Can these machines go through a lot of punisment such as frequent riding, rough/rocky terrain, mud/water, and everything in between? From what I've heard about Polaris, I might have to be gentle with this monster. Is this true?

 

I went there once on mine, but they kicked me out cause I pulled the gates off with it! ;-)

I only have about 600 miles on mine with no major trouble. Had a bout with noisy brakes and a very minor leak in the mechanical seal for the water pump. The dealer put new rotors and pads on and fixed the seal under warranty. The leak had actually stopped 3 weeks before they fixed it, but I wanted it taken care of before the warranty runs out. I ride like the guys I ride with ride. If they take it easy so do I and if they don't I drive it like I stole it!

 

Been a little rough on mine if you want to call rough 1300 miles in 2 1/2 months. I had a chronic overheating problem, fan was disconnected from the factory. Then the sensor in the rad was changed on the second time in. Now its back in on the third time, fan not running, thus overheat light comes on. Otherwise, I have run mine pretty hard, pretty much wide open since day one on the local pipeline travel-way. I am also having it checked for jetting since I can't get it over 44 mph. I didn't buy it for speed, but have heard many others are reaching 55 mph wwith no problem. I did change the main clutch springs and weights to give it a little better take off, and thought this might improve speed. But as of yet, still 44 and standing. Even though I have this "fan" problem, the machine has been awesome. Rides like a dream, lots of power. No problem starting at -20 degrees celsius. Full 4 wheel drive with the switch turned on was a major buying point, since it spends most of its time in 2 wheel drive trail driving. Climbed some major hills that others could not, and them other quad owners wanted to drive mine up to see what the Sportsman could do. Big gas tank was another buying plus. I bought the full racks front and rear, and the rear bumper and front with winch mount should I get adventurous. I got tired of seeing nothing but green ones, so I bought a red one, now I like the yellow one too. Gotta guy that wants to buy mine, and I'll buy a new one right away. We'll see if they make any changes for 2001, possibly a bigger motor, but we'll have to wait and see. Even though I have missed many days because of this glitch, I still love the Sportsman, and look forward to driving it on dirt instead of snow.