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Thoughts on Polaris Sportsman 400 HO

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tommyruff
50cc nipper


Joined: 25 Nov 2010
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:48 pm Post subject: Thoughts on Polaris Sportsman 400 HO Reply with quote Back to top

Hi
I am in the market for a quad and had been thinking Chinese , CF Moto but am now thinking about the 2011 model Polaris Sportsman 400 HO.
The chassis is now the same size as the 500 HO and engine size is 455cc , so I can't see the benefit in an extra 50cc for another $1000
Comes with 2 year warranty.

I will be using the quad initially for surf fishing on boggy beaches, but also plan to possibly use it as a hunting rig.

What are peoples thoughts on the Polaris quads, in particular the Sportsman range?
 
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Barney
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:23 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Have a look at the Yamaha grizzly 450 and even the can am outlander
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tommyruff
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Joined: 25 Nov 2010
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:52 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Had a quick look and I think they are out of my price range.

The Polaris Sportsman 400 HO are going for $8695 in the month of April. Not sure if the price will hold in May.

The 500 HO is $9695
 
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Barney
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:01 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

approach a dealer as there is some great deals to be had , even have alook at some second hand ones
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Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps
 
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tommyruff
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Joined: 25 Nov 2010
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:35 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

I really don't know much about 4wd quads to be quiet honest. So why do you think the Grizzly or Outlander would be a better quad?

Reliability?
Features?
After sales service?
Availability for parts?

Is there anything about the Polaris you don't like in particular?

Just looking for people's opinions.
 
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Dino
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Joined: 19 Aug 2009
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:45 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

tommyruff wrote:
I really don't know much about 4wd quads to be quiet honest. So why do you think the Grizzly or Outlander would be a better quad?

Reliability?
Features?
After sales service?
Availability for parts?

Is there anything about the Polaris you don't like in particular?

Just looking for people's opinions.

Other than duds, tommy, and all the manufacturers have a few, most are reliable, you chose the features you like, the lottery of after sales service is just that, parts availability is probably better with the japanese brands although the reality is that you should need very little in the way of parts on a new quad. Just servicing, and warranty should cover the rest.

I'm not a fan of hard plastic boxes, but that is just me.
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tommyruff
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Joined: 25 Nov 2010
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:44 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

I have just noticed that Polaris quads have done away with the pull start feature and am curious how many other manufacturers have gone down this path.

I would have thought that it would have been nice to still have a pull start.

I would like to know if you guys have had any experience whereby the pull start has come in handy.

I suppose a dual battery setup would give a bit more peace of mind.

Hey Dino, did you ever get that CF Moto X6, and if so, what do you think of it?
 
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Dino
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:15 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Hi Tommyruff
Re the pull starts.....
All the jap and, I believe, all the North American manufacturers have ditched them to save some coin, They can be sometimes had as a option but I wouldn't hold my breath.
CF Moto, GOES( Is the same bike),TJB and Kymco still offer them. I had sticky solonoid on mine and was bloody glad that I had the back up. Even though we don't ride alone, a plan B is good peace of mind. Not all bikes have enough room to fit a auxilary battery but the jumper leads don't need to be big, so whatever floats your boat.
We haven't got the X6 yet. The GEC and a neck operation have put our plans on hold for now. But have ridden it enough to know we like. The extra torque and improved switchgear are nice...Rolls eyes
For what it's worth, if you've up to about 10 grand to spend on a new bike, any of the Asian bikes above will certainly make you happy. This link gives a few reviews and videos from here in Aus.
http://www.quadsales.com.au/Reviews/tabid/6182/Default.aspx
The other "big name" bikes are better in some areas, but not by the thousands of extra dollars being asked IMO. It really depends what you want, because it will be your bike.
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tommyruff
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:39 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Dino wrote:
This link gives a few reviews and videos from here in Aus.
http://www.quadsales.com.au/Reviews/tabid/6182/Default.aspx


Yes I've seen the reviews from that site.
I'm just waiting on an Adelaide dealer to get some Cfmoto or Kymco quads in so I can have a good look at them.

