After purchasing several acres of land to build a new home on I was in the same quandry as every other new ATV buyer wanting the most bang for the buck when making my first purchase. I was trying to decide between the '01 Sportsman HO and the Honda Rubicon for my first ATV purchase. Both had pro's and con's and it was a tight race. I wanted this ATV to help me work around the property (not for sport riding) and wanted a workhorse. I have about 75 acres in timber and 5 in grass. Some rolling hillsides, but also a number of very steep hills that had to be included in my decision making.

After a lot of research, I made my choice - neither. I ran across a 2000 Sportsman 500 with only 53 hours (271 miles) of use, with a winch, bumpers, rack extenders,... for $5000. It was in great shape and was traded for a new HO, so I bought it.

After riding it for a day, I have the following observations, it has plenty of power, has no trouble with the terrain I have, the 4WD is awesome (reminds me of my Jeep with Detroit Lockers F&R) and the ride is better than I ever could have imagined. HOWEVER, with my 6'6" 290lb. body, the winch, and a small toolbox on the front rack, it steers like a piano.

My question is: what can I do to improve the steering? Tires, modifications,... any suggestions would be appreciated.

LAB

 

I run high air pressure in my front tires. That makes a big difference. I've also heard that different tires can help.

You definately got the most "bang for the buck", unfortunately, Polaris'(all of them) are notorious for heavy steering. It's one of the things you give up to get the other good things about Polaris.

Congrats on the new toy.

Dave

 

Check the air pressure in the tires,I bet you they are low even thought hey may not look like it.With the tires under 5 psi the machine will steer just like you say yours is doing.Cheap fix....hope it works for ya.

 

Indydave,

I have to disagree with you on your statement that "all Polaris'" steer heavy. My '01 Sp500ho with 26" Mudrunners (fronts are wider than stock) are no trouble to steer. Even my 100 lb wife with severe arthritis in her hands can handle this machine. No dry pavement here, it's all country driving with snow covered logging roads and trails.
What louieb needs to do, is replace the lower bushing with an aftermarket unit. It's now or later.
Thanks.

weetoots

 

.....or........you could trade it in on a Rubicon.

 

WEETOOTS,

I was making a statement based on comparison. I don't have any trouble, but if you ride a Kodiak, or even a Grizz, you'll have to admit that Polaris could do better.

Dave

 

P.J.,

You're trying to talk that guy into trading you you'r Ruby for his Sportsman, aint ya ? Go ahead. Admit it. We won't tell the Honda guys.

 

Naw.....just funnin' Actually, I own a Sportsman and a Rubicon (as everyone should) and like them both. Don't know which one I would sell if I could only own one!

 

My wife after selling her "00" Magnum 500 and getting her "01" Sportsman HO. "Does this thing have power steering?" The best thing besides the added power is the steering improvment. There are some people on this forum that can lead you to extentions that you can mount on your steering arms to help it steer easier. Having a brain fart right now as cant rember who. Just make a post and I am sure you will get many replys.

 

One added thought: I agree on the added air pressure. With the winch and front blade I carry 8lbs. in my front tires.