Author Topic: Polaris ATV's (Read 5575 times)

Burnsome · « **on:** December 13, 2002, 04:32:06 AM »

Love my 2001 Polaris Sportsman 400. Use it around the farm and take it hunting with me. It gets me here and there and is a lot of fun.

anybody else like Polaris........

?

Just thought I'd kick off a new subject on the forum here to see what developes...

Old Syko · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2002, 06:57:21 AM »

Well Burnsome, surely someone else out there likes Polaris as I see a bunch of um. I ride with a bunch of young pups (under 40) and a couple or three of um ride Polaris. The 400s and the 500s seem to do well but the 700s seem to spend a little too much shop time.

I've been a Kawasaki fan for years so I ride a Prairie 650. Once you've used that V-twin power nothing else seems right. I use mine to stretch fence and just in general haul junk around home a lot but am still known as that crazy old fat guy that out runs the kids on the trails just for fun.

bad shooter · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2002, 06:05:01 PM »

I also have a couple Polarises mine is a 500 scrambler we also have a 400 explorer (2 stroke utility). Both are great trail machines with big 4x4 POWER!

markc · « **Reply #3 on:** December 14, 2002, 03:02:58 PM »

Guys it is good to read something positive about Polaris from folks who ride them. Seems that I usually read only negative things. For me it is no longer a regular ATV but a Kawasaki Mule. If the day comes when I can afford another 4X4 ATV to go along with the Mule, it will likely be an Artic Cat. markc :-)

turfman · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:14:34 PM »

Have any of you checked out the new rangers.

I'm kinda lucky; I work on a golf course so I get to buy/try some pretty good iron. Used 3whlrs,4whlrs, gators, mules, cushmans, workmans, pugh's, etc..

This past october I bought a new Ranger. There ain't nothing that can compare.
Well at least in my opinion.

Turfman.

markc · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2003, 03:37:40 PM »

When I first saw the Ranger, I had not bought my Mule yet. I instantly loved them until I checked into the price and a few other features. Now I like the new one that is a 4X4, but not enough to switch from the Kawasaki Mule. THere is a great article comparing the Ranger, Mule and a UV made by Toro on www.atving.com
Which Ranger did you buy?
markc :-)

Butler · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2003, 07:11:12 PM »

I bought a new 400 explorer last year..Awesome machine , good power, light weight and gets around like no others in northern alberta..On the flip side I also have a 335 sportsman and it is the worst piece of crap quad i have ever owned.No power lots of breakdowns ie:starting ,suspension breaking,clutch and belt.But out of all the polarises I have had one bad one will not sour me on them..I just love pushing the hondas out of the swamp holes..

markc · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2003, 03:48:50 AM »

if there is a web site or a consumer report kind of place to check on owner satisfaction, or real reliability of all the major brands of 4 wheelers. I guess Consumer Reports may actually have written up a few articles or evaluations on ATV's over the years. I don't know since I don't subscribe to it.
markc :-)

volshooter · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2003, 12:24:30 PM »

We just bought (2) 2003 Polaris 400 Sportsman's today. These are our first ATVs. They will deliver them Wed. Dad and I figured we need them now since we now have almost 1000 acres of lease land in west TN. Will post after we give them a try. We bought Polaris because of rep.
Rick

I am CAL......... · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2003, 03:32:12 PM »

Volshooter,I know you and your dad will enjoy your new ATVs.It really don't matter what kind it is as long as it is new.All new brooms sweep clean.It is when they get to be 10 yrs. old when you find how well they were made.Round here in my part of the jungle it has to be a Honda.They seem to have the best reputation for quality.Seems to me the length of the troublefree run is directly related to the care it receives.My 300 Honda is 10 yrs. young and has never had a wrench on it.Me personally,I keep it out of water and mud and I don't have any trouble.Not written in stone,just my way of doing things.Good luck and safe riding to you and your dad,I am CAL......

markc · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2003, 03:06:09 AM »

Now how do you manage to keep your 10 year old Honda out of mud and water? & Why? Thats the fun part, and what makes them so valuable, they have a go anywhere attitude and ability.

Now if you baby em' they will all last a lifetime. My poor Mule is worked pretty hard, mud, water deeper than recommended, rocks, overloaded weight in the bed etc.. Not intentional abuse, but if I felt I had to go easy on it, I wouldn't have spent the 5 grand for one. markc :-)

I am CAL......... · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2003, 06:31:38 AM »

How do I keep my 10yr.old Honda out of the mud? I just don't put it in any mud that is really bad and no water over 3 to 4 inches deep.I asure you it is not babied.I'm out riding mine while these mud and water boys round here are working on theirs.I didn't buy mine to abuse it,I bought it to use.My mule gets the same treatment and I didn't pay 7 grand to abuse it either. My ideas of care and abuse are not for everyone,just me! A lifetime of rowcrop farming taught me the life of a machine is directly related to the service and care given it.Good riding to you,I am CAL.......

