from what it sounds like you'd be doing, the 500 is plenty. like everyone said, if you're going to be doing alot of muddin or very fast riding you might want to consider the 800.

 

I've found that Ebay has the BEST prices for WARN winches. For the Sportsman I would suggest the 2500#....or the 3,000# if you can swing the extra dough.

BTW, welcome to the Forum! Great place, Great group here![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I agree with everyone here....good advice. I have an 800 only because I like the power that I am used to in sport quads. However, I always recommend people, especially first time atv'ers, to look hard at the 400 or 500 class. They will do everything you want them to and go farther on a tank of gas. I like the advice of looking at the x2....I have one as well and it is a nice ride, lots of room, and cargo space. In fact, after clutching it it will run with the 800, pulls the front end right up! I also like the comment about keeping up with their friends who have big bores....it is a drag to be the slower bike, but then again, I'm sure there are riders out there that can kick my butt with a 500! I would go with a 500, maybe the x2...

As for aftermarket parts, ask the dealer for a 20% discount with the purchase of the bike. Mine always gives me 60 days to buy parts with a 20% discount. The polaris lock and ride system is really pretty cool. The winch would definitely be cheaper aftermarket.

 

I would highly recommend the 500EFI X2 or the 700EFI X2. They are great for carrying lots of gear and/or a passenger. When I have a passenger I use a front structured soft side bag that can carry extra clothing and a cooler. Usually, everything goes in the back box. It's very handy, especially if you cut your own firewood out in the woods. I haven't found I needed any more power than I have. If it's slow going I use Lo and it has no problems, even with my 350 lbs. and a passenger.

 

my use is the same type you are doing and my 450 is awesome. I have never ridden the 800 but the 450 has plenty of power for me. besides, I would prob kill myself if i had the 800 LOL

 

Look into the 700 X2. I started with a 500 single seat, and now ride the 800 single seat, and if I had to do it again I would get the 700. Because I like the twin engine, with the extra boost in power it would have over the 500, but better fuel mileage than the 800. And the second seat would come in handy, but the extra space of the rear bed would be great.

Good luck!

 

I have two Full size sportsman 450 same year as Brutus (2006) and my wife and I do the same as you listed........Plus water crossing on trail and some mud rough spots on trail......................The 500 should be lots for what you want.......Down the road you may want more(not me) ....But to get the full size Sportsman now you need to go with the 500 or a leftover 2007 Sportsman 450!!...........We also snowmobile in the past and stopping at the pumps with the ATV's is alot better than with the sleds!!!........Good luck and remember shopping is just as much fun as the ride itself!!!.......O.K. I'm wrong!!!...LOL...LOL...

...............Caper.........Good luck and Welcome..Let us know what you choose!!..

 

I have had both. They 500 will do just about anything and is a great machine. The 800 is a lot harder on gas. But if you like to go fast ocassionally, the 800 is a blast. You hit it and it goes...now. Very fun. The 500 may be a better first quad. I don't think you will be disappointed with either.

 

Well I'm going to the Polaris dealership today to have a look at the 500 EFI and now the 700 EFI X2. I will give an update once I have made my decisions. THanks to everybody for their input and feedback. I have found it to be very useful especially because I am a first time buyer.

 

Never had a 800, but had a Sportsman 500 & loved it. I spent many years riding dirt bikes. One day I sat on a friends sportsman. Soon after I sold the bike and bought a Sportsman. Two yrs. later I found myself wanting a better forest service road performance. Decided on buying a Scrambler 500, same great engine! Better power to weight ratio, solid rear axle for corners, & 4X4 too! Lets not forget about givin props to the Scrammy's out there. I took a trip to the Dunes in Moses Lk., Wa. recently. The Sportsman would have stunk out there. The Scrambler shined! Take a good look at what your are going to do. The TAX collector sends me Happy Holiday cards for my lack of fore thought. Either way, If its your first quad then the 500 is a great platform to start with. It has a engine/transmission package that is simple, reliable & easy to control. Those 800's are a big HEAVY animal to control.