Dirtwheels just did test of sportsman 500h.o and grizzley 600. It seems everytime dirtwheels does test on sportsman 500 they always have a mechanical/electrical type problem. Being someone who is planning to buy a h.o. this spring, it is getting discourageing reading with all the problems. Does everyone who has a h.o have these similar problems. Any info would be greatful before I take the plunge.

 

Mine only has 200 miles on it, but so far I have had the radiator fan go out. Didn't quit working, just got noisey. They replaced it under warranty.

The way I feel about mine is this: If I have trouble with it, it will have to be ALOT of trouble for me not to get another one. I'll be on a Sportsman until they make something to outperform it. It's kinda like the old "I'd rather PUSH a Ford than drive a Chevy " thing.

Dave

 

If you've been reading the shootouts in the last year, you will have seen that all the manufacturers have had problems. They burned up the clutch on the 400EX, they bent an axle on the Raptor, ect. It's just dumb luck, and I don't think they've had any more problems with the Polaris than any other machine.

 

...like they say "**** HAPPENS".....it's just whether it's your day or not.....

 

You also have to consider what the Magazines put these machines through. They put them through much more then most people would.
I remember the 500 Auto Shootout they did a few months ago. They actually did a test to see what one of the big heavy utility machines jumped better.

 

I would not believe much of what the magazines say, writers automatically write there own opinion into what they write, it is how they precieve that facts(and we all know they don't like polaris). I was watching Atv a couple weeks ago and they were riding with the dirt wheels guys testing new atvs, and they road around like a bunch of old ladies(they sat on the seat most of the ride). Then when photo time came, they would drive one tire up on a rock and the guy would sit there and lean all sideways and and act like he was getten crazy. Then they would take a bunch of photos as he did different poses, needless to say I was not impressed. I to heard all the reliability issues and was unsure of buying one. But only polaris sold a fast sporty looking 4x4 and thats what I wanted. I am glad I did though, polaris atvs offer more then a crash course in quad matainance and repair. They are like comparing a chevy to a toyota, sure you will have to repace some parts down the line, but the all around ride quality, performance, ease of use and all around fun-factor make it worth it. I don't mind spending some quality time with the sc500 in the garage.

 

WOW,
That was an inteligent quote!
I'de rather PUSH a ford than drive a Chevy.
You must be a Ford lover.

I think most people would rather drive anything than push, or am I missing something. Duhhh!!

 

Sweetcorn is right. If you don't mind spending time working on a quad, Polaris is a good choice. I'm not bashing Polaris but, it's a fact that Polaris's will require more maintenance and repair than most other quads. I guess that’s the price you'll have to pay for the best ride.

 

The HO may require more minor maintenance, but in most categories it will out-perform other similar machines.. Ride-em hard polcat

 

It always costs more to fly first class !!!!!
I took a lot of oral trash when I was younger because I drove a brutally quick Plymouth. It wasn't a 67-69 Camaro, so it couldn't be that fast... It took a bit more work and smarts to make that 440 GTX run hard, but the extra effort was worth every drop of sweat when it blasted past the competition.
Hondas are like 69 Camaros, yes, there are some fast ones out there, but simply because it's a Honda doesn't make it a rocket...
My biggest question is: Why didn't honda improve on the 250R? The 400ex doesn't handle better, isn't faster, etc. Why didn't Honda learn from all of the racers running 250R's? At least Yamaha did with the Raptor.