You can expect WAY more than 2,000 miles if maintained properly. I know guys that will go on vacation twice a year for a week each time and rack up 500 miles per trip. Yeah thats some serious riding but if you average 20mph it only takes 5 hrs to rack up 100 miles.
So if these machines only lasted for 2,000 miles that would only be 4 vacation trips.Nobody is gonna spent 7 grand on a machine thats only good for 4 or 5 REAL rides.
These machines will last for a long long time if you give 'em alittle TLC.
BTW....welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome Welcome!

You came to the right place Cictowa. I echo the others comments about the 500. Not that I have one but I do have a SP450
and I was about 350lbs and I could basically do everything I do now with my SP800. BUT (theres always a BUT, LOL) I would
recommend something just a little more being a BIG GUY (let me explain), it doesn't have to be a 800, could be a 600 or 700 range, used or new, all preference and what you are willing to spend. I like Stendori's idea of the X2. I really really considered the X2 or 2up but went with my single SP800 since I figured it would mainly be me riding anyway.

Like others said the 500 will do the job as I exp. my 450 does the job. But what my new SP800 can do is far more. I go up the hills without any hesitation, so for me it climbs hills better with my weight now at 386 lbs (last weighed in the Dr.office). My ride is still plush and I hit the hard pack as well as the mud, wood trail etc. etc. I am running all stock. Even if I decide to upgrade the tires and suspension it will even be better, so SKY is the LIMIT. I hope you make your decision soon and get out there and have some good ole FUN as it is Polaris motto "The Way OUT".

Cheers,

R'

 

Ah, thanks guys you made my day by all the responses. I'm going to go to the dealer this week and see whats available in the 600 range. Im mostly gonna be riding through dry woods, maybe an occasional mudhole but Im not buying to go mudding. I just want to pack a lunch and head out to the woods and ride.
If I get the urge to drive through mudholes thats what my dodge truck is for, lol.

I love this forum, I honestly thought I might get a lot of people hating on me for being so big. I get enough of that everytime I see my doctor [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Glad to see you guys dont drink Hatorade!!

Soon as I make a purchase I'll be back to post some pics.

 

In my opinion the 700 X2 would be the perfect quad for you.Good power,lots of storage area,and the X2 has stiffer rear springs.Maybe you could find an 08 leftover as they were only 200 dollars more than the 500.For 2009 they offer the X2 in the 500 and 800.

 

Welcome to the forum. If your price range is around 12k, you could go with a new 850 and buy some highlifter heavy duty springs to beef up the suspension, I think they cost less than $150, but I could be wrong, and you would still have a lot left over for some other goodies. That thing has so much power, it is almost scary. Plus the ride is so soft, and the steering is very easy, even without the power steering. Like ncriderfolks said, just go to a dealer and test ride a few models and get the one that you feel most comfortable on. As long as its a Polaris you'll make the right decision, LOL!!

 

Neighbor up the road weighs 525 if he weighs an ounce. He has owned, a Kawasaki Brute Force 750, a Suzuki King Quad 700, a Polaris 425 magnum and he currently has a new Polaris 800 two seater. They all did fine with his weight even the small Polaris 425 Magnum. He rides the new Polaris 2 seater with his wife on the back and it does fine. Granted his wife probably weighs only 120 pounds soaking wet but the ATV does fine.

 

Welcome to the forum Cictowa. I love Sportsmans of all sizes, shapes, and colors, except the kids quads. I weigh 330 pounds and get along great on a Sportsman 500, but if I weighed much more I would get something bigger like a 700 or 800. Since you're... um... riding for 2, I think an X2 would be a great choice for you. The suspension is made to handle 2 people instead of one, and the longer wheelbase makes it more stable. The comfort of the Sportsman ride is legendary. Once you test ride a Polaris big comfy couch you probably won't want anything else.

 

"I just want to pack a lunch and head out to the woods and ride. "'

Its a good idea to pack a few other things, especially if your new to atv'ing and going by yourself.
cell phone
tow sling
a few tools
spark plugs
tire plugs/ air pump
first aid kit
lighter
knife
spare fuel
dry socks
etc...etc...etc...
I'm sure everybody has something they could add to this list.

 

Hey bud. I'm around 400 right now (trying to lose it as we speak) and my wife is about 150 - 160. We just got a 2008 Sportsman 800 and it goes like we aren't even there. I did add the EPI HD shocks to the rear and I'm telling you, no problems what so ever. The 08's are priced really good right now too. You would NOT be disappointed.

 

milage all depends on the proper maintance or lack there of. a well maintained wheeler(pretty much any brand) will give thousand's of trouble free miles. there will be general parts IE. brakes,bearing,maybe belts(automatics) and other noraml wear items. i think once you get the extra heavy spring taken care of any 500 cc or bigger would due. imo.