grt1 Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 I went to dryden yesterday and talked myself into getting a quad, so today I looked around town here and am looking at a polaris as it is in my price range and can be handled by my wife but i would like some input from the members who have them to see if I should go the polaris way. Any comments would be appreciate it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 Yamaha or Honda, one fellow I know who is into this stuff will not take a Polaris unless there's a toolbox handy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 (edited) I've never put a wrench to my Yamaha's. The moto4 is from 1982, the breeze and big bear are from 1994. I think they all only have their second drink of oil in them as well. Can't kill'm. Edited October 26, 2010 by irishfield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallyboss Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 I would stay away from Polaris. I have a Kawasaki and wouldn't trade it for anything. make sure to get rid of the stock tires and get yourself some good ones you won't regret it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeter Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 Tracker has a polaris 500 5 years now and not 1 problem with it. he plows with it. pulls the huts out with it. even tows dead snowmobiles with it( should have NEVER let OPS in buckhorn touch my sled) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbouck Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 i bought a polaris a month ago, so far so good. the old owner used it once in 5 years and it wasn't started since. battery was toast and it started first pull Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dondorfish Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 Yup - as Skeeter said - love my Sportman. I have yet to find its limitations. I would buy another one in a heart beat! Only thing I did was add chains to the back tires ( for ice fishing Simcoe ) - pulls my 8 X 10 sleeper hut around like its not even there! Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeter Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 Yup - as Skeeter said - love my Sportman. I have yet to find its limitations. I would buy another one in a heart beat! Only thing I did was add chains to the back tires ( for ice fishing Simcoe ) - pulls my 8 X 10 sleeper hut around like its not even there! Don and even stops faster then the hut too----- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 There's no question that certain brands have built up better reputations than others for dependability etc. Generally the common factor is a strong dealer network and great parts support. One thing to keep in mind with all these rec type machines is having a great service/parts dealer close by unless you're a mechanical type who does all his own service work and doesn't mind waiting for parts from afar. After that it often comes down to how hard you are on the machine and how well you understand the mechanicals involved. Some guys could never figger out why I didn't have more mech problems with my toys. It was because I understood what was happening inside and treated the machine accordingly. Listen to Nascar guys talking. The crews will say the winning drivers just know what going on in the power train, and in the suspension, and the tires, etc etc. Get the lowdown on any local dealers and then make that at least a part of your decision. I've always contended that most of the big brands are actually pretty good. A lot of the after sale dependability really depends on how well the dealer does the pre-delivery. I used to strip my sleds and biked down to the basics and then reassemble them proplery. I found lots of little things I didn't like but by fixing or replacing them ahead of time like a good dealer should I avoided breakdowns on the trail. I used to feel a little bit sorry for those guys who went far afield to get the best deal or on a brand recommendation alone who later found themselves with a busted toy and a long wait for parts and service. My mean side also got a small kick out of seeing them suffer because they thought they were beating the system by not buying locally (from me, for instance). Ask the guys who give the strongest product recommendations if they have great dealer support. That's my 2 cents worth. JF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 Polaris has one of the lowest trade in values of the major brands. Electrical and suspension issues were a downfall in many models. Avoid chain driven rear axles. Often you get what you pay for in an ATV. If it won't be driven hard or often the Polaris may be good value. But if you plan on keeping it for a long time (like Wayne) your money may be better spent on a different brand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scugpg Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 I had one years ago and I wasn't happy with it. Would go Honda or Yamaha if I was to get one again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch312 Posted October 23, 2010 Report Share Posted October 23, 2010 (edited) Polaris has one of the lowest trade in values of the major brands. Electrical and suspension issues were a downfall