Hey everyone! I'm in the market for a new/used Sportsman. I currently have an 01 500HO that I love and hate. Basically, the previous owners did not take care of it and it needs too much work. I would rather get a newer and bigger one. I have been looking at the 700's and 800's. Almost all of my friends think I'm crazy saying that those are way too big and you don't need that. Well, I loved the power the 500ho had, but still am looking for more. I have been watching some on Ebay and currently have a bid out on an 05 800 twin efi. What are your thoughts? Also, any size or year I should try and avoid?

Thanks in advance!
Jeff

 

iv heard that polaris took some short cuts and made some cheap stuff in 2004 and they had problems not on this site but everyone i know with these atvs they had them and quickly got rid of them and your friends don't whant to to go with a big engine because they will be jelouse haha. i love them and the bigger the better with this. even teh 2 ups are better. the longer frame gives better stability on hils and over rocks. and the bigger engine is just all around great go as new and as big as your wallet will let you and in my case it will prob be a 2002 500 sportsman haha because i have no money besides what i will get for my scrambler when i sell it but i drove tons of sportsmans 700s and 800s. you can't notive to much of a diff between them unless you are in heavy mud or hills. and the efi makes them start alot better. the normal carbed modles wouldn't start and the ones i drove beeded to run the choke for 15 mins. and by older i mean 2006 so not that buch older but it is a big engine to warm up.

 

bump

 

2004.5 or newer. preferrably 2006 or newer. there was alot of updates in the middle of 2004. that is the reason for the 2004.5 model. In 2006 the 700 and 800 had a new clutch which was better than the previous ones and they also had a Team roller secondary clutch put in them. Storage is alot better in the 2005+ models. If your going to get a used 700, shoot for a 2006 or newer, for an 800, I believe a 2005 or newer as they changed the clutches in the 800 earlier.

 

i just have the 06 hawkeye, but i tried the 800 and man is that thing powerful. it is way to much power, but fun to play around with, but i personally would never need that much power, but they are alot of fun.

 

what is to much power i never heard that before jkjk yea it is a lil much to get to the ground but i still say teh bigger teh better haha.

 

It wasn't that long ago the 500 cc machine was the top of the ATV food chain! Seems we have all gone crazy for power that really is not needed unless you are riding 2x all the time or heavy mudding. A 500 will get you through the snow, rocky trail, most water/mud, climb pretty much any hill, and do it with plenty of power.
I guess it comes down to what you think will make you happy, If an 800 cc machine puts a smile on your face and the wallet will cooperate, go for it, just don't tell yourself you NEED that much power!

 

if youy want an 800, at least get a 2006 w/ less heat issues.