Does the Sportsman Touring ride softer or stiffer over trail bumps with one rider.

I was thinking the Touring would ride stiffer since the suspension was built to carry an extra passenger.

Any other ride and handling differences between the machines?

What's the truth?

Thanks.

 

Can't answer specifically for your comparison but here are my observations on my two below

Both Are deluxe. 800 even with Rear suspension at max, rides softer imo, than the 500 X2 with suspension at weak setting.

I think a lot of this is due more to the Tires, 500 X2 comes with Carlisle 489's and 800 comes with PXT radials. The radials are definitely softer sidewall

I do also notice the 500 seems springier, although when I put my son and I on the quad. The 500 definitely feels closer to the 800 ride.

hope that helps.

 

THe 800 and 800 T have the same front springs and the front rides the same but the rear 800 are 100# and the T are 120# so the rear rides stiffer with 1 and softer with 2.

 

Yeah, what JMR866 said. If you're thinking of a two up, consider how often you ride with two people. If it is rare, then stick with the single. I don't mind the ride of my 700x2 when riding single, but there is a marked difference between it and my 800. Nevertheless, riding with a passenger is so much more comfortable and smoother on the x2 than the 800. I guess that's partly why I bought both! LOL! Easier decision to make!!!!!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: firehog

...... I don't mind the ride of my 700x2 when riding single, but there is a marked difference between it and my 800. ................</end quote></div>



Thanks. Could you please elaborate on what the difference is?

 

The rear of the X2 and Touring is a little stiffer than a regular Sportsman, but still is softer than most other brand atvs. THe X2 and Touring work very well with 1 or 2 riders!

 

I would think the X2 would be stiffer than the Touring due to larger rear payload (300#?) box.

Also they both have the "Rolled" rear IRS which moves up and back instead of just up like the standard sp.

Jim

 

Plus the Touring should be more comfortable due to a longer wheelbase. Just like the difference between a regular pickup truck and a X-cab pickup. Also between a single bicycle and tandem bicycle. I've ridden all these and the longer vehicles have always been more comfortable.

 

Back to this question. I currently am a Rincon owner who loves my atv but becasue of a bad back am looking for a much softer riding atv. My 2 choices are the sportsman 800 & 800 Touring. Which one will give me the softest most comfortable ride? I have friends who have the 800 and tink the Touring will even be softe with one person one becasue of the longer wheel base. I love the new XP but because of the current economical situation have to go with a 07-08 used. Thanks

 

I thought polaris only makes two types of springs, there "regular" springs and there HD(Heavy Duty) Springs. I thought all the big Bores come stock with HD springs, I don't think the Touring has a third type of EXTRA HD spring.

If one rides stiffer than the other its more likely because one is set at a different preload setting than the other.

I added the HD springs and on the stiffest setting with no heavy load its extremely rough to ride,I leave it on the softest setting for general riding.