Thanks nekkidbik, actually started to think about the '08 SP 500 HO as an alternative also, roughly the same as the SP 450 with the 3.9% financing and winch...funny thing is I really was set on getting the SP 400 till my mechanic buddy clued me in on the sweet used '07 450

 

i know nothing about the the new 400 but I can say that I love my 450 - I vote 450 just plain on the fact its bigger ........but that suits my needs

 

the smaller/lighter size is one of the things that really draw me to the SP 400, but thats just me...

 

i think if youve been used to riding the full size sportsman, then the sp 400 is going to be alot different riding since its narrow and imo its way more tippy in the corners when im riding at a good pace compared to the full size. if i would have to pick to play in the trails i would pick the full size sportsman 450 or 500 everytime because of the handling and more stable in the corner.

 

After putting the SP 450, Sp 500, and Sp 400 through their paces in the last week and the past experience I have with the Hawkeye, I have come to the conclusion that the SP 400 is probably going to be my next quad...actually, with the type of riding I do, another 300 would probably be just fine if the extra power of the 400 wasn't so enticing.
Was out on the trails yesterday with the Hawk for the first time with the 25" Swamplites, along with a couple Sportsmans, ('06 450, and '08 500HO), Honda Rincon, and a Yamaha Grizzly. After a full day and roughly 50 miles of tight trails, (where my Hawk really shinned), steep climbs, and DEEP mud, it has occurred to me that the Hawkeye/SP400 package is everything I need and want in a new quad.