I am considering buying a new ATV and have never owned anything but Hondas, but after looking at and riding the Polaris 700 twin I am impressed with it's features and performance. I am also concerned about rumors of lack of quality and dependability and I'm not sure about the belt drive. I only use my ATVs for hunting but where I hunt there is a lot of creek bottoms and water and mud. A 600 would probabaly be plenty of power for me but I really like the camo finish (not available on the 600). I test drove the new Honda Rincon and the Yamaha Grizzly but liked the Polaris 700 better than the others. Any input from people experienced with the Polaris brand machines would be appreciated.

 

Polaris has come along way in the dependable department. The newer 2000-2003's are very dependable. I have owned a couple of polaris's since 92 and i have never had a problem with any of them. I do have friends that have had some minor problems but they were older modles. I think Polaris finally have thier **** together. They now have some of the top atv's on the market. The 700 is awsome as well as the 600. The belt drive is practicly flawless. But if you run your 4x4 hard it would be better to upgrade the clutch in it. I have never had a problem with water and mine is only a 2x4. I ride through tons of creeks and have done some muding with it. It has never left me wet. The problem with Polaris now is getting rid of the past negative feedback. They are great machines!

 

I am pretty sure the camo is available for the 600, I think it is just back ordered.

 

The Mossy oak is only available on the 700, 500 and the Magnum 330.

 

I think the one thing that would keep me wanting a belt drive is the ease of modifying the clutch for better performance. This is just my opinion here, but if you go with the Grizz or Sportsman instead of the Honda, think how easy you can modify them. You can slip a pipe on any of them, but on the Sportsman or Grizz you can install a clutch kit yourself! Just my opinion.

As far as being worried about the belt...DON'T BE! Look at how many people own belt drives now. The fear is a thing of the past. Just make sure you use low range when towing or going very slow.

 

Remember, All snowmobiles use the belt drive system and have for years and years, and they have much more power. The ability for a transmission to backshift automatically under a load is too cool.Keep up with the maintenence and it will serve you well. Bubba

 

My dealer MUST have lied then.

 

600 Colors Camo Green; Sonic Blue; Black/Silver

Taken directly from http://www.polarisindustries.com/

 

Bump to barely leagles post. same colors i saw at the polaris dealership and there web sight.

 

I own a 700 and have had nothing but trouble with it. I've also owned a sp 500. Both my sons own 500 h.o's. The 500 h.o. is all the machine you'll ever need and are a lot more dependable. Not to mention the price difference. Believe me, the difference in power between the 700 and the 500 h.o is not all that great. The 600 is nothing more than a 700 with a few of the bugs worked out. I kick myself in the a$$ weekly for buying a 700 instead of another 500. Don't make the same mistake.