in many models. Avoid chain driven rear axles. Often you get what you pay for in an ATV. If it won't be driven hard or often the Polaris may be good value. But if you plan on keeping it for a long time (like Wayne) your money may be better spent on a different brand. read this post and dont forget it!!!! ive had my my grizzly 700 with eps for 1.5 years and ride it nearly every weekend. ive put on more than 2000kms so far and the ONLY issue was a broken cv joint. the only reason it broke was from a rip in the boot that allowed crap to get in there. i have 1" wheel spacers and a 2" lift which cause severe strain on the suspension, axles, and joints with zero problems. my buddy put just a 2" lift in his polaris 700 and broke 2 axles after 15 minutes of riding... ive done literally hundreds of long wheelies, almost always hammer the gas, hit every mud hole i find, and quite frankly drive it likes it stolen. no problems even after doing dozens of water wheelies in 4-5ft+ of water either. its been rolled a dozen times including one going 40km/h (which really hurt), smashed into trees, flipped end over end once (i was knocked out from that one), and keeps on ticking. sure there are faster and smoother riding atv's out there, but if you want a machine that can take abuse i highly recommend the grizzly 700. i've seen so many polaris' with problems that id place a lot of $$$ on my machine for reliability...how about ownerships? that said, i ride in a group that ranges from 2 to 25 quads and i get to see a lot of machines get beat on. polaris is the last machine id ever own and would likely give up quading before owning one. they are fine for normal riding and use, but thats it. they are always the machines to break down first on our hardcore rides that involve racing and deep mud. last time out it took 3, 2500lb winches to haul out a broken polaris. 2 of them broke that day yamaha, kawi, and suzuki are by far the best for dependability. my machine has now convinced 4 others in our group to switch to grizzly 700's and they couldnt be happier... a pic that sums up my style of riding and then a pic of what the polaris guys get to see all the time...my rear end Edited October 23, 2010 by ch312 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattletrap2 Posted October 24, 2010 Report Share Posted October 24, 2010 I've had a Polaris 500 X2 (two seater machine) for three years now. I don't ride it hard and try to take good care of it. It is a tool for working around the yard and plowing all winter. Been very good so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grt1 Posted October 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 I want to thank everyone who answered this post. I took into consideration everything you guys said and ended up getting a yamaha 450 eps (with a winch and snow plow and 2 years extended warranty thrown in) from the dealer in Ear Falls . now all I have to do is wait for the snow to fly. by the way, i got a call from the polsris dealer today and he was going to sell me the polaris for 1100 more than i paid for the yamaha. he was going to charge me for the plow and winch. I guess it pays to shop around, even in the smaller markets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch312 Posted October 27, 2010 Report Share Posted October 27, 2010 I want to thank everyone who answered this post. I took into consideration everything you guys said and ended up getting a yamaha 450 eps (with a winch and snow plow and 2 years extended warranty thrown in) from the dealer in Ear Falls . now all I have to do is wait for the snow to fly. by the way, i got a call from the polsris dealer today and he was going to sell me the polaris for 1100 more than i paid for the yamaha. he was going to charge me for the plow and winch. I guess it pays to shop around, even in the smaller markets. NICE! you'll be very glad that you didnt get a popo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dozer Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 Great purchase! I was going to add get a Yamaha or Kawasaki. Never forget, a poorly treated Yamaha is much worse than a well taken care of Polaris. Take proper care of her and she'll keep goin' for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perchslayer666 Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 That's it I'm buying a Yami or Honda for sure !! Almost got sucked in the Polaris trap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityfisher Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 I've had a Polaris 500 X2 (two seater machine) for three years now. I don't ride it hard and try to take good care of it. It is a tool for working around the yard and plowing all winter. Been very good so far. i have the same quad.. an 06.... its been awesome over the past couple years... workhorse ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbouck Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 I'll see how my popo goes with these on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basskicker Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 I want to thank everyone who answered this post. I took into consideration everything you guys said and ended up getting a yamaha 450 eps (with a winch and snow plow and 2 years extended warranty thrown in) from the dealer in Ear Falls . now all I have to do is wait for the snow to fly. by the way, i got a call from the polsris dealer today and he was going to sell me the polaris for 1100 more than i paid for the yamaha. he was going to charge me for the plow and winch. I guess it pays to shop around, even in the smaller markets. That's the exact ATV that I plan on purchasing next spring....if you don't mind saying..what was the final cost out the door? Just trying to figure out if I should buy from the U.S. or Canada. Congrats on the sweet ride!