So your pretty impressed with the next gen Cfmotos ?
 
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Dino
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:45 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

[/quote]

So your pretty impressed with the next gen Cfmotos ?[/quote]
Yes. Good gear.
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mininjack
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Joined: 14 May 2011
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PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2011 10:49 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Hi Tommyruff
Been a while since you started this post so you probably already bought something but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents worth.
I bought an 07 sportsman 500 in Feb. After a few initial problems with electrics, the 500 is unstoppable and keeps up with my mates can am 650 and 800 on the tighter tracks but they blow me off on open roads.
A bit of dielectric grease fixed the electrics.
Theres a polaris forum run out of the US that has lots of info on all polaris models. Judging by some of their posts, Polaris' after market service leaves a lot to be desired.
Hope this helps you out a bit.
 
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tommyruff
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Joined: 25 Nov 2010
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PostPosted: Sun May 15, 2011 10:45 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Hi mininjack

No I haven't bought a quad yet. Good you hear you are enjoying your polaris.
Yes I have been to that US Polaris site and have previously asked a few questions. Home of the Polaris with a wealth of info.

Just investigating the possibility of importing a Polaris from the USA atm.
 
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X-Factor 1
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PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2011 9:23 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

just going by what you first started this thread with i would look at reliable,easy to maintain and clean,i dont think importing is the way to go
(works out about the same) polaris are ideal for what you are wanting to do.
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tommyruff
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Joined: 25 Nov 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2011 12:08 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

X-Factor 1 wrote:
just going by what you first started this thread with i would look at reliable,easy to maintain and clean,i dont think importing is the way to go
(works out about the same) polaris are ideal for what you are wanting to do.


I know what you mean. I'm in 2 minds in this regard.
Save money minus 2 years warranty, or 2 yrs warranty and peace of mind.
 
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Barney
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PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2011 1:14 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

The warranty is always a good thing to have , never say never , if its got an engine and wheels its bound to have troubles , anything does cars trucks and so forth
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2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps
 
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tommyruff
50cc nipper


Joined: 25 Nov 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Sat May 28, 2011 11:25 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Pulled the trigger and have just put a deposit on a Polaris Sportsman 400 HO

with one of the agents in Adelaide.
Probably take a few weeks to get it.
 
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Barney
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PostPosted: Sat May 28, 2011 3:30 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Well done , hope to see a pic on here in the next few weeks
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2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps
 
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fox'n
90cc 2 stroke / 110 4 stroke


Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Posts: 61
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PostPosted: Sat May 28, 2011 5:38 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

I don't think you will be dissapointed.I have a 600 sportsman.Apart from changing a belt, a battery(this time I bought a dekka) and a temp sensor it has been bulletproof.The comment on service is true, not too many know anything about them it seems.There is the odd good dealer though I would imagine. I do, and have done every service on mine,and it runs like clockwork still.
Have fun!!
FOX,N
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Jon
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Joined: 15 Sep 2011
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PostPosted: Thu May 10, 2012 6:25 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

tommyruff,

How'd you go with your polaris sportsman 400?????

The dealer here has it going for $8000 drive away at the moment. Im gonna use it with a spray tank and it has a 20kg rear rack weight advantage over the suzuki 400 and honda 420. Plus its $1000-2000 cheaper.

any reliability issues???

cheers

Jon
 
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tommyruff
50cc nipper


Joined: 25 Nov 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Thu May 10, 2012 8:18 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Hi Jon,

From memory I have only done 25hrs on it, so I can't comment on longevity.
I took it to Yalata South Australia on a fishing trip November 2011. Carrying 70 litre esky on back along with a passenger and fishing gear on the beach and through the sand dunes. Pretty soft stuff and it handled it well. Plenty of grunt, but I must admit it was heavy on fuel. To be expected I suppose with the weight and soft sand. I have been told generally that carby Polaris ATVs are heavier on fuel compared to competitors. Also when they are new they are heavy on fuel but do improve over time. Maybe someone else can comment on this.
I plan on another trip to Yalata in October 2012.
When I have time I might post some pics.

regards tommyruff
 
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