Im selling the good old cat next month and I think I want a 700Twin. Im alittle worried that they didnt put a back up recoil starter on it. Has anyone had a problem with them not starting. I have never used the recoil on my cat. I just choke it and it starts everytime with no problems.
My second ?. How dependable are the Polaris's, I know a few yrs back I had a few freinds that had SP500's and they kept good care of them, but they also had a ton of problems with them. But at the same time I knew people that havent had a lick of a problem with 1000's, and 1000's of miles on them. I have always kept good care of my toys and when it comes to maintance I always do it with anything that I have.
Third ?. I know they is a big differance in power when you compare my 500Cat to the 500HO. I want a ATV with alot of power, locking front end, and a good ride thats why Im looking at getting a Polaris. I often wonder if the 700 is over kill, will the 500HO go everywhere that the 700Twin will. Money is not a problem for me and its only 400bucks more to go with the 700Twin what do you guys think about it.
Thanks

 

I'll reply in the reliability department concerning MY two Polaris ATVs.I had a brand new 99 Sportsman and a new 00 Xplorer.Though I loved and bragged about both of them,they were BOTH VERY poor when it came to dependability.ALLWAYS in the shop for something.I'll stop at that because some veiwers get pissed at me for telling the truth about my purchases.I still have my 00 Xplorer and cant wait to get rid of it.Will I be buying a Polaris anytime soon?NO WAY!

Bill

 

Keep em coming Bill, I like to read all the responses to your threads. You also remind me why I haven't made the trip to the other side.

 

Bill,

I am not going to say a word concerning your problems with Polaris. I promise.

I know people out there are always ragging on Polaris reliability. I agree that they have had their share of problem areas. Remember I've owned one for about 4 years now. Alot of those problems they were having I fixed on my own with my own designed stuff. In the last year Polaris has fixed the majority of the problems them selves. They are just as reliable now as any other brand. One more interesting comment for all you guys, My shop works on 10 Yamaha's for every one Polaris. Polaris is not where the majority of my work comes from, its Yamaha. I am not saying that Yamaha's are junk but I am sure glad we get all the work that they bring in. About 1/3 of the Yamaha jobs are engine rebuilds on machines that are less than 5 years old. I think we've done one or two Polaris engine jobs. Anyway,

StitchZR2,

I have never had a 700 give anyone troubles about starting. The battery in a 700 is almost the size of a car battery so you have a pretty big reserve as far as that goes. I agree that their should probably be a recoil starter but would be able to pull it over anyway? Ever try pull starting a Griz660. It isn't easy.

As for depenability, like I've said, they are just as dependable as any other machine. I haven't a single problem yet with a 700. The last time I've seen them was when they were bought new. Remember though, all machines will have some problems. Some more some less and each quad will be different. You've said it yourself, one sp500 had alot of problems while others have none with thousands of miles on them.

The power difference between the two is definately noticable. The SP500HO is probably all the power you will ever need but the 700 is all the more power you'd ever want. Not to mention this 700 is de-tuned and has a mild mannered clutch. If you wanted more aggresive power than you could do some changing in the clutch deartment that would make you think that this 740lb tank was a sport machine. Throw on some engine mods and it would be a 740lb rocket. My opinion is that the 700 would like to have this added power that its Polaris fathers wouldn't let it have. Probably because they wanted it to be a machine that a first time ATV'r could buy with less chance of getting hurt but still have one the fastest utility machines made.

 

Stitchzr2,
i had a couple '99 sp's-kept them one year and rode them hard, then sold them to friends.
i had a couple '00 SP's-kept them one year and rode them hard, then sold them to friends.
i had a couple '01 SP's- rode them hard, sold one to a friend, and still ride the other one.
we have ALL had EXCELLENT reliable performance from our Sportsmans. YES, ALL 6 OF THEM!
we ride everything- extreme cold with deep snow, summer heat with a mud caked-on engine, streams, deep rutted mudpits....you get the idea....we don't 'baby' them.
i speak for 6 Polaris owners when i say they are TERRIFIC machines!
GO FOR IT and ENJOY!
sincerely,
MT

 

I own the 95 425 Magnum and the 97 400 explorer, both machines have been very reliable. Considering I tend to keep going where most Quads turn around, that speaks for it self. I'm not shy with the grease gun, I grease after every wet ride. My biggest thing I could do without is the chains that is why I'm getting the 700sp it may be heavy but it handles like a light weight and I'm banking on the fact the parts are beefer and more reliable in the long haul.

 

I was worried about the starting too. Only had the machine about two weeks now so, we will see. Same goes for reliability. As far as comparing to the 500, the price diff at my dealer is only a little over $400. Not worth saying no in my book. I am really pleased so far. My only complaint is not owning this machine sooner so I could give you more info! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

StitchZR1
Just from my own experience I love my HO. I have had it almost a year and it has 700 miles on it. I don't mud to much with it but I do like to run the length of my property at high speeds. Meaning 0-60 and then letting off. I also use it to plow snow and pull tractors around. I feel it is a very good machine.

As for Muddy4Life I have seen his post often. He has some very valid problems with his machines. But i feel that you can get lemons in all brands. My friends Griz is a POS but i've seen other great ones.

All previous statements has been just my 2 cents!!

 

SP500BUMBLEBEE,
Everyone can get a lemon every now and than,BUT TWO back to back?[lol]

I see your from Mich to,have you checked out MATVA[miatvassoc.com]yet?

Bill

 

It fathoms me as to how the Polaris Design Team could leave out a fuel gauge on such an expensive piece of equipment.