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Posted by: Dave Iskierka
Gordon !!! Here's part of your post from 8/12
"Don, I seriously doubt that Polaris is the only quad on the planet that has left a rider stranded on the trail, but it IS the only brand I've seen do so in nearly three years of ATV riding. I'm not counting failures like flat tires or running out of gas, but only electrical and/or mechanical failures that left the quad unable to carry its rider out. And so far I've seen nothing do this but Polaris, and to the order of about eight times in my 33 months of experience.
Gordon, didn't you just witness a Kawasaki being towed out from "Quads on the Rocks" less than a month ago.....Case closed
Posted by: Dave Iskierka
Gordon wrote:
Oh Dave! Really now! I am very disappointed in you for such a cheap shot when you know the truth about that story!
:) I had too....But Gordon, maybe, just maybe that clamp and hose is a design defect from Kawasaki... :)
[This message has been edited by Dave Iskierka (edited 08-23-1999).]
Posted by: Dave Iskierka
Lighten up, it was all in jest :) I think even Gordon realized that.
Posted by: trx430ex
Getting back to the question,sgtshultzy(how do you pronounce that)If you can hold out another month or two. There's one or two y2k Honda's that haven't been released yet.Polaris,s linupfor 2000 is fully released Honda's rice has not finished cooking yet.
The only market they don't compete in yet is sport\uit.And Honda must be doumbfoundingly envius of the polaris scrambler sales record.Ohh to get a piece of that sales pie.
In a short few months, I beleve these late releases coming soon may intrest you.Either a bigger uitily or a sport/uit Or both.
Think of Honda, As the theam from jaws ;; ;; ;; ;; ;;;; ;;;; They come slowly but when they come, Chaaump!! on the compitition,s sales pie with a big sloppy grin.(god I,m gonna take heat for this),
Good luck in your shopping,Be paychint(msp)Check out everything you need.And when you look at honda,s,Compare the ES to the S and compare your likes and dislikes they are different.
PS.Have had 450ES for 900 miles so far No problems!!
talon400 You may want to count your chickens again,I fear some may be missing.
[This message has been edited by trx430ex (edited 08-17-1999).]
Posted by: trx430ex
For your information,300,400exs,400,450s and es are made in marrysville ohio or there new plant in North caralina.With union labor.I would like to see more quality american made goods,But you have to admit, those japanese can build a dependable motor.
Hears a question talon400 do you think you could out drag a 387lb 52hp 1999 400EX.
PS Honda is not just america and japan they are global.When do you think Polaris will compete globaly?
Posted by: Robert Venable
Anybody remember how many 400ex owners had problems with there quads in the old fourm?
There were about 7 of them. It was the samething when Honda came out with the Foreman 400. What about the 98 Grizzlies? Didn't they have some kind of front end problems.
On the other hand check out Arctic Cat. How many Arctic Cats have left there owners stranded? I don't know any. Ask AC454 how many times he has rolled his quad, jumped a V.W. Beetle.
Everyone talks about how they have only been making quads since 96, so you can't tell if they will last. If you want a record look at Suzuki, they make ALL of Arctic Cats motors.
Want to see how strong the frame is? Ask AC454 if he has changed his frame yet. He did replace his handle bars, one of his shocks, and a few other things but this was after he flipped his quad how many times? So far I think Arctic Cat has had 2 recalls: one was for the 300's brakes, they had defecive brake pads on the back of a few, ansd the other is in the Arctic Cat section.
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Arctic Cat 500, Not your average Kitty, The New King Of the Jungle
Posted by: Robert Venable
Not mad at you. I'm mad at every one who says Arctic Cats aren't reliable because they are only 3 or 4 years old. The 450es isn't that old but since it has Honda on it it must be reliable. All I as is that every one give each and every quad a chance. Look at the Magnum 500, they are made by Polaris but I have yet to here one thing wrong with them.
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Arctic Cat 500, Not your average Kitty, The New King Of the Jungle
Posted by: Jerry
I must say that yes my Magnum is new(low hours) but I just could not be happier. I just put my Goodyear Mudrunners on tonight and can hardly wait for sunday (only day I can get to ride). Going up to the Smith river canyon area of Northern Cal. and see how she works. Last time out was like taking a girl out on the first date, had to get to know her. This time will be a little less timid.
I have given it a thorough look over and everything looks just fine! I have no answer as to the supposed "reliability problem" of Polaris, I heard it all too, before I bought mine but I just could not let that stand in the way of feature benefits for price paid. Dollar for dollar I think the Polaris outshines the competition. Anyway hope you're happy with what ever your choice is. I am with mine!
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Donald J. Dickinson 99 Magnum 500, 99 Sport 400L Ooh yeah!
Posted by: Jerry
Chucky....
