Author Topic: Polaris 2004 Sportsman 400 (Read 1952 times)

pigman · « **on:** November 28, 2003, 11:38:14 PM »

G'day

I am thinking of getting the new 04 Polaris Sportsman 400 and was wondering if anyone had any feedback about the Polaris 400. In particular I have heard their is often a question over the relaibility on the Polaris as compared with Honda for example. I rode a twin 700 and was blown away with its handling, comfort and ability to throw it around.

Any stories and experiences with the 400 would be great.

Cheers

Pigman

dbuz · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2003, 06:35:49 PM »

I am not a big fan of the polaris. I've seen too many break down. the last time we went riding at our club, I pulled in a yamaha and my friend pulled in a polaris. We both have suzuki vinsons. His wife has a suzuki eigier and his inlaws have two eigers. They love them. The vinson is a 500 and the eiger is a 400.

Old Syko · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2003, 01:53:30 AM »

Check out your local dealers as to parts availability before you buy any brand because reguardless which you buy, at some point you'll break something and you don't want to wait forever on parts.

Around here Polaris is quite popular even though they seem to spend more down time than others. One 400 Sportsman owner that rides with us has had the rear diff grenade twice and for no good reason. Others have had clutch problems and some electrical problems but all were minor repairs, just a lot of agravation.

As far as pulling home break downs goes. Last time I was out, I pulled in 2 Suzukis, a Yamaha, and unstuck a Honda. Don't mean nothing. Next time they might be pulling me. After all, I got this thing to both work and play with and I ain't cutting it no slack.

By the way. Im riding a Kaw Prairie 650 at the present time and it's been very good to me for the last 2 years.

markc · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2003, 04:43:53 AM »

ATV television did a comparison on 400cc ATV's. They put them through alot of stuff, and tested climbing, towing, ride, mud, water etc.. All the stuff you can expect to face on an ATV. They listed the Bombardier as #1 and then the Artic Cat and Suzuki kinda tied for #2, and Honda Rancher right in there as well. They didn't list where they scored the Polaris, but liked the smooth ride it gave. You might be able to research and find their test in print somewhere.
markc

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2003, 01:51:44 AM »

Quote from: markc

ATV television did a comparison on 400cc ATV's. They put them through alot of stuff, and tested climbing, towing, ride, mud, water etc.. All the stuff you can expect to face on an ATV. They listed the Bombardier as #1 and then the Artic Cat and Suzuki kinda tied for #2, and Honda Rancher right in there as well. They didn't list where they scored the Polaris, but liked the smooth ride it gave. You might be able to research and find their test in print somewhere.
markc

I thought the AC came in dead last??? I know the Polaris 400 was second to last and I am pretty sure they said the AC fell way back behinda all the other competitors.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #5 on:** December 05, 2003, 01:53:44 AM »

Here is the link to the test info. http://www.atvtv.com/Test_Info_results.html

markc · « **Reply #6 on:** December 05, 2003, 04:29:28 AM »

I read the info on that link and it sure sounded different than what I heard on the actual television program. When I see that the artic cat is a leader in ground clearance, rack capacity etc.. shares engines and tranny's with Suzuki on some of their models, and then read a report like the one on the link, I wonder. I noticed the negatives they listed on the cat were very subjective opinions, like they didn't like a sound, or someting of that nature, or it isn't as fast as the others. I thought it was a test of utility quads. I usually ignore the statements about an atv, any brand, not being as fast as another. For me, utility isn't about high speed trail riding, but is more about work ability, slower speed manuvers etc..

What size was the engine on the others? I need to read that over again. They mentioned the small engine, but wasn't the Honda engine even smaller? Oh well. I noticed the chart info was all subjective info based on feelings and impressions by the test riders. It didn't list specifications on the quads like those I mentioned earlier. Either way, my next off road vehicle will be a Yamaha Rhino!!!!
markc
markc

markc · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2003, 05:08:22 AM »

I found that Artic Cat has 7 models of ATV's in the 400cc class. Some have different suspension and a slew of other differences which can not be said of any of the other quads tested. Remember the atv television test of 400's tested only one model, and of course I wouldn't expect them to test all 7, but they did test two different Yamaha 400 cc models. Also it does appear that the AC uses the same engine and tranny as the suzuki eiger, 376cc CVT with Hi/Lo and reverse. It had the largest fuel tank, and by far the best ground clearance 12' as compared to the Bombardier 's 9.3". Was almost the heaviest, surpassed only in weight by the Polaris' 697#. Best front and rear rack capacities by a large margin.
So should you buy the Polaris Sportsman 400? I think that was your original question, I would read more than one review, and check someplace like Consumer Reports, on all of the models you are interested in. A web search can show you recalls issued on the atv's you are looking at, talk to actual owners and ride as many different brands as you can. Then it boils down to which one fits your needs, and pocketbook best.

