2014 Polaris Sportsman 570EPS review

NS Gearhead · May 9, 2014

Bought one of these about a week ago and wanted to share some thoughts. Now keep in mind that most of my experience on ATVs was on the old Honda 300s and 450s. More recently a 2011 Arctic Cat 425 quite a bit, and traded off with my buddy's Can Am 500 Max for a short ride.

The good; It's a great comfortable ride and the power steering is incredible. I was debating on the 800 and this one, and I'm glad I went this route just because of the PS. I'm spending alot of time towing a trailer and being able to back up with one hand makes time using it much more enjoyable. I also really enjoy the front box. Handy place to store small items without having them hang off the front.

The bad; The engine braking is terrible. It'll free wheel if you're not on the throttle... dealer said there is no fix, and that they'd changed the clutch to save money, this being the result. Neither the Arctic Cat nor Can Am did this. Some internet research says that an aftermarket solution may be available soon if not already. Also the plastic side fenders dulled after the first day of riding. Now, I was wearing rain gear pants... had I known they were so soft I would have had them covered in 3M clear vinyl or something. I did try a plastic polish, but it didn't help. I may buy a new set and have them covered if they're not too much $$$. I'm pretty **** about vehicles, especially new ones... and this is all I'll be able to see until it's fixed.

You can see it pretty clear here;

Also, I'm not impressed with the small hitch. The salesman told me that it's appropriate for the weight the bike's rated for... but come on... what about using it as a recovery point!?! It would be easy to exceed that.

Other then that... I'm not blown away with the power. In low range it's ballsy, but it high it's a little disapointing. Maybe once it's broken in a bit more...

I'm looking forward to getting more accessories in... so far I've got the bumpers and hand guards, but I'm getting hand and thumb warmers, Warn 3K winch, 60" Glacier Pro steel blade with power angle, top and side deflectors, and shoes, Prospector Tracks with plow extension, Bronko rear seat with Kimpex pegs, chainsaw mount and Koplin ratcheting tool holders. I'm looking into stereo options and found some pretty cool stuff made for motorcycles. I also hope to build a kind of hard cab for winter use. I figure the heat from the engine should keep things warm enough and a wiper setup that stays vertical would be ideal. I spotted this on a boat I was on, so I've got a good idea where to start looking for that! I hope to give it a Rzr inspired shape... we'll see.

NS Gearhead · May 9, 2014

Marinco AFI Deluxe Adjustable Pantographic Wiper Arms

troutsqueezer · May 9, 2014

Well, that's an honest review. I'm a little surprised at some of it, being a Polaris an' all. It looks to me like the seat does not fit the body curves very well in several places.

I like the handle bar decorations.

I put a little bicycle bell on my ATV to act as a horn. It works very well.

NS Gearhead · May 9, 2014

LOL, yeah I was just messing around with the daughter's bicycle thingys. Noticed my handlebars had the holes hers had for those.

Paystar · May 9, 2014

Ya, that fit and finish is very unlike any Polaris I have owned. My 2004.5's plastic isn't even dull or scratched.

NS Gearhead · May 15, 2014

Well I feel like a dummy... mine doesn't have engine braking. LOL Looking into getting it converted.

The salesman offered me some side panels at cost... dunno if I'll bother... money's tight right now.

jimgerken · May 15, 2014

We bought one two weeks ago. It is primarily my wife's ride, so she picked out what she wanted. She loves the power steering and I agree it is a good idea for her to have. There is very little chance she will injure a wrist from hitting a stump or something with the EPS working on there. Regarding the engine braking (EBS) and soft plastic. Luckily, she always wanted Camo, so thats what she bought. The camo is tough stuff, and is designed to be a kind of dull finish so it probably won't have the dulling issue. Also doesnt show dirt and dust of course. But the weird thing is, the Camo model comes with EBS. I found that fact in the literature. I asked the dealer about it and he said "nope, they dont have EBS anymore." But sure enough, the camo model does still have the EBS, for whatever reason. and it works to beat heck. when you let off it really slows the vehicle immediately. Of course once you hit idle, and like 1 mph, the clutch disengages and then it will freewheel. Camo also comes with 1 inch wider back tires. Again, I have no idea why.
Power wise, I was not too impressed either, but on the last ride I happened to be on it when it hit 50 miles on the Odometer. It seemed to wake up somewhat at that point. I assume the engine management system works like other vehicles today and will gradually tune it up as mileage checkpoints are reached. I figure if that motor can power a ranger or razer, its certainly going to be enough in a quad.

Maybe you want to trade your almost new machine in on a camo model. Right now quick while it still looks good. In fact if the mileage is under 300, the dealer may still be able to sell it again with full factory warrantee, as a "demo".

NS Gearhead · May 15, 2014

The boys over on the polaris forum told me that a $75 bearing and about an hour's labor and I can have engine braking. The one way bearing in the primary clutch. Sounds good to me! I'll be asking my dealer next time I'm in. If that's the case I'll get it on my next serivce. I've got 15 hours on it already.

jimgerken · May 15, 2014

I think it involves a tighter belt also, at least on the Gator that is the case. So you might get er done under $300.

NS Gearhead · Jul 15, 2014

Yup, the dealership said around $300 with a new bearing, belt (different), and labor.

I take back what I said about power... dunno if it's because it's broken in, or because I'm more willing to hold the throttle open, but it's got all kinds of cahoneys.