I have a 2 questions about the Polaris Sportman 400. What is the price range for which i would be able to find a new 2002, 2003 or 2004 model for. Also I was reading about the SP400 and i read that it doesnt have engine braking, what is this and what does it help with/ do you need it?

Thanks.

 

I have two sportsman 400s and they both perform fairly poorly for their engine size. They are slightly faster then the magnum 325s but its not worth the purchase. Go for either a 500 HO or go to another brand, the 400s are slow, heavy, and very tippy. The 400s cost around 5999 and the 500s cost a couple hundred more.

 

I have a SP400 I bought last November for $5299. Yes it is slow. If you want to go fast definately look elsewhere. I get a kick out of all the guys that complain it's too slow. It rides awesome, has enough power to pull a deer out of the woods, rides great on the trails, and it fits my wife and I perfect. Just my $.02 worth.

 

Oh, sorry. In regards to engine braking, mine came with it. I bought it that way. What it does, simply, is use the engine when going down hills or anytime you let off the throttle to slow the machine down. I'm not sure of the mechanics of it, but it works very well to slow down.

 

I've riden the Honda Rancher, Yamaha Kodiak and Suzuki Eiger ... all "400"'s .. I'll ride my SP400 EVERYDAY! I paid $5200 for an '03 ... I had the Engine Braking installed afterwards ... I notice it ... but I had already developed driving habits ... no big deal. just my $0.02!

 

Hey NITROMAN500 if the SP 400 is tippy then why wouldn't the 500 be. Just wandering cause the 2 machines are set on the same chassis and suspension. I have the 400 and love it. Great machine if you don't need the extra power of a 5 or 700. As for engine braking mine doesn't have it but, I don't live in a particular "hilly" area where I would necessarily need it. IMHO I would go with a 2003 SP600. That particular machine comes with rack extenders and the chrome wheels. The 04's don't anymore.

 

I didnt mean to say that the 500 wouldnt be tippy as well, i prolly should have left that out of my previous comment, however i was just trying to relay the problems that i feel the 400 has (in my own opinion of course). so in response to what you wrote, the tippyness of the 400 and 500 are very much alike.