Hi,

I've been thinking about buying an ATV for quite awhile. Most of my experience has been riding a rancher friends 400 Kodiaks either hunting or chasing Angus though the mountains.

A couple weeks ago all 4 my friends Kodiaks had issues and the ranch hand needed the old Big Bear. So the rancher bought a new 500 Sportsman, then my son and I rented a 500 Sportsman and a 500 Sportsman X2 to use hunting.

I was amazed at how much smoother the Polaris rode and how well they handled the mountains. I always felt cramped on the Kodiaks; the Sportsman was fun to ride.

When I got back to Minnesota I started looking for an ATV. Friday I purchased a new 800 Sportsman Touring.

Jeff


Picture Touring front

Picture Touring rear

Picture Montana ride

 

hi Jeff that's sharp looking machine, you will like it a lot over the a there bikes. they always say polaris is the Cadillac of the bunch. take car of it and it will last a long time, in joy your new ride. nice pitchers

sportsman rocks

 

Nice ride. I think it has a slightly softer rear suspension as the X2. I'm sure you will enjoy it. I have a bad back and the Polaris rides so well that it isn't as much of an issue riding as it would be with something that rode more harshly. Those mountains make our New England mountains look like molehills. I saw the Rockies in 2004 on a long road trip. It was snowing on Aug. 27th when we crossed the Black Hills and drove to Yellowstone.

 

I've been debating whether to get a touring or x2. One thing the dealer can't answer is whether the seat is removable on the touring since the website doesn't specify. Is the seat a snap in/off like the CanAm bikes with a storage insert or is it bolted?

 

TalonX, from what I've read and heard the back seat is permanent. It is meant to be a more comfortable seat for the passenger than the X2 is.

 

I can't find any info on it that said conclusively that that was the case, neither could the dealer. I'd hate to miss out on that awesome seat if it IS removable...

 

AHT_SIX! Help out TalonX and the rest of us here! Remove our suspense. Is the seat removable? We gots to know... (Sorry about that. Fan of the first Dirty Harry movie)

 

The seat and back rest come off as one piece. There is a release at the rear of the seat, you pull on a web loop and the whole assembly comes right off.

The only problem is you are left with a large uncovered opening right behind the drivers' seat. My dealer assures me that there will be filler piece available in early '08.

I'll post a couple pictures this evening.

 

Here are some pictures of the passenger seat, release and latch.

seat release

seat removed

seat half of latch

latch post

 

Wow, that is cool! Thanks for sharing the info and pics. I am sure you will enjoy it!

R'