Picking a new ATV?

[WilliamBos]

You can fault Polaris in many ways but not on their ride. McPherson struts up front and a fully independent rear suspension. Best seat made. They are the best ride of all. Disc brakes all around. Braided steel brake lines. On Demand 4WD. I think the Rancher is by far the best choice for day to day farm chores. My Polaris Sportsman will go places that the Rancher can't.

You have a 500?

 

[whistlepig]

You have a 500?

I have a 2006 800 EFI Sportsman.

 

[WilliamBos]

I have a 2006 800 EFI Sportsman.

How has it been?? Any front cage issues ??

 

[whistlepig]

How has it been?? Any front cage issues ??

No front cage issues. Yes, I have read of the front cage issues with the plastic. Only weakness is the radiator being down low and being punctured by limbs and/or sticks. I bought a radiator guard for it. The newer Sportsman's have the radiator mounted higher. Also on my 2006 the radiator is low and tucked to the point you can't really see it. I bought a temp gauge to let me know if the radiator is plugged. Polaris ATV Temp Gauge Kit Coolant Switch Illuminated System Quad

 

[DCTCJT]

A bad stator was the biggest problem. Going to need brakes and tires. Put a voltage regulator on it, really my fault because I had a bad battery and jumped it burning it up.

For 17 years old, it sounds like it treated you well. Consider the "brand" when buying a new one. Yamaha's, Suzuki's and Honda's are notoriously reliable.

You take it from there... and good luck.

 

[CJBOTA]

I have a Cub Volunteer tracker 750 EFI Camo with 250 hours on it. I can run circles around the Kubota RTV900. It has low range and a locking rear differential. I paid $10000 and that included a heavy front carrier, auxillary light bar, and a mounted gun carry case. Top speed is 32MPH and it pulls heavy loads well. The 31 hp Kohler starts right up in the cold and gets fantastic gas mileage.

 

[tom4018]

Still trying to make my mind up. Rode a new Polaris 550 and it seems like when the belt catches it was a harsh engagement. Engine has a different sound to it.

Rode a new Grizzly 550 and it was smoother as far as belt engagement felt. It steered a lot harder and was a tad harder to start.

For the money these things cost it has me considering a Ranger 500. Worried about losing the agility of the atv but would not have to swing my leg over the seat.

Would like to do something before the end of the year.

Any one done the atv to utv switch and regretted it?

 

[foreman Etexas]

Still trying to make my mind up. Rode a new Polaris 550 and it seems like when the belt catches it was a harsh engagement. Engine has a different sound to it.

Rode a new Grizzly 550 and it was smoother as far as belt engagement felt. It steered a lot harder and was a tad harder to start.

For the money these things cost it has me considering a Ranger 500. Worried about losing the agility of the atv but would not have to swing my leg over the seat.

Would like to do something before the end of the year.

Any one done the atv to utv switcha nd regretted it?

I bought the 4wheeler first,then ended up going and getting the side x side yr later but it is nice to have both around. I think you will be happier with the Ranger 500(4x4) but thats just my opinion. "you will always find a need for that bed"

 

[WilliamBos]

Still trying to make my mind up. Rode a new Polaris 550 and it seems like when the belt catches it was a harsh engagement. Engine has a different sound to it.

Rode a new Grizzly 550 and it was smoother as far as belt engagement felt. It steered a lot harder and was a tad harder to start.

For the money these things cost it has me considering a Ranger 500. Worried about losing the agility of the atv but would not have to swing my leg over the seat.

Would like to do something before the end of the year.

Any one done the atv to utv switcha nd regretted it?

Yamaha uses a wet clutch, call their tranny Ultramatic. Arctic Cat & Suzuki use a similar wet clutch set up. Polaris uses what some refer to as /Slip & Grip' belt system.

I would not be afraid of buying either, with a few extra point to Polaris for their ride.

 

[DCTCJT]

Still trying to make my mind up. Rode a new Polaris 550 and it seems like when the belt catches it was a harsh engagement. Engine has a different sound to it.

Rode a new Grizzly 550 and it was smoother as far as belt engagement felt. It steered a lot harder and was a tad harder to start.

For the money these things cost it has me considering a Ranger 500. Worried about losing the agility of the atv but would not have to swing my leg over the seat.

Would like to do something before the end of the year.

Any one done the atv to utv switcha nd regretted it?

You are going to find people that regretted it, and people who are glad they went to a UTV.

You have to decide what YOU are going to use it for. If you are going to be doing any trail riding on any tight trails... you want the ATV. If you are going to use it for work, plowing, and riding in more open areas, then the UTV is nice.

With that said, my next "ATV" will be a "UTV". I'll stay away from the tight stuff.