I am CAL......... · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2003, 06:39:37 AM »

Hello Burnsome, I am sure you and your Dad will enjoy your purchase.I am famalier with your problem as I was forced to retire at 49 from a heart attack.That was 10yrs.ago,I had openheart surgery 2years ago. Like you I am having to go slow and thats against my nature too.If you take care of yourself you can live a long time even with your problem.I have so much damage till I can't do any thing requiring manual labor.But you take care of yourself and I hope you enjoy your new purchase and they serve you and your farther well.I am CAL.....

markc · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2003, 08:08:30 AM »

Your first post said you keep it out of water and mud, and the next one said no really bad mud or water over 3 to 4 inches deep. i figured it had to get in some mud and water. nearly impossible to ride one outdoors and not encounter any mud or water. I keep mine serviced according to the OM and give it a good bath after it gets filthy. I see some ATV's that appear to ahve never seena water hose and soap. They are treated so porrly that about 2 to 3 years and they are ruined. My first ATV lasted from 1986 to 2000 when I traded it away for a new rifle. The new ones are much better made and sealed against water and dirt getting in where it can do harm. They can handle alot and keep on going. Have fun. Did you egt a Mule cab yet? I had GB post a few picks of my cab on my Mule 550 and the rear seats for the kids.
markc :-)

I am CAL......... · « **Reply #14 on:** January 07, 2003, 04:23:22 PM »

Hey Mark,Ya right about the new ATVs.They are really nice and have a lots of improvements too.I really like the new ones with the walk thru platform(I guess that is what ya call it). Nope,I haven't gotten a cab as yet.They really make about everything a person would want for the mule.They are real proud of everything too.I saw ya pictures and enjoyed them also.I have got to do something about no cab as it is cold down here.I also need those seats for tha grandbabies too!Good riding to ya and take care of yourself,I am CAL....

volshooter · « **Reply #15 on:** January 07, 2003, 04:36:25 PM »

New Polaris ATV's delivered this morning. They are cold natured for sure(right out of the crate)...but...dang...wow, why did I wait all these years??? Put mine through the worst mud bog/hill I could find, the 400 auto trans and on demand 4WD went where I could not walk. (we just got our 4WD Ford Ranger pulled out by tractor last week, it's a bad area of wash in topsoil at a pond head....call it swamp) I have all ready put mine through worse than any hunting conditions I will ever encounter on our hunting lease. Unless I kill a deer that excedes the 1225 lbs pulling weight that this Sportsman's rated at...not likley. It may not be an Artic Cat but, they guys think they are Caddy- laks compaired to theirs. Apparenty around here, Polaris is considered a permium name brand. (around here Stroh's and Blatz beer are the cheapest while I've been in Ohio where Blatz was their premium, I think it's a regional thing) East TN is sure not Alaska...but it was 54 degrees here today.

markc · « **Reply #16 on:** January 08, 2003, 04:28:39 AM »

Sounds like you will have a great time with your news 400's. It is amazing what a 4X4 atv can do, and where they can go. Just keep up with the scheduled maintanence and you should do fine with em. Post some pic's some time if you can.
markc :-)

INresponse · « **Reply #17 on:** January 28, 2003, 09:27:02 PM »

I have a 2001 Polaris 325 Magnum. It is awesome. It climbs rocks and hills better then anything I've tried before, goes through water and mud without a problem, and has a very stable and comfortable ride. Down falls? It is a little slower then comparable manual shift models at top end, and uses a bit more fuel then the others. But, the way I see it, taking your time on the trail back in to conserve fuel beats the heck out of being stuck on a steep slope or in the mud. Besides, if I wanted to race, I would have bought a race machine, not an all purpose ride.

Support America, buy American!

markc · « **Reply #18 on:** January 29, 2003, 07:52:45 AM »

Welcome to the boards, especially to a fellow LEO. I agree with the last part of your post about purchasing an all purpose ride rather than a race machine. I think sometimes folks buy a quad and expect to do things it wasn't designed for. Anytime you drastically increase speed or acceleration, you are gonna be sacrificing something else in order to get that speed. For me, utility abilities far outweigh the need for a speedy quad. Happy riding to ya.
markc

volshooter · « **Reply #19 on:** January 29, 2003, 03:23:14 PM »

I thought I was just getting old cause I've had my 2003, 400 Sportsman up to 19 mph and it was fast enough! I bought it to transport me and my stuff up long winding logging roads and through fairly heavy woods. I cannot imagine needing to go any faster for my needs. As long as it will tote me, my TREE LOUNGE, my weapon , gear, and the extras I like to have close (like rain gear, extra clothes, you know I have to take enough for 2 cause I was a boy scout back in 72) then we will be fine.
Rick

markc · « **Reply #20 on:** January 30, 2003, 03:15:39 AM »

I love my tree lounge stand, except for the weight, it is so very comfortable. I've tried to plan my trips with the philosophy of, better to ahve it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Pretty soon you are gonna need a trailer to pull behind the sportsman for all the gear. I guess thats why I bought a mule.
markc

xnmr53 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2003, 07:32:10 PM »

I have two machines -- a Polaris 500 HO and a Yamaha Grizzly 600.

