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geaux7122 
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Sep 2011
35 posts
| Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 10:57 am)
I am in the market for a new atv and came across a good deal on a 2005 Polaris sportsman 500. I have only owned Honda racing bikes, so I wanted to get the OB's opinion on Polaris atvs. Are they as reliable as Honda? Mostly going to be used at the hunting camp and trail riding.
Thanks in advance!
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banone74
LSU Fan
Member since Oct 2006
219 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:22 am to geaux7122)
I've got an 04 model, bought new, never had a problem with it, still runs well to this day. Not much info but all I got
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bbvdd 
Alabama Fan
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
6557 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:26 am to banone74)
Grease Monkey who works on them says that the Polaris 500 is the best motor on ATVs right now.
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BarDTiger81
LSU Fan
nurfeast lowsyana
Member since Jul 2011
15639 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:35 am to geaux7122)
I have an 800 and will never sale. Will have a 500 one day for the wife.
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tigah headache
LSU Fan
Member since Nov 2011
353 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:37 am to geaux7122)
Never been a fan of polaris atvs. Like the rangers, but I've seen way too many older Polaris atvs break down and have electrical problems. As for the newer ones (2010-up) I have no quarrel.
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Slickback
LSU Fan
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
22002 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:47 am to geaux7122)
They are the best EVER or worthless POSs, depends on who you ask.
They have a lot of power and a nice ride but some are haunted by electrical nightmares.
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geaux7122
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Sep 2011
35 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:48 am to geaux7122)
I appreciate all the input. From my understanding they are just as reliable as Honda but with a better ride. Every one I know has ether a rancher or foreman. I don't want to buy something that turns into a money pit.
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tigah headache
LSU Fan
Member since Nov 2011
353 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:51 am to geaux7122)
I've owned Yamaha atvs all my life and my next wheeler will be a rincon or foreman FWIW. Getting to where I hate a belt driven transmission.
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Bill Parker?
Member since Jan 2013
646 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 12:01 pm to tigah headache)
Great bikes, but you will spend some money on service. I've been on the same Honda for 14 years, and I've only paid for batteries and replacement parts that have worn out (fuel lines, air filter).
The way used ATVs tend to be priced, I'd buy a new one, even if you have to finance it. That way you baby it and keep it forever. My kid will end up riding mine in a few years when I get a new one.
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Nascar Fan
LSU Fan
Columbia La.
Member since Jul 2011
9861 posts
 Online
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 3:37 pm to geaux7122)
Best riding machine out there 
I think mine is a 2000 but not sure & is still going strong
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JAB528
LSU Fan
Member since Jun 2012
11270 posts
Online
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 3:45 pm to Nascar Fan)
Stop lyin, you ragged the shite out that machine. 
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greasemonkey
Alabama Fan
Macclenny Fl aka south JAWJA
Member since Aug 2012
1408 posts
Online
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 3:46 pm to Slickback)
quote:
They have a lot of power and a nice ride but some are haunted by electrical nightmares.
They have fixed the electical issues..
OP call adealer with the vin# and make sure the recall has been handled on the surepower control box. if it hasnt just ask owner to have it done first.
all they do is swap out an elecrical box that controls the fan and other acc.
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Nascar Fan
LSU Fan
Columbia La.
Member since Jul 2011
9861 posts
Online
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 3:47 pm to JAB528)
quote:
Stop lyin, you ragged the shite out that machine.
Naw that's my RZR
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greasemonkey
Alabama Fan
Macclenny Fl aka south JAWJA
Member since Aug 2012
1408 posts
Online
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 3:54 pm to tigah headache)
quote:
I've owned Yamaha atvs all my life and my next wheeler will be a rincon or foreman FWIW. Getting to where I hate a belt driven transmission.
donr get electric shift on the foreman and as an atv mechanic I would never own a rincon or rubicon
the TRANNYS COST BIG MONEY TO FIX ON THEM.
Manual shift hondas are ok but ride and pull like shite with no power compared to yamaha and polaris.
Put a good cluth kit and make sure the belt box is sealed good and you will never have a problem. and if you do get mud in the belt box remove it and clean and will last foeva
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Carson123987
LSU Fan
Middle Court at The Rec
Member since Jul 2011
23187 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 4:09 pm to geaux7122)
do not want
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Rize
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2011
366 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 5:50 pm to geaux7122)
I don't know if I would say the are just as reliable as a Honda but they are good bikes. As far as reliability Honda takes number one but you give up power for the reliability.
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Contender54
LSU Fan
the Enn Oh
Member since Jan 2009
236 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 10:54 pm to Rize)
My '97 Sportsman 500 still runs strong and it has been neglected and abused for years.
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Aristo
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2007
2774 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/8/13 at 11:38 pm to geaux7122)
My 05 Sportsman 800 had the cluch explode into at least 30 pieces. I'm the only person that has ever had this happen to I'm sure, but on a positive note, it was an easy do it yourself repair.
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BarDTiger81
LSU Fan
nurfeast lowsyana
Member since Jul 2011
15639 posts
| re: Opinion on Polaris atvs (Posted on 2/10/13 at 8:15 am to geaux7122)
Geaux- if you like the Polaros get it. Great ride, power to spare and it will take care of you as long as you don't sink it in mud and water every weekend.
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