Best 500 class utility atv

[jackel]

I am looking to purchase a 500 class atv, but which is the beast out there? I am looking for dependability, comfort and power. I ride fairly agressive. looking to spend about $5800-$6900. I have alraedy decide is will be a bike with IRS. Please anyone, give me your thoughts!

[MuddinCoastie]

Take a look at the Polaris 500.
I remember hearing it's the most popular 500 out there. I could be wrong though.

[Ccrane]

Polaris Sportsman 500 is the only bike currently in the 500 class with Electronic Fuel Injections, when you factor in the IRS, and more standard features than most ATV's currently on the market (hitch, back up lights, twin cylinder engine, more storage, etc)

If I was going to buy a 500 tomorrow.... I would take a LONG hard look at the 500 Sportsman. And I don't even like Polaris. That should tell ya somethin.

Ride Safe,

Chuck

[Mudtramp]

Originally Posted by jackel

I am looking for dependability, comfort and power. I ride fairly agressive.

Polaris would be my vote...I'm hard on my 700 and it's got plenty of power. So far I've never had any trouble with it except for what I've caused myself and talking about comfort, it's heaven! Polaris has the most versatile bikes in my opinion.

[jackel]

Thanks guys, I have heard a lot about the polaris 500 must are pros, but the one con that I keeps coming up is how the belt slips when it gets wet. Has this been a problem for any of Polaris owners? If so how do you prevent it? The last thing I would want is a Honda Recon to pull a Polaris 500 out of the mud!!!!!!!!!!

[jackel]

How does the maintainence fair on a Polaris. The honda that I have has been problem free for 5yrs. I do not want to spend $6-$7k on a atv and have problems a couple of months later. Dependabilty is high on my list.

[Ccrane]

Originally Posted by jackel

Thanks guys, I have heard a lot about the polaris 500 must are pros, but the one con that I keeps coming up is how the belt slips when it gets wet. Has this been a problem for any of Polaris owners? If so how do you prevent it? The last thing I would want is a Honda Recon to pull a Polaris 500 out of the mud!!!!!!!!!!

Snorkels. I've ridden with friends on Polaris machines of all sizes, some of which have never once had a problem with belt slippage.... some never solved the problem until they snorkeled.

Snorkels are well worth the time & effort (and expense) to keep from having the problems and lost riding time.

As for maintenance, it all depends on how you treat the machine. Bikes that spend alot of time in the mud, or aren't serviced regularly are of course likely to develop problems down the road. Honda is known for it's reliability and is hard to beat for long term low maintenance service, but unfortunately they don't offer an IRS model in the 500 class.

Ride Safe,

Chuck

[Mike]

Polaris has a really cool looking red one in the 500H.O. class. Mudtramp drools everytime she sees a picture of it.

[MuddinCoastie]

People always talk about belt slippage. It only happens in high range if you're in deep mud or trying to tow to much. Seeing as the stock snorkels for the belt are at the top of the gas tank, you have to go pretty damn deep to get water in the housing. Unless of course your seal is gone or it's cracked.

[Mudtramp]

Originally Posted by jackel

How does the maintainence fair on a Polaris. The honda that I have has been problem free for 5yrs. I do not want to spend $6-$7k on a atv and have problems a couple of months later. Dependabilty is high on my list.

With the polaris, there is a different kind of fluid to use in each area (engine, transmission, rear end and front end), therefore making it a little expensive when it comes time for maintenance, but I think it's worth it as I love the way mine has handled and held up within all the hell I've put it through...I haven't had any problems with anything going wrong with mine.....I bet I could build a house with all the trees that have run into my Polaris