mtpockets- Is an xplorer that much smaller than a sportsman(I've never been on one so I don't know but according to polaris most dimensions are only 1/2 inch different)? I know it's an @ss load lighter but a foot shorter, are you sure you are not exagerating just a little or is it really that much smaller? I've been thinking about getting an xplorer but when i rode my friends sportsman and that thing is so tall and so wide(even w/ stock tires) I just keep thinking i'm not gonna like that big of a quad for my riding style.

 

psychorider,
Xplorer 4X4-73" in length
sportsman -81" in length
difference- 8"

 

Mtpockets- Oh you mean the xplorer 4x4 as in the 250cc version, well you are right it is 73inches long. but I think the xplorer man4922 was looking at was probably the 400cc version since he was decideing between it and a magnum 500. I don't know for sure(can't read minds) but that is what I am guessing. A xplorer 400 is 81 inches long just like the sportsman but weighs 588 pounds as opposed to the sportsman 500 which weighs 697 pounds, so I would think it would be easier to steer than a sportsman(never tried though so i can't swear to it).

 

The explorer 4x4 is only shorter because it doesn't have the composite racks. The wheelbase is actually very close to the same in all three. Have her test drive a 2001 Sportsman 500 HO. My dad couldn't drive my '99 Sportsman cuz it steered too heavy (arthritis) but handles the HO with no problem.

 

I also have 99 SP500 and my wife has a problem to steer it. I bought Magnum 325 4x4 for her and she is very happy with it. Steering is not an issue anymore.