So is Polaris the only quad on the planet that has left a rider stranded out on the trail??? Get real! If you don't like the quad thats one thing, but to make an ambiguous at best statement like that is something else. And yeah, I guess I'm one of those uninformed, newbee, no nothing about atv so he buys polaris, atv buyers!
Well let me tell ya I've had a LOT of motorcycles of various makes and models thru my life and not one of them has EVER been totally and completely reliable as you seem to allude, and yes Honda and Yamaha are included in that mix. You guys just frost me with your one sidedness. I actually made my decision partially based on the negative comments made on the old forum, and now this. Yes, I'm quite sure that Polaris has some problems, but I KNOW that Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki et al have them too!
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Donald J. Dickinson 99 Magnum 500, 99 Sport 400L Ooh yeah!
Posted by: Tree Farmer
Talon400, have you information on a new Honda automatic transmission?
Tree Farmer
[This message has been edited by atvbbs (edited 08-27-1999).]
Posted by: Tree Farmer
Dave Iskierka, I must clarify the incident you reference in your post of 08/17!
Your case is hardly "closed" by Gordon Banks witnessing a Kawasaki towed from the field (amid the jeers of the populace).
Why? Because the malfunction in question was a result of incorrect user-level maintenance, i.e., incorrectly torqued carburetor hose clamp, a maintenance oversight that cannot legitimately be charged to Kawasaki design, construction, materials, or workmanship!
Score this one against the rider, not the manufacturer.
The rider installed the carburetor in its rubber hoses; he affixed the hose clamps; and he tightened them adequately (he thought). Obviously, he didn't. Unless, some member of the vast Polaris conspiracy sneaked up on his quad while it rested in his pickup bed the night before and willfully sabotaged his ride, surreptitiously loosening the hose clamp . . .
(By the way, where were YOU, Dave, on the evening of July 16, 1999? Did anyone see you there? Are they willing to swear to it?)
Anyway, one thing seems clear: if it's loose, Tasker's Gap will shake it off!
Actually, the rider CHOSE evacuation instead of a trailside repair, because his quad was blocking a one-quad wide trail, the weather was HOT, he'd completed well-over thirty miles of hard riding at the end of the day, and willing (well, maybe not WILLING. Uh, reluctant, but capable?) transport was available to evacuate him to a more comfortable workshop.
If the rider had addressed his problem further in the field, I'm confident in his own quiet way even he, with all his ineptness, would have discovered it!
Further, the rider had the means to fix it with him (a screwdriver)!
Failure of the rider to perform corrective maintenance at his level, whatever his reason (fatigue, laziness, unwillingness to block a one-quad trail, obsessive focus on approaching dinner reservations at the wonderful River'd Inn) does not fault a machine's design or manufacture.
Tree Farmer
[This message has been edited by Tree Farmer (edited 08-19-1999).]
[This message has been edited by Tree Farmer (edited 08-19-1999).]
[This message has been edited by atvbbs (edited 08-27-1999).]
Posted by: Tree Farmer
Your historical facts appear accurate, armyman, but tell me: did Fred Nietsche ever finish higher than second in any GNCC or MX he entered?
J.C. Baloun, you must admit Frank Kafka's point standings impressive, especially given his high number of DNF's!
I refer you both to Sam Beckett's play, "Waiting For Quadot." (I think TNN is showing a movie version this fall.)
Tree Farmer
Posted by: TRXter
Have to agree with Chuck as far as reputations go. The Japaneese have earned their standing as builders of well designed, well built, long lasting, mass produced quads and motorcycles over a long period of time. If you buy from one of the big four you have a pretty good chance of out growing it or getting bored with it long before it wears out.
Honda rider since 1980
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TRXter
400EX
Posted by: Chuck_Kreuzer
Personally, I have only owned Honda and Yamaha ATV's, and can highly recommend them as far as reliability and ruggedness. The Japanese have been doing this for a lot longer that the newcomers like Polaris, and I think Polaris is going through the typical growing pains associated with new products. I have friends that have owned/still own Polaris quads. BOTH of them have had MORE problems than what I have experienced and thought was acceptable. I keep hearing that the 98 and newer Polaris models are much better than the older ones. Well, of these two friends, one owns a 98 Sport and the other owned a 99 Sport (he traded it for a Honda after it stranded him for the 3rd time), so the issue with newer is better must mean that the older ones were worse. I suppose it all depends on what is considered acceptable as far as reliability. To me, getting stranded due to an internal engine or electrical failure is totally unacceptable, even one time. Maintenance issues are another concern of mine. I don't like the idea of needing to grease a zillion fittings after every ride. I want to ride, not repair and maintain. I am not saying that Polaris (or any other manufacturer) cannot make good quads. There's plenty of people in the Polaris threads to boast about how good their quads are. I'm only stating what I have seen. Other people see it differently. The one thing that is NOT disputed is that there IS a reputation of poor reliability with Polaris. Some will argue that it is not valid. Some may even claim that it is totally the opposite (their friends on rice quads break more than they do, can't go where they go, etc.).