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch312 Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 That's the exact ATV that I plan on purchasing next spring....if you don't mind saying..what was the final cost out the door? Just trying to figure out if I should buy from the U.S. or Canada. Congrats on the sweet ride!!! i was going to buy new, but its a waste of money buying any new vehicle. i believe hully gully in london was by far the cheapest dealer in ontario for the grizzly 700 to the tune of $2-2500 cheaper than the local dealer i'll assume they'd have the best price on a kodiak as well. i also looked into buying from the US. after all was said and done i would have saved about $2k to get a machine from the US. it would have been delivered to the border where i'd have to get it inspected before bringing it home. there are websites out there that give you step by step instructions on buying from the states along with who you need to contact. is there a reason you are looking at a smaller machine? with EPS its very easy controlling the full size atv's and i had no problems on tight trails following my buddy on his 450 before he upgraded to a 700. the 700 is only 10 lbs heavier than the 450 as well at 600lbs dry. its also much easier plowing and towing with the more powerful machine. i know everyone is different, but this year alone 3 of the guys i ride with have upgraded to bigger machines after owning 350's-500's. its cheaper in the long run to get the machine you really want instead of upgrading later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch312 Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 I'll see how my popo goes with these on those look like a good all terrain tire that should be good in the mud as well...much like my mud lite xtr radials. what are they? speaking of tires...i dont think ill ever buy a non radial atv tire again. i have 26" itp mud lite xtr's that came with my machine. they now have about 2500kms on them and there is barely any wear at all which is very impressive considering the amount of time ive spent on old rail trails and paved roads. radials provide much better traction and are very wear resistant. the next set of rubbers will be 27" outlaw radials...aka THE BEST all terrain tire out there that last even longer than the xtr's i have Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbouck Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 those look like a good all terrain tire that should be good in the mud as well...much like my mud lite xtr radials. what are they? speaking of tires...i dont think ill ever buy a non radial atv tire again. i have 26" itp mud lite xtr's that came with my machine. they now have about 2500kms on them and there is barely any wear at all which is very impressive considering the amount of time ive spent on old rail trails and paved roads. radials provide much better traction and are very wear resistant. the next set of rubbers will be 27" outlaw radials...aka THE BEST all terrain tire out there that last even longer than the xtr's i have They are 25" Mudgears. Reviews say they are great in the snow and sand and good in the mud, not the best but good and last forever. Seeing as how I need it for sand and snow it seemed like a good choice. Plus they look awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch312 Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 They are 25" Mudgears. Reviews say they are great in the snow and sand and good in the mud, not the best but good and last forever. Seeing as how I need it for sand and snow it seemed like a good choice. Plus they look awesome! they look like they'll do well. could ya give us a report after you test them out? it really is difficult to find the best tires for your needs here in ontario as we have pretty much every type of terrain...hard pack trails, clay, swamps, sand, ice, snow, rocks, many different types of mud, etc. there are many tires out there that are made for one or two types of terrain, but finding a happy medium isnt easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris.brock Posted October 29, 2010 Report Share Posted October 29, 2010 I have an 05 Polaris Trail Blazer, it's a basic, small, 250 two stroke, simple to fix and service, it's been great, no fixing as of yet (knock on wood) and I am happy with it's performance I'm also a Yamaha fan, 2 outboards, 1 sled and 1 scooter plus many other Yamaha products in the past (even my guitar is a Yamaha), you made a good choice with the Yamaha, enjoy, post the adventures you and your new Yamaha have Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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