Hi Folks,
I see that the 650 vs 660 vs 700 threads have became a bit dated. I was wondering how riders experiences have been with these three machines. I am looking at buying one of them, leaning toward the 700 or the 650 at this time have ridden all three but no long term experience so was wondering pro/cons that you have had. My riding will be pulling trailers, riding trails, with some decent swamps around here.
Thanks[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

If your going to play in the deep stuff definetly look at at machines with IRS. If your looking at a lot of steep down hill look at machines with true 4 Wheel EBS not 2. I am very happy with my choice.

Jeff

 

I have a 650 Prairie and I love it. The 700 says it pulls more. I love the rear brakes on mine. I think it can stop any thing you pull with an atv. If you plan on just going stock the 700 has the best tires and already has a winch mount. If you plan on racing I think the 650 is the faster of the 2. The 700 has a more plush ride but the 650 is next to best, I have no complant. Each bike has its own features. I like the ground clearence on the 700, but I like how I have a locking diff. so I can have light steering and have 3wd. As for the 660 I dont have faith in a yamaha. I hope this input helps.

 

upnort, I've had my 700 for 7 days now and so far I am very happy with it. I only have 8.2 hours on it and the break-in procedure suggest that you take it easy until it has 10 hours, (no heavy hauling , run at variable speeds etc.). I can tell you what I know so far, and get back to you after break-in... hope this helps you. The fit and finish is good. The metalic black really shines, but it scratches real easy. The engine starts easy every time . It's quite, but the thump, pause,thump, tone stands out and sounds really "tough"! I haven't ran it flat out yet, but I punched it while running 35mph and it jumped up to 55mph in a heartbeat, I let off the gas a long time before it peaked. The ebs will throw you forward if your not used to it, and the torque will throw you off the back as well! I am looking forward to pulling my trailer w/ welder (bobcat) and cutting torch, Im sure it will have no problem. I don't know anything about the other atvs you asked about, but I would suggest this one to everyone.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I bought a new 99 500cc Sportsman,and now own a 00 Xplorer 400cc 4x4.I have NUMEROUS problems with BOTH Polaris ATVs.Because of these continued problems,I wont have the interest to buy any Polaris ATVs for a long time now.Thank God I had the extended warrenty on BOTH these ATVs!I have no desire for ANY quad that weighs 740lbs dry,so there is no use in testing out the new 700 twin either.But it sure is a fine looking ATV!

I do have some time on my friend Jeff's new Grizz.Except for the 20mph rev limiter in the locked 4x4 mode and the stock tires,I like EVRYTHING about this ATV.Its light[600lbs],very nimble,steers like someone added a power steering unit to it,and has every option on it I like except for fuel injection.The ride is as good as,perhaps even better than my 99 Sportsman?This ATV is also very powerful.

Best of luck on your new choice,

Bill

 

We sell both the 700 SP and the Griz. The 700SP is the faster of these to bikes. Off the line clear to the end of the top end. It doesn't blow it away but it does get it off the line and pulls slightly on it the whole time.

The Polaris is a heavy bike. It feels heavy when riding and even heavier if you had to push it, for sure. Because of the weight and the lenght of it though it has a more stable feel at higher speeds than the Griz. It can feel kind of squrrely at higher speeds because it has a shorter wheel base. This also makes the Griz a little better at the more technical trails. Slightly easier to manuver threw tight turns and logs and such. As for the for wheel drive systems,sure the Griz has a locking differential. The Polaris may seem a little easier to use because it consist of just a button.

For the things you said you would be using it it for, my suggestion would be the Polaris. I like Polaris. However, it is a good investment to have a winch on either one. Have you ever tried moving a 600+lb object in two feet of mud? My guess is that 740lbs wouldn't feel that much heavier in this circumstance.

 

Actually that 140 pounds makes a heck of a difference in ones ability to move the machine if it's down deep in the ruts. An average untrained burly adult guy can probably lift 350 pounds[and possibly crush some parts in their backs in desperate conditions.] When wet and riding in mud to just move one end around in the mud will require 395lbs to lift it versus 350 or less for most every other utility on the market. Seriously tow trucks aren't gonna come pull this thing out, and it'd even take a fairly sizable helicopter to make the thing budge.

Another issue is in the event of a boo-boo and your stuck under it it's be nice to A. not be crushed from the bike B. be able to simply kick it off(been there and done that, without incident/injury with my 'featherweight' rancher at 550lbs) . Last I checked at the gym a hair over 600 against gravity weight(not springs) is about all I care to push with my legs[for the instance of having to push the quad off.]

 

Elrancho,
I certainly agree with your last post on the weight issue.One of the reasons for getting rid of my 99 500cc Sportsman was WEIGHT.It had become an issue in a few tight/technicle spots and in the deeper rutts.And im not a weak guy either.Im 44yrs old,and bench press 290lbs.

Some guys say that you cant move a 600lb machine any easier than a 740lb machine,so weight should not matter?That would be true in certain circumstances,however,in most cases,the added weight of 140 lbs is easily felt.

I lost 109 lbs of weight when I switched from the Sportsman[697lbs] to the Xplorer[588lbs],and beleive me,you feel the 109lbs ATV.


Bill

 

Beings that the 700 is much heavier BUT still faster then the other two that means that it MUST have more power.

The Polaris 700 is a tank and should be able to go throught anything a tank can. If it gets stuck...you better have a few good friends or a winch to pull you out.

 

This full size weight issue has to make a person laugh out loud.
People on here telling stories how there Polaris's 542 pounds (Scrambler 500 4X4 weight) had to be pulled out by a full size truck, (Never seen that yet) while they are telling you to buy the 600 pluss pound machines.
Guess what folks, stuck is stuck and when the mud is pulling back, 542 and 740 are the same thing. You are going to need help. And usually in the rideing I've done, that help comes in the form of a Polaris, BECAUSE they are heavy enough to pull you out. A full size tractor tow truck is big and heavy for a reason, it has to be.
4 years ago it was the same story with the Sportsman weight compared to the inports, as they get closer to that weight all of a sudden its ok, as long as its not Polaris weight. HA HA HA
Just makes a person laugh.

As for those three machines, Im leaning toward the 650 Kow right now, and will most likely be buying one in the spring. The Kow seams to be well built, durable, powerfull, and so far has shown no goofy quirks like motors stalling from splashing water, or bent parts from trail rideing. Oh yah, and of course I realize it weighs 60 pounds more than a 500 Scrambler, guess i'll just have to take my chances with that. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA