i was thinking possibly in the future, if i ever get any money getting a polaris sportsman 500 or 500ho. i would like your opinions though.

 

Get a kodiak 450 or a vinson 500,or for the $ eiger 400,my 2.

 

Honda 400 to 500 bikes are unsurpased for reliability. I would definetly reccomend one of those to a person who doesn't like riding on the weekends and then repairing their bike for the next week. If thats what you are into though then go ahead and buy a Polaris.

 

Still def vote for the Bomy Outlander 400.

 

There are as many answers to this as there are 400-500cc 4x4 quads. Personally, I'd vote for the Artic Cats, but that's because they suit my personal riding style and tastes the most.

What's your riding style? How will you be using it? Every manufacturer who offers machines in this category has it's strengths and weaknesses so knowing more about how you would use the machine would help people making suggestions.

Honda's are known for reliability (and there's just so darn many of them), but aren't as comfortable or capable as some others.
Polaris machines are comfy and sporty and hard workers, but they reportedly have some reliability issues (which is debatable)
Cat's are workaholics and built like tanks, but are not too sporty (or not at all).
Yamaha makes some sporty 4x4's but suffer for comfort.
Bombardier has some fine offerings too, though I don't know as much about them, and to me, they're a little weird looking (which may appeal to some).

Take an honest look at how you think you will be using it and consider what's important to you personally. You may tell the "missus" that "I need it for work" but if you honestly want to play more, you'd be mistaken to buy a work only related quad. Take the time to list what's important to you and share that list with us.

 

I want to have ground clearance,power,and 4x4 peferably lockable unless i found a good deal on one and added a locker. Thats why i was kind of thinking of getting a polaris sportsman 500 or 500ho. I guess it depends on what happens money wise in the future. I still would like to hear what you all have to say. I have a little time to think anyways even though it will still probably drive me crazy until i can get something.

 

oh and right now i have a blaster i have souped up but it's not the most go anywhere atv so you see what i mean

 

The Polaris may be your best bet, then. They certainly have the power and clearance. And they should have enough sportyness to keep you from missing the Blaster too much. Yamaha might offer a good alternative too in their Kodiak 450. Suzuki's Eiger is another alternative. Only the Polaris and Artic Cat's offer independant rear suspension in this class (to my knowledge), though, and from what you say, I doubt the Cat's will be "frisky" enough for you. For what you've stated, I think the Polaris 500HO is probably the way to go, and the new front plastic is pretty neat. You didn't specify automatic verses manual, though, so perhaps you'd want to consider this as well. The Sportsmans are not offered with manual tranny's (which is a boon to some, a bane to others).

No matter what you buy, though, it will be a far cry from your Blaster as far as size and handling (though I am certain you're aware of this).

 

Yea, auto clutch and fully auto is not as much of an issue to me. I think the 2000 and up polaris's cvts or (pvt) are better sealed for water. Am i right? I don't know how good the cvt's on other quads are sealed though, with exception of the honda 500 and 650's unique auto.

 

I don't know much about Polaris CVT's, though I've never heard the owners complain about them. I know the Cat CVT's are well sealed. I also know the Cat one's lack drain plugs so if you DO get water in, you need to tip the thing on end to drain it. Check to see if the Polaris machines have a drain plug (I think they do) as this will assist you if you plan to do a lot of submarining.

All machines with CVT's are sealed enough for puddle splashing, it's really only an issue if you spend prolonged time in muddy water. We've had my brother's cat in some deep puddles, though, and never had a problem (check out my photos link on the left).

Since transmission type isn't an issue, I think you can't go wrong with the SP500 HO. It sounds like the machine you like the most, too, which is also important. Remember, it's YOU that has to be most happy with your choice.