One more question: Are there any noticeable differences, other than ADC, between the 07 and 08 SP800s?? One of the local dealers has a leftover 07 SP800 Deluxe that he seems to be very anxious to get rid of (me sees good deal[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]), but from my research, it would appear that the 08s have a different heat shield arrangement. Is this true?

I really don't mean to be a pain, guys. I honestly think I just need that extra push. I think I have, or will soon have, my 400EX sold, and want to make my decision, and buy a new machine before my lovely wife realizes I have the extra money and finds something "sensible" to spend it on. HELP!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

you could check out the 07 700 that may give you lower price than the 800

 

Click on my camra and look at the third pic, this will tell you my thoughts.

 

I've been riding Sportsman 500s since 1997 and love them, but it sounds like you need something bigger to keep you happy. The new 800 is an H.O. so it has more power than the old ones. I read somewhere that they have better heat shields now but can't be sure.

 

The new 08 800's are supposed to have an additional 10% horsepower boost in comparison to the 07, and have better heat shielding. ADC is standard as is dual exhaust. Deals on the 08's are unprecedented due to new 09 850's coming out soon, I'm picking up my new 08 this weekend! The 800 is identical to the 500, with a bigger engine, and a HUGE difference in power, more than the King 750 and comparable to the Brute Force 750. I test drove a lot of them and the Polaris was the best bang for the buck, with the most options (better stock tires, wheels, steel skid plates, etc) and the best ride, bar none. Didn't try the King because didn't like it's funny look and rock hard seat. With the deals available now, go for the 800 and have no regrets!

 

If you have a bad back and like full floor boards, the King Quad might not be your ticket.....they have a more sporty ride and are lighter so they will punish you more if you are on the seat ...... the Polaris is probably the better choice for you....they are reliable, tough and ride softer and smooth.......... and I'm a Suzuki guy so there you go....

 

I can say that the Polaris is a great riding quad. Not as tossable as something lighter but definetly a plush ride. I have a herniated disc also and can ride the X2 around almost all day without too much pain. There isn't much else I can do with little or no pain. That's how good the ride is.

 

I have bone spurs on every single vertabrae in my back and neck. I also have some compressed, torn, and herniated discs, severe osteoarthritis, osteoporosis like a little old lady, and God only knows what else wrong with my back and neck and other body parts. I ride my Sportsman several hours at a time, sometimes all day, stopping only for lunch and bathroom breaks. I honestly don't think I could ride any other ATV all day. I don't want to try it and end up bed-ridden for a few days either. NOTHING RIDES LIKE A POLRIS.

P.S. Are you convinced yet? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I think the 500 has to be Polaris's best motor, you get decent power and whatever it lacks the gearing will make up, you get excellent fuel mileage, I average over 25mpg and the 4wd system is second to none. I have a magnum with a solid rear axle which in no way compares to the plushness of the IRS system of the sportsman--and have had 2 lower back and 1 neck operation with disc's removed and plated and with my rear shock on medium setting and good after market gas struts up front have no problem doing 100-150 miles a day playing rough with the boys out in the boonies-it rides that good. I cant say enough GOOD things about my Polaris compared to my other machines. Thats just my opinion though.