Old Syko · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2003, 10:53:46 AM »

I pay little attention to Meyer's tests because as Mark has stated, too many of his results are nothing but personal preference. What I use a Sport Utility for in Indiana is a far cry from he uses 1 for in the mountains. Saw 1 of his shows taped in Va. and you could tell he was completely out of his element.

As far as the Arctic Cat 400s go they actually offer 10 different models. 5 autos and 5 manuals with 2 of each having their ACT semi-independent suspension and the rest are the standard independents with only different rack packages. They're all just the bigger bikes but with the good engines replaced with smaller ones.

Mark is right about not needing speed on a utility. Our Mule is plenty fast for what it's used for here on the place but I wouldn't dare take it on the highway or even off the road where I use my Sport Utility. Around here if you aren't able to do at least 50 mph you're setting yourself up for trouble.

If I was dead set on Polaris, and as I said earlier had a dealer with an abundant parts supply, I would notice that the 500HO is only $700 more than the 400 and the 700 is only a grand more than that. I'm a firm believer in the fact that bigger is better and speed is a good thing.

Paladin · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2003, 05:47:03 PM »

ask about warranty? Polaris = 6 months arctic cat =24 months I don't know about the others. Good Riding, stay safe

pigman · « **Reply #10 on:** December 06, 2003, 08:08:08 PM »

Paladin,

The Polaris warranty they offer where im from is 24months (2 years) and all the others have 1 yr.

markc · « **Reply #11 on:** December 08, 2003, 04:29:25 AM »

do ya'll ride atv's in Australia like we do here in the states? Here it seems like every truck has one in the bed or on a trailer. Wonder how I ever lived without one. If only my Mule fit in the bed of my ranger pickup.
markc

Paladin · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2003, 06:40:09 PM »

pigman,
sounds like you all have it better than we do, standard warranty on polaris and cat is 6 months here. arctic cat is running a special until dec 31. good day mate

pigman · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2003, 11:09:12 PM »

>> do ya'll ride atv's in Australia like we do here in the states?

I wouldnt say there is a great deal of riders as compared with the honda cycles, but the die hard riders seem to ride polaris as far as i can tell.

I think the good thing about Polaris is their endless line of accessories and quad options. (im still waiting for a net cannon to be released mounted to the front bull bar allowing you to drive right on up to a piggy and letting him have it with a net - that would be a hoot).

Pigman

volshooter · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2003, 05:37:02 PM »

I have 2 polaris 400 Sportsman and a 330 Trail Boss. The super ease that my Sportsman will climb extreme hills without having to speed up is unbelieveable! The others in my group are amazed with the Sportsmans ride and flat out all 4 wheel pulling power. I have climbed 75% wood/rock grades without any spinning. Logs big as a 5 gallon bucket barely affect the independant suspension. If I ever need another 4 wheeler it will be a POLARIS all the way!
Rick

helobill · « **Reply #15 on:** December 14, 2003, 04:31:33 PM »

The article is interesting because the #1 rated Suziki and the last place Arctic Cat share the same engine and transmission. He liked it in the Suziki and hated it in the AC. Guess he didn't know he was comparing apples to apples (unless Suziki is supplying rejects to AC). Not putting a lot of stock in this guys opinion.
Bill

tripper · « **Reply #16 on:** December 22, 2003, 06:30:35 PM »

You just go buy the one you like because no matter who you talk to if they own somthing differnt they will give a reason why it is better. If you can ride differnt machines that friends own and see which one you like. I ride with freinds and we often change machines when there is a new one in the crowed just to compare and I have found nothing that beats my polaris in comfort. In my opion the 400 is the best all around machine polaris puts out. The biggest thing with any clutch operated machine is learning when to put it in low range so you do not burn the belt.

volshooter · « **Reply #17 on:** December 23, 2003, 04:51:55 PM »

Something I should add about the 3 new polaris 4-wheelers I bought last year is that there is only one local 4-wheeler in my County and I do believe in keeping my $ as close to home as possible. I did do research and it showed the polaris 400 Sportsman fit exactly what I wanted/needed. I don't regret any of the 3 purchases. Interestingly I have two of the titles free and clear now (less than a year later) and would not consider anything of another brand or larger cc's. Ya'll southern fellers like me, take my advice and stick with under 400 CC's. More than enough power, easy to handle and just light enough to move by hand if necessary. Perfect for southeastern hunting.
Rick

lostone1413 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 30, 2003, 12:37:05 PM »

