I'm trying to decide between a 02 Kodiak and a 01 Polaris Sportsman HO RSE. I'm not a mudder or mountain climber, just your everyday hunter looking for a good dependable ride. I've got a 93 Quadrunner with only 650 miles on it to let you have some idea of how much I ride. Looking for a bigger atv.
Lonelyduke

 

If you've got a 93 with only 650 miles on it, and you don't go into very rough areas, or drive very aggressively, I'd go with which ever one was more comfortable and affordable. Either one will last forever at that rate.

 

Well, I decided to go with the polaris sp500 ho rse. The guy I bought it from came down enough to make it cheaper than the Kodiak. It's been fun so far.

 

If all you want is a "good dependable ride", then the obvious choice is the Kodiak. If you want capabilities, then you'll have to weigh your options.

Rick

 

I hope you make out well on you choice of the Polaris. As little as you say you ride, you should. Just be sure to keep it greased up good. I wouldn't recommend the Polaris if you were going to be riding a lot, but in your situation, it might work out all right. The Polaris will ride much better too, especially in the hunting situation when you are carrying a pile of gear.

 

I own a 02 Kodiak and I ride all the time with my friend who owns a 99 sportsman 500 and a 02 sportsman 500 HO. We hunt and sport ride in the woods, sand, and gravel.

The Kodiak is more fun to sport ride and is faster in all conditions. Its light weight is a big advantage. If you / when you roll your quad it helps that this one is 150 -200 lbs liter than the polaris.

The Polaris is better for very harse riding (ind. susp helps), very slick/Muddy riding (front diff lock), or all day riding (softer seat, ind. susp)