I'm looking into buying a used polaris sportsman. I've found two for sale in my price range and I was hoping to get some opinions on which one would be better for me. One is a 99 Sportsman 335 and the other is a 97 Sportsman 400 two-stroke. I'd like a machine with a fairly comfortable ride, which is why I've narrowed it down to these two machines. Out of the two, I'd like the one with more power and more water crossing ability. Can anyone who has one of these machines or has ridden one help me out?

 

On the power issue, the 400 2-stroke will run circles around the sluggish 335 unless the 400 is worn out. Water crossing ability on these machines (when new) should have been similar & good. If the seal on the belt cover or snorkels has been compromised on either of them, it will give you problems until corrected. I'm on my 4th Polaris & have NO complaints about belt slippage. Owner's manuals recommend not getting in water over the footboards [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img], but I've seen my tailpipe blowing bubbles [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img] Good luck with whatever you decide & search the forums for some of the best info to be found anywhere [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I have spent a lot of time riding a 95 Xplorere 400 two-stroke, it was really peppy and a lot of fun. However, of those two machines I would go for the 335. 4-stroke is really nice in an ATV, IMO. Plus, those older two-strokes are known for their problems, we had a lot of trouble with it. Because you are buying used, if you don't know the previous owner(s) you don't know the history and how badly it was beat. Be sure to check them out good.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys, i finally decided on the 400. I love it, i think i made the right choice. The 335 just seemed so slow, i didn't think that it would be much fun to ride. Thanks for your advice.

 

Congrats on your purchase & good luck with it. Let us know how you like it & what you're doing with it. Oh yeah, I forgot in my previous post - welcome to the forums [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I personally would have taken the 4-stroke even though its slower. I know those 400 2-stokes suck the gas like there is no tommarrow.
when we go riding my 300cc 4 stroke honda uses about 2 gallons for every 4-5 gallons he uses and my dads 250 polaris 4x4 2 stroke uses about 3-4 gallons for my every 2. Also both 2 stroke polari' have issues with heat and when its warm out they loose ALOT of power and BOTH have had issues with the clutch covers warping and running on the clutches.