The Grizzly is a brute. Powerful, noisy, and hard on the body at speed. The Polaris is much smoother. It doesn't accelerate quite as quickly as the Grizzily, but it's considerably faster at the top end, handles much better, and is much easier on the body. I like the lights on the Grizzly better.

The Grizzly is my work machine, and I got the Polaris for my wife. She hasn't ridden it in about a year, so I'm going to get rid of one.

It breaks my heart, but I'm going to have to get rid of the Polaris, because I need a work machine to move dirt, tow a small disk harrow, and haul stuff. That's what the Grizzly does best. If all I wanted a riding machine, it would be the other way around.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #22 on:** October 07, 2003, 01:29:43 AM »

I know when I was going to buy my new atv I talked with the guy at the Polaris shop and he kept telling me over and over that a 400 Polaris could out tow a 660 grizzly. I just had to see it so I opted on the grizz and brought it over there and said "Show me". Needless to say the bet was soon taken back.....lol. I love the grizz but have never been much of a Polaris guy. I think they have made a good positive move with their newer atv's though. The older Polaris atvs were just junk and there are still a couple on the market that are junk.

Don't get me wrong I like Polaris just fine but I ride hardcore through stuff that most people look at and turn away from and I have seen more broke down 500 HO's than anything else.

Dogshooter · « **Reply #23 on:** October 07, 2003, 05:44:35 AM »

I have a 2004 500 Sportsman and in the last week I have been thru some stuff that Grizzly Bears shy away from (much less Yamaha Grizzlies) :wink: . Actually I ride with a guy that rides a Griz and we pretty much keep up with each other. The only real difference I see is in the ride. I rode his for a while a couple of days ago and his Griz had me feeling like I had just fought one. Power and performance are great with both. But for an old guy like me, the ride is more important than either.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #24 on:** October 07, 2003, 06:37:09 AM »

I would hate to have to come over there with my Honda 300 and show that big bad 500 HO how to ride in the mud :grin: . Most people don't understand what I mean by serious riding. When I mean serious I mean think about the worst hole you have ever seen a 500 HO stuck in...........that's what I play in before I hit the serious stuff

Dogshooter · « **Reply #25 on:** October 07, 2003, 05:42:24 PM »

Boy!!! It's gettin deep enough here! Who needs to go to the woods to get stuck? 264 I'd dearly love to come watch you ride sometime. Where do you live? And, honestly, are those holes half as deep as the stuff you're speadin out here? :grin: In all truth, my kid on his Warrior can run rings around me. But I get around still, just the same.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #26 on:** October 08, 2003, 02:28:14 AM »

Yea, we ride in some pretty bad stuff. Most of the time I try not to use the snorkel but as a last resort but I have had mine in over the handlebars several times and drove it back out. Don't get me wrong though I spend my fair time stuck too. Most of the time when I get stuck it takes a truck (most of the time my Z71), and a winch to get me loose. Probably the worst I have been stuck it took about 6 fourwheelers to get me loose from the Grenada lake bottom.

Old Syko · « **Reply #27 on:** October 08, 2003, 04:59:14 AM »

Like Dogshooter I ride with my son who's 28 years old and on the roads and hardpack trails can run circles around me with his Quadzilla. The only thing is when the trail gets wet and deep the tables do a quick about face. His bike runs in excess of 90 mph flat out and my Priarie tops out at around 64 but that doesn't mean a thing in the soup.

264 I run the creek a mile or so from the house in the summertime only because the water is about a foot deeper than the bike is tall. Learned the hard way that if I get up on my knees with my feet on the rear of the back rack, hold back on the bars, and stay full bore, the front stays high enough to still suck air and get me across without the snorkel extension. Believe me, when it's cold outside we take the long way around to get to the place we like to hunt.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #28 on:** October 08, 2003, 09:35:19 AM »

Well, you are talking about doing a water wheelie to keep the airbox out of the water. We do that as well but once you get to a certain depth it just gets to deep for that. The deepest hole I have ever been across with my 300 was neck deep to me and that is nothing small considering I am 6'2".

kc5rkg · « **Reply #29 on:** November 11, 2003, 06:07:20 AM »

I'm another fan of Polaris. We have a 2002 Magnum 325 4x4. Great machine, does everything I need to do. Have a buddy that has a 1992 and 1993 model 350's, ones a 2x4 the other is a sportsman 4x4. Anyway, he has not had a problem with them, still running strong after 10 years.