MTpockets~

I thought I'd do it when I didn't need to just to make sure it worked. I still can't find that damn compression release. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] It's a tough pull.

SilverBear

 

Still having problems... Can't get the plug out, I can't seem to get the wrench on it.. Oh well, I'll get it.
About the recoil, I have used mine 3 times in as many days, with the cold weather. I wouldn't buy a quad without a backup. It may be a hard pull, But when your all p*ssed off, cuz it won't start, its not to hard to pull... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]


-Jared

 

Quadman400~

You're 100% correct! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

SilverBear

 

mtpockets,

I used to feel the same way about having some auxiliary starting method, but I don't feel the same about the sp700, or any other big bore for that matter. My reasoning is that I ride lots of mud and water, and none of the Japanese engines with recoil seal enough to keep water out of the recoil. What usually happens is that mud and water get in there, and end up causing it to not work.......sometimes as soon as 3 months, other times after a year or so. Polaris is different somewhat, in that their recoil handle seals against the housing, but if the handle isn't seated well, you not only mess up the recoil, but it can mess up other expensive components like the starter drive and alternator. That's the reason that I was glad to see that polaris did away with the recoil on that model. If they all used kick starter as backup, that'd be my pick........like on the honda 300 trx. One other reason that I don't mind not having a recoil on a larger bike, is that it can be really difficult to turn the engine over quick enough for it to start unless you're hulk hogan or some superhero. Anyway, it's whatever your preference is that matters........this was just my opinion. If I was trying to weigh whether or not to get recoil start, I would narrow the field to the bikes I was interested in, and try to start each of them by the recoil only at each dealership to see how well it works. A recoil that is too hard to pull will be no better than a dead battery. I would also ask if the sp700 could be pull started, since it has the ebs.

Waylan

 

I've had to pull start my Kodiak before and it has a lot of compression for a 400. I found it easier to stand on the floor board and pull it till it stops and then yank it. Starts every time.

 

My Polaris has been going through deep water and mud for almost 10 years now and I have never had a problem with the recoil starter. I've never even opened it up to see if it needs cleaning or anything, it just keeps on working. I use it several times every winter when the battery gets low from sitting in the cold.
Now if only the rest of my bike would work as well without constant maintenance...

 

What a step backwards for Polaris to not have a pull start on the new 700. I doubt you can push start 750 lbs of bike on the trail.

 

hey mtpockets,

first, great name man!!! now, on to the thoughts! if i were desiting between the 700 or the 660, then the recoil would be an issue with me. i have never even tried to pull mine ( never had to ) but to know its there is a comfort. my grizzly has been flawless to me, across the board. i have seen people with there share of problems with them, so i respond just to let people know that some of them are built real good, just got lucky with mine i guess! now, as for the 700 sportsman. it has alot of ***** packed into a BIG BODY. i might be just a little worried about polaris track record on maintance. i was told it was the same setup as the 500 sportsman, with alot more beef to it. well, my friends 500 is a bear to jump, as well as handle in the tight woods. ( vary hard steering ) so, if jumping, going fast in the woods, and the digital dash are what you want, then you want the grizzly. now, i am by no means knocking the new 700, i think its ausome, but it just doesn't offer anything the 660 doesent, other than alot more weight and a old style gaige sytem. ggod luck on your desition, couse both are great quads!!!





my pictures

 

YukonRon~

Hey, long time no see. How's everything up there in the great white north?

SilverBear

 

i first wanted to say a big 'thanks' for all the input. i really didn't expect so many responses.
i have not made a decision yet.(sorry) but i have taken to heart everyone's opinion.

i can say that i've never had to use the pull-start on my sp500.

i can also say that it's a terrific 'peace of mind' to know that it's there.

(i don't know if roll-starting makes sense for most of my riding is in the deep woods and wet areas.)

BTW, i enjoy running 26" Outlaws on one of my sp's. will the new 660 handle the big tires and all the related wear and tear that goes along with it?

MT