I haven't been able to try a Polaris yet but am leaning towards a 2001 Sportsman. As I read it, the rear wheels need to slip before the fronts will engage. Do you feel that as a lag or a jerk when fronts engage? Do they pop in and out? I plan on trying one out next week but I'm still confused about how that true 4 wheel drive works but is not really working unless the back wheels are spinning... Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

I owned a '98 Sportsman500. I rode it for about 2 years and had it in every situation you could imagine. I never noticed when the AWD(all wheel drive) was switching in or out. It was seemless if you ask me. I know that there was several situations that my SP500 would go through when conventional 4wd quads would get stuck. Of course, there are a lot of variables to look at. Tires, ground clearance and so on...

I have since sold my Polaris and bought a Honda. This does not have anything to do with the Polaris or Honda 4wd systems. I have ridden about every kind of quad out there except the Artic Cat and Traxter. I like the Polaris 4wd better than anyone that I have tried.

Exmxer
2001 Rancher4x4ES
2001 Suzuki LT80

 

It works flawlessly. You will never be able to tell. Do some reading. This topic has been discussed probably more than any other.

Dave

 

Ex answered your Q 100%.

 

Nope,the Polaris 4x4 system is smooth. And it is much funner. It gives you the ability to go 2wd in the snow and shallow mud, then when you need it ....Go to 4x4. ride'em hard Polcat

 

Ok I have a Sportsman 400 95' (2 stroke model then) and I have never felt a jerk or the such when going into AWD, I say AWD because there is a shifter that lets you switch to full 4WDL or 4WDH. One interesting side note is that a few weeks ago I was riding, and on a fast full throttle start my chain must have streched to the limits and I broke it. I ALMOST started pushing then I thought "hey this 4 wheel drive right" so I hit the AWD button and volia', right off she went. I must have rode 2 miles just on the Fronts. And I imagine that if there would to be some sort of delay I would have felt it then with throttle on/off changes?

 

If you get stuck while in 2wd, then hit the 4wd seitch, you may feel a slight slip of the rear wheels before the front grab. If you flip the switch before you hit the mud like you are supposed to, you will never feel the rear spin before the front grabs.

 

Thanks for the feedback....