I'm thinking about swapping 2 old ATVs for one new one and have been looking at the TrailBoss 325. Right now I've got a 85 Honda 350X ATC (mine) and a 86 Honda 200TRX ATV (wife's). My wife doesn't ride hard at all and I know this would be an excellent bike for her. I usually ride dirt bikes but occasionally get on my ATC so I wanted something that would be fun for me while still easy for my wife. I rode a TrailBoss once and thought it had a good right with a fairly strong engine but the tranny and brakes were my real gripes. I think I could live with it though if I were certain that this belt driven power train is tough enough for the long haul. I don't know anything about this Polaris setup and I'm used to Honda's reliability. Obviously, when I buy something I usually keep it for at least 10 years so I'd like a few comments from those of you who are more familiar with Polaris and have ridden their products hard and possibly abused them somewhat. Also, I've got a dealer quote for a 2001 TrailBoss 325 for $4000 total/out the door which will include all prep fees and taxes. How's that sound? Thanks for the information and help.

MaxAZ

 

MaxAZ

I bought my wife a 2000 trail boss in April. It has been a fairly reliable machine expect for a few minor problems that have all been corrected on the 2001 models. I paid approximately $3,600 for mine out the door so $4,000 is a little high. I know Polaris raised the prices a little, but I would see if he could come down a little. If you plan on riding the machine much, I would seriously consider stepping up to a Scrambler 500 2wd. You will get bored with the lack of power on the trail boss and wish you had got the bigger machine. I have my own ride and my wife does not need any extra power or speed, so the trail boss is perfect for her. Some reason though, the handle bars on her trail boss are bent and the front bumper has a big dent in it. Oopps, that was my fault

 

I have a trail boss 325 2000 it is a good machine. true it is a little under powered but it does push snow very well. for the wife is good for you kick it up a notch

by the way what problems did you have with your trail boss.


y2k trailboss325
cycle country plow

 

I know the MSRP was raised by Polaris $300 from the 2000 models to the 2001s. How many changes did they make between these two model years? Anything more than cosmetic?
Max

 

offroader

I didn't have many problems with the trail boss that weren't caused by my wife or me. The following problems were not rider induced:

1. The rear brake pads wore out extremely fast. I replaced them with sintered metal pads. Polaris was using too soft of a pad and has had to upgrade to "harder" pads. This was also partially rider induced as my wife has a habit of riding with the parking brake on.

2. The lower steering stem bushing is completely shot. For some reason unknown to me, Polaris thought that you could use a plastic part in the steering. I will be replacing this in the spring with an aftermarket bushing. Polaris has upgraded this on the 2001 models to a bearing type bushing.

3. The 2000 stock oil lines were junk. I never had any problem with them, but I had them replaced with the new style on Polaris's dollar when the new style was introduced. The new style is standard on the 2001 models.

The rest of the problems have been rider induced:

1. Broken brake handle - Cause - Wife flipping the atv and breaking the brake handle on the way over.

2. The master link on the chain had to be replaced after my wife ran over a big rock and it damaged the link. Changed it myself for $6.

3. Bent handle bars. - Result of wifes one roll and my two. Not any fault of the machines, just rider errors.

Overall it has been a tough little machine that we really like.

 

Max

These are the changes that I know of for the 2001 models:

1. The lower steering stem bushing was upgraded from a plastic bushing to a bearing type bushing.

2. The brake pads were upgraded to a better quality pad. The brake lines were also fitted with a steel braiding. This is supposed to improve the braking by not allowing the brake lines to expand as much under pressure, thus requiring less braking effort. The brake resevoir was also upgraded to a new style.

3. The old style oil lines were replaced with a better style. The lines coming from the engine to the oil cooler now use a hydrolic type fitting instead of clamps.

This is all that I know of. There may be more though.

 

I like my T.Boss very much. It has given me no problems except the heat sensor on oil cooler went bad causing fan to run. There are some dealers selling them for $3200 around here. I would shop around a little. You might also want to look at Trail Blazer. Slightly faster and lighter steering plus $300 cheaper. It also has the added benefit of being easier to hop up if desired. I find my Boss more comfortable but that is personal preference. If you need any info on either feel free to ask. I have the Boss and my brother has the Blazer.

Oh, by the way. As far as the automatic is concerned, it is very easy to get used to. It is so nice to always be in the right gear, especially in those situations where you suddenly need more speed for spinning the tires in mud or climbing a hill. The brakes on the Trail Boss or Blazer are very good and it is easy to get used to using only one brake instead of 2.

 

HOW COULD YOU GET RID OF A TRX 200??...SHAME ON YOU....LOL, ohh well have fun with your new one!!

 

Max I dont know what the market for the trailboss is there but around here you can get a Trailboss for $3200.00 out the door.

 

ATV_MAN, this may all fall apart because I'm not sure my wife even wants me to trade out her bike. I bought it from my neighbor who used it to pull his race car at the track (S/C Corvette). He got rid of the car and then sold me the TRX but is now back at it again with a A/A Firebird and strongly hinting that he'd like to buy back the TRX from me. I think bikes are more expensive here and I paid extra when I got it from him knowing it's history. Anyhow, I gave $2000 and stand to get it all back after 2 years so I won't be hurting. That's about $400-$500 more than market, but like I was saying, if you know the bikes history it's worth it. I checked going rates for my 85 350X here in the Phoenix cycle trader and found 1 listed at $1700, 1 at $1750 and 4 more at $1800. We must be nuts and that's why $4000 for the TrailBoss sounds reasonable. I'm still going to look a little more though.
Max