Has anyone heard about the new 2002 Sportsman 400. Is it supposed to be good for the price. What is the big differences in that and the 500 H.O. Has anyone heard what the Sportsman 400 is like in low range, does it have a lot of power? What about High range. I live out in the country in Crozier, Va and own 200 acres, and im wondering if i should purchase the 400. Im looking for power, and smooth riding, and something i can put a lot of accesories on, like a plow, and some more things. Yet i dont want to go the extra mile for expense on the H.O. I own a TRX 300 4x4 now, and its not providing the power i need. So is the Sportsman 400 worth it or not? Thanks a lot
Pierce

 

The Sportsman 400, from what I understand is a very capable machine. It has a 425 engine wich is supposed to be bulletproof. Most polaris with a low-range have very good pulling power. High range is more for cruising. THis thing will provide you alot of power for mostly anything, but it does not have EBS. EBS(engine Braking System) is very usefull going down steep grades, espescially if the bike is pulling a trailer. If I were you i'd shed the extra money and get the H.O, but if you don't, that's o.k cause you'll still have all the features one loves to have.

Conclusion, the hole line of sportsman's are made to do exaclty what your looking for, cause they are very versatille atvs.

 

The power of the 400 is fair. Compairing the 500 HO to a 400 it is like a V-8 vs. a V-6. I rode the 400 and it was not enought power for me. The 500 HO has PLENTY of power down low and throughout the power band (it will peg the speedometer at 60 mph). In LOW rnage it would climb a tree if you could hang on. I am impressed and since I purchased mine my brother, dad and neighbor (who had a Honda 300 2X4) have purchased 500 HOs. The independant rear suspension is AWESOME.

If you are buying a new machine , spend the extra money and buy the 500 HO.

 

You can always add EBS to the Sportsman 400. It's only a couple hundred bucks more to add EBS to any automatic Polaris model that doesn't have it already. If you are interested, ask your dealer.

 

Dont rule out the 425 expedition unless you dont like to shift.
With a shifter you can controll your rpm's, and the engine braking is there for you if you want it. Granted the ride wont be the same, although its not bad on the EXP. It is problbly a few hundred less than the sportsman if $$$ is an issue. Good luck

 

I decided to buy the Sportsman 400 today, i just picked it up about 4 hours ago. It has plenty of power, and I had them put a warn A2000 winch on it, along with front and rear 3.5 inch rack extenders, the front bumber, a camo fender cover kit, and snow plow for it. It has got just the power i need. It is a great, and smooth ride, thanks a lot
Pierce

 

Pierce,

Let me know what you think of it after you get some time in the saddle. I am considering the SP400 myself because of the deal I can get on it. I have no need for that much power, so the 400 would be plenty. Plus, at more then a grand less then the 500 (At the dealer here anyway), it is very attractive.

 

Lurch, if you have any questions about it, please PM me, and I will answer any specific ones you might have. It doesn't matter which site you PM me on.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Lurch,

Hey, today i took the 2002 SP400 to the test. I was pulling some old trees that fell in some of my ditches for the upcoming winter. I had two big oak trees, and i cut them into 4 pieces and the SP400 was pulling them out of 6 foot ditches with ease, i wasnt trying to pull it to death, cause im still wearing it in, but it did good, and it is a great cruiser to. I have already put 54 miles on it in just 2 day! But i dont think i will be taking it out that much, but there is going to be a lot of work to be done around my 200 acres, and down by my big creek, but im not worried now that i have the SP400. I think im going to put a K&N power kit into it, not that it needs it at all, but its just something else to fool with, and cobra exhaust. so i will let you now what the 400 will be doing then. But it has plenty of power into it, i dont think you need to go any higher than a 400, the dealers are making to big of eninges for these four wheelers. the sp700 is 700 cc's packed in the same body as the sp400. thats crazy! well good luck, and i suggest gettin the sp400!!
pierce

 

I would not put on a Cobra exhaust. I would go with the Big Gun. It is a much better quality pipe by far. I have a Sportsman 400 and I was looking at the Big Gun. It is a little pricey but the product is top notch.