Polaris ATVs

[JimMorrissey]

Anybody have experience with Polaris ATVs? I'm considering a Sportsman 700.

 

[Bowhunter]

Some people think very badly of Polaris because in their early years they had quality issues. The newer sportsmans are about as bullet proof as anything out there. I don't own a Polaris myself but have several friends who do and have a couple of friends that work in the Polaris plant in Roseau, Minnesota. Is there anything in particular you want to know? I'm a moderator on an atv discussion website and can get you some info.

 

[Dargo]

Hey bowhunter, do you have any idea if Polaris is going to put the EFI 700 engine in the 6X6 Ranger? I have a few acres in southwest IN, and an EFI 6X6 might go well with my Rhino. It would be a blast trying to find out which is better! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Bowhunter]

While I heard a rumor that they could put their new 800 efi in the 6x6, my buddy in Minnesota can't say anything about new/upcoming products (could lose his job). I got the impression from him however that he didn't think it would happen. I think that since they introduced the Ranger 4x4 with the 700 efi (and they can't make them fast enough to keep up with demand), offering the 6x6 with a larger engine is a logical next step.

 

[GregMVT]

Hi Jim, I have a 2002 700 Sportsman that I bought used in the fall of 2003. It has been a very good work machine for me with only a few problems, broken wire for the AWD switch and rear axle bearings. If you have any specific questions let me know. Still waiting for the snow to go down so I can try that rotary cutter before the leaves come out!!

 

[JimMorrissey]

Actually, that was one of my questions.....and it was answered. I was wondering about the 700EFI in the Ranger 4x4, I'm glad it's available. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

-Do you guys know what the list price is on one of those?

-Also, what is your feeling on the variable transmission and belt drive on these rigs? Seems a bit odd to have a belt driving such a heavy machine.

 

[Bowhunter]

I would have to check but I think the 700 XP (Ranger) lists at either $8999 or $9999. As for belt drive, my uncle's combine is belt driven and it seems to work ok. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Honestly, all the atv manufacturers that offer an automatic tranny use a belt driven system, with the exception of Honda. As long as you do the proper maintenance, shim it properly, keep it dry, and use low range when you're supposed to, they are fairly trouble free.

 

[GeneD14]

I have 4 polaris ATV's I would give their quality rating an average at best. I have had dozens of minor issues with them but nothing major in the last 4 years.
Polaris is currently testing an 850cc ATV engine. I don't know if it will ever reach production though. We were contracted to make components for it.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Greg,

I'm looking at a Ranger...definitely others to consider.

Kids are loving the maple surup. Thanks.

 

[Rip]

I've have an '04 Ranger 6x6 and had no problems or issues with it. My wife & I really enjoy it.

 

[thcri]

I had a 2000 Sportsman 500 that had a lot of problems. I traded it in on a 2002 700 only because I got a good deal on the trade in. The 700 has been very reliable except for a water pump problem that took three trips to fix. Based on the history of my 700 my next one will be a Polaris.

We run them pretty hard. See link. Upnorth


murph

 

[Bowhunter]

murph, that is a very cool website. It looks like you guys have a great time. For more atv talk, join us on the forums some time at Atv Nation.

 

[thcri]

I'm already a member. Should be under murf?? But I haven't been there in a loong time.


murph

 

[Moon]

Hey Murph,
Cool link. That bus / truck is awesome. Never seen one like that.
And the metal cabin is very cool. Can you shed any light on that? We're interested in building a small cabin in our woods. Do those come in kits or what?

Thanks,
Moon of Ohio

 

[Dargo]

bowhunter, I haven't been there before, but will check it out. Do they have much on side-by-side stuff? With a family of 7, I've gone completely to side by side stuff so I don't have to buy a dozen ATV's. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

For around the yard/farm, the RTV is great. However, out on the wild trails and blasting around, this Yamaha Rhino is a beast. Lately, I've ridden it like I stole it, and it hasn't missed a beat. It worried me when I did about a 40 foot climb on a 30 foot hill though. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I didn't intend to get quite that much air. The kid in the back (not my kid /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) got quite a rush on that one! I cracked the plastic / fiberglass floor with my feet upon landing that one. My wife keeps reminding me to act my age. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[creeper]

The engines are pretty much bullet proof. I own a srambler 500. Mainly because the wife and kids wanted automatic.I recently sold a 2004 trail boss 330 because it was falling apart after 3 mos.I would also reccomend you look at the cunstruction of thier frames, while they are simple,they are nowhere as strong as a welded tube frame such as honda.I have seen some a-arm bolts pull right thru the mounting holes on impacts that were not that hard. Also thier 4x4 hubs on the scramblers are magnetic and if ever taken apart can be a pain to get it to work again, I cant really explain it,you would have yo see the armatures inside. All bikes have problems, not bashing , just sharing an opinion, like I said I own one now.

 

[soarkrebel]

For me i wouldnt waste my money on one!

They have the worst reputation of ANY atv out there.

For the kind of money they want for one i could get a yamaha rhino. i looked at one today and was impressed!

but hey flush your money if you want! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Unclebuck257]

I've owned a 98 Magnum 425 4X4, which my son now has, and an 02 Sportsman 400 that the wife now rides. Never had a major problem with either one and they've been great bikes. We use them all year long around here too, to work with and repair fence etc!!

The ONLY thing about a Polaris ATV, 500cc and under is ALTITUDE. If you go hunting like I do in higher altitudes in the fall, you need to change out the jet and adjust the air intake. I live at 989 ft elevation and I hunt at about 10500 elevation. Polaris ATVs are very sensitive to altitude changes that drastic.

Otherwise, I think Polaris is a fine ATV, IF you like their EBS, in the bigger cc bikes!! I think it's a little radical, so I ride a Bombardier Quest 650, and love it!!

For more info, you could come over and join us at ATVFrontier.com for discussions on all makes of ATVs in general.

 

[rogdan]

If your interested in the side by sode machines, check out these two sites:
http://utilityoffroad.com/
http://www.funnysnaps.com/prchome.html

 

[GregMVT]

Jim, your first post had said 700 Sportsman, I would imagine the engine and drive train would be about the same for either. Glad to hear your family is enjoying the syrup, now if it would just warm up enough so I can start making more!!