more often. I am wondering about Polaris ATV's. I know those who have them love them, those who don't bash the hell out of them. This will probably be with me for at least 5 years. I have always had a honda atv's (ATC). I am seriously looking at a Rubicon CTE and the King Quad 450. I want to know how those of you with Polaris's like them. I hear of reliability issues with them. The mass weight of the concerns me as well. Make me want one.

 

I love mine. Over 1000 trouble free km's as of Nov 8th. Only drowned once, my fault, changed the fluids and off to the races again .. the machine hasn't been babied either.

The ride is incredible, and you can really only feel the weight of the machine when you're in loose stuff (sand etc.), or when you're trying to lift it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

-
I have 5,000 miles on two Sp500s, and they work fine. I imagine that a good test is to abuse a machine and love the one(s) that survive. You know what I'm talking about--so many of these guys that run mud, heavy rock, drag race, see if they can work like boats, etc. Now this type of riding (?) is okay for many people, but it's not the best way to make an ATV last forever. I personally don't drive that hard at all.

I imagine that if one were not going to ride to extreme, then probably any brand would last for five years. If that fits you, then price, comfort, and availability are probably the most important things. In this case, any brand would work that fits your parameters.

GJRonK

 

GJ makes alot of sense in what hes saying. however im one of those people who like to put the bikes thru their paces and enjoy it. it beats doing it w/ my $30,000 gmc. but the thing is no matter what brand it is mantaince is the number one key to long life w/ any bike. but there again if you abuse the machine long enough everything will break. as far as trying to make a beleaver out of you or try to sway you to any other brand its totally up to you wheather to make the change. my best friend really likes my 800 but he still went out and bought a kaw bf750 and likes it alot. so differnt appeals to differnt people.

 

I'm on my third Sportsman and have had very few problems with reliability. Only put about 1,000 miles on first two machines. Replaced ball joints on 99, and had suspension bolt break on the 04. That's it. Still rode the 04 back to truck. Ride alot in Chadwick, MO which can put machines through their paces. Weight has never really been an issue, don't feel it and ride as mentioned is great. Buddies are typically more weary than I am after a long ride on other machines. I will buy another sportsman if/when I buy again. Don't think you would regret purchasing a Sportsman IMO.

 

Thanks guys I am going to give this some seriuos thought. I really like the new Sagebrush limited edition model. They are quite popular with the hunters here in BC and i hope to get a new quad late this spring.

 

Buy the Rubicon CTE!!! It will be way more reliable!!!!! HAD A polaris 2006 500EFI!! (problems)!!!!