Check and see if the 400 has the engine braking. I went with the 500 to get it the 400 didn't have it. If you do alot of steep trails it will pay to move up to the 500 for the braking. I have a 2003 500 sportsman also a 2003 Yamaha Grizzly both are great ATV's But go the extra and get the 500 it with the engine braking will be alot safer. Here 98% of the riding I do is up in the mountains most of the time I ride alone so I want the safest setup I can have If you ride alone for sure also add a winch Chuck (Cottonwoon,AZ.)

Dogshooter · « **Reply #19 on:** December 30, 2003, 03:37:54 PM »

Depending on where you ride, the engine braking can be a real blessing or a real pain. I live in Wyoming and ride in pretty steep terrain most of the time so the engine breaking works great for me. I have a '04 Sportsman 500. My buddy lives in Texas and he bought one just like it and hates the engine breaking. On flats, every time you let off the gas, it acts like you put on the breaks. This is my 3rd Polaris and I have had great luck with them.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #20 on:** January 14, 2004, 07:32:35 AM »

All the articles I have read said the Polaris engine braking was nothing compared to the Grizzly. I would hate to think it was worse because when you get the Grizzly going good and let off the gas it will just about throw you over the handlebars. As far as all the 300 and 400 class Polaris and Arctic Cat they are just underpowered versions of the big boys. You look at all the Polaris and AC atvs that are in the 300 and 400 class and it is the same frame and body and about the same weight as the big boys with about half the engine. I understand that some people don't need anymore than 300 or 400cc but for me if I can't push 28" outlaws with ease then I don't want it.

markc · « **Reply #21 on:** January 15, 2004, 03:10:41 AM »

I only caught the end of the report, but last night ATV TV was doing a report on the Polaris 400, 2004 model. For the msot part they had good things to say about it. One of their complaints happened to be the engine braking. They said, and I have no idea if it is true, that the engine braking only applied to the rear wheels. Their take was the rear wheels only braking caused them some control problems on steep decents which could become a real problem for a less experienced rider. Atleast that what it sounded like they were saying. Other than that, they complained about a few minor things. Might be a very good machine. It sure looks good.
markc

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #22 on:** January 15, 2004, 07:11:18 AM »

This is true. The Polaris Models only engine brake the rear wheels. I have heard alot of people complain about this because it doesn't offer as much engine braking on steep descents as other utility atvs such as the Grizzly. I know on my Grizzly if I don't give it gas going down a steep hill it will stop rolling whereas the Polaris' feel like they are rolling away with you.

About the only good thing I have ever really had to say about Polaris is they have a good ride and they are very comfy for riding all day. Besides that there is not too much about the set-up and design that I care for. I do know a few people that bought into the 300-400 class with the Polaris and AC and they have mostly been disappointed with the power when it came to pushing bigger than stock tires.

Old Syko · « **Reply #23 on:** January 15, 2004, 07:58:00 AM »

I wouldn't see engine braking to the rear wheels only as that big a problem if it weren't for the fact that polaris only uses a single brake lever to brake all four wheels. I assume the bike tested has the same system. If they used split brakes (front and rear operated separately) as most other manufacturers, you could compensate with the use of the front brake only. Since I'm not a big fan of engine braking anyway, I really can't understand what is to be gained by using a $3,000 engine instead of $50 brake pads to slow down. Reminds me of some of the road tractors I've driven. They take a $30,000, 550 HP engine and turn it into an air compressor so they can call it a jake brake. I put a switch on my Prairie that allows me to eliminate the ebs when I don't feel it's needed.

markc · « **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2004, 03:33:05 AM »

I think their other complaint on the review was the single lever braking. I believe Artic Cat also has, or did, a single lever to operate both front and rear brakes. Personally, I have never seen the advantage to that. It seems in my mind to take some of the control of the quad away from the rider. I want to be able to apply the amount of braking I need to the front or rear wheels myself depending on the situation. They did talk up the smooth Polaris ride in the review.
markc

lostone1413 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 16, 2004, 04:42:27 AM »

I like the engine braking alot. Coming down alot of steep grades up in the mountains I for one wouldn't want to be with out it. Both my ATV's have it a 2003 Grizzly and a 2003 Sportsman 500 never had trouble with either