First off I am new to the forum.

After much research and shopping I sold our MAX amphibious ATV and bought a 2008 Sportsman 500 HO for my son, and now I am looking for a similiar size Polaris for myself, and in the local used market the 500's seem to command a slight price premium over a comparable 600 or 700 Sportsman.

Are there any major issues with the 600's or 700's I should be aware of?

Thanks

Andy

 

Go with the 700 or 800 if you are looking for more power. The 600, IMO, is to close to the 500 in power. If you don't want the extra power the 500 has been proven to be a bulleproof machine.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

Honestly, I would of been just as happy with a 700. If you plan on running big mud tires,
everyone on this forum suggested I buy bigger than a 500. But I find myself riding more wooded
trail and hardpack. The 500 is a great machine, and my friends has alot of umph and I couldn't
believe the power increase just over my SP450. It was a tremendous increase something I
would not have gotten even with mod'in my SP450 when I had it.

But if you are like me a big guy and do steep hills when you ride it pulls you up without NO
hesitation, its really nice. The 800 offer all the power you will need, but so will the Sp700 if
that is what you are seeking. Hind sight, I would buy the tricked out SP700 and use the
extra money for my aftermarket tires and other accessories, IMO. But I am happy with mine,
hope this perspective helps!

Regards and Merry Christmas!

R'

 

I guess I forgot to mention that the ATV's will be used primarily for hunting and trail riding plus some work around the farm.
The 500 we just bought has plenty of power for our use, I am looking for something that will be dependable on the long haul.

 

500 EFi is a great machine, Ive had mine since May and have 300 plus miles on it, it works hard, Runs great does great sand work and water work, havent had one problem with it yet , IM installing a Winch on it Friday to add a Snow plow this weekend, When we ride we use alot of gas, And the only thing that kept me from getting the 800 is the fact that it eats alot of fuel, And Ive heard lots of complaints about Clunks and rattles in the 800s, Also they have some plastic melting issues other than that its a great machine.

 

I have an 07 700, and am very pleased with it, the only thing it doesn't have is adc, which comes with the newer 800's
overall it's been a great machine

good luck with your decision

 

anything from the 500 and up you will be happy w/ the power in doing what you are w/ it. some of us wanted all we could get w/ the 7 and 800's but in reality the 500 is the best all round bike w/ plenty of power to haul and work and is better on gas and runs a little cooler. just my .02

 

I prefer the 500s because they have a pull starter. I have ownd four Sportsman 500s and HIGHLY recomend them.

 

I had an 05 Sportsman 700 for about a year and a half and it was a really nice bike. It is the only Polaris I have ever owned, but it did everything I ever needed it to do, but as another has said it does not Active Decent Control which I missed. If you like the Polaris 500 I don't know why you would not like the 700 also, that is all my son in law will have.

 

For just hunting, some trail riding, and work around the farm, the 500 will more than enough bike. The 500 EFI has some nice features... like EFI (LOL), ADC (if you need it) and bigger/better tires and a couple other niceties. The 500 HO (like mine) is also excellent. I don't mind the carb, and I find that I can use the throttle/engine braking to help compensate for the lack of ADC.

With that said, the extra "omph" that the 700 or 800 will give you can be a plus in certain situations... especially if you are using it for some heavy duty work around the farm.