I will be purchasing another quad for my wife within the next year. I won't consider a Polaris.
This may be stretching it a bit, but my impression of people that buy a Polaris is that of first or second time buyers with not a whole lot of experience. I'll probably catch a lot of flack for that one, and I'm sure there are exceptions, but by and large, that's what I see. It's the third time or more buyer that typically knows what does what and makes an educatued decision. For some people, Polaris makes the right quad. Not for me. But then I'm not a utility or 4x4 quad buyer either.
Posted by: Chuck_Kreuzer
Jer,
Sounds like you're upset. I even said that I thought what I wrote would tick some people off. Guess I was right. Did I say that rice quads don't strand people? No. What I SAID is that I think it is unacceptable to be stranded for a major engine or electrical failure, which has NEVER happened to me or the dozens of people I have ridden with over the last 24 years unless it was due to owner neglect, or in the case of the Polaris owners, a manufacturing problem. Owner neglect can screw anything up, but buying a brand new quad, and having it stop running in the middle of nowhere after being "ok'd" buy the dealer... TWICE!!!... is what I am talking about. This should not be acceptable to anyone!!! I didn't even mention the Sport 400 that I saw in the shop that the mechanics were looking at as I was buying my Banshee. It turned out that the Sport was new and only after a few hours the piston had a hole in it. Oil was fine, jetting was stock and there were no air leaks. How do I KNOW this... I asked! I actually was considering one for my wife at the time. What the heck do you call that? On a NEW quad too! And this ISN'T an isolated incident. So far, I have heard THREE different Polaris owners say the exact same thing happened to their sport 400's. I'm sorry, but to me, that says something about the design and manufacturing of a company. It tells me that there is some serious problems with consistent reliability. It tells me to be afraid, be very afraid!!! And I can't say that I have SEEN that type of problem on a new rice quad. It probably happens, but not to nearly as many.
So, if you cannot admit that there is at least SOME valid reasons that Polaris has the reputation it has, then you are a good candidate to join the "Polaris Denial Club". It's the place where No Polaris quads break, No Polaris quads ever get beat in a race and where No Polaris quads get stuck in what a rice quad just 4 wheeled through. It's laughable to me now. It's like you all were forced to watch a brainwashing video right after buying the Polaris. Give ME a break! This isn't bashing, it is simply what I have seen with my own eyes! Maybe your quads are great. Fine! I don't doubt it. You are one of the lucky ones. Keep buying them. I don't really care who buys what. What I do take issue with is that I have had a pretty darn long time to evaluate the different brands of quads and motorcycles in my lifetime, and it seems that according to EVERYONE except the rare happy Polaris owners, Polaris has a bad rep, and for GOOD reason. But STILL there are the people that say it's all a bunch of crud. Yeah, right. We made the stories up, just to hurt their sales. We are actually all a bunch of communists waiting to take over the world, and we are obviously starting our attack on Minnesota! Our first target for propoganda is POLARIS!!! Oh, sorry, that's what we are doing NEXT week.
Posted by: Keith Rose
SgtShultzy, allow me to get back to your question about the Magnum 500 and Polaris reliability. Maybe we can get this thread back on track.
I've had the same question you've had for about 4 months now. the bottom line.....I'll take delivery on my Magnum 500 on Saturday. But I have to admit, I'm nervous about it.
I've ridden almost every utility and sport/utility quad made over the past few months. I've owned Honda (250X, 200E), Kawasiki (300 2x4) and Polaris (250 Trail Boss) in the past. I never had a problem with the Hondas or the Polaris. The Kawi was extremely cold-natured and never idled smoothly, even when new. I have not considered Arctic Cat because they are so new and unproven. I have not considered Suzuki because they make the most unreliable outboard motors on the planet, and call it closed-mindedness, but I can't get past that fact to think about one of their quads.
I very, very seriously considered the Honda 450ES. In fact, I've ridden one 4 times! And Gordon Banks very generously gave me about 4 hours of his time last month to talk more about the Hondas. Gordon has a fantastic machine that I would love to own.....but I don't want to spend another $2,000 in mods after spending $5,700 on a new 450ES.
In my opinion, after riding everything out there, is the Magnum 500 is the most fun and nimble utility quad out there. It is amazing to me how 647 pounds of quad can feel so light when it's under you, but it does. On the other hand, the Yamahas and Hondas feel heavy and stiff, and fairly unresponsive unless heavily modified.
Why am I nervous about buying the Magnum? In a word, reliability. I'll write a $6,000 check on Saturday. I want the machine to work for me. Basically, because this machine is so much more fun and responsive than anything out there in the utility 4x4 class, I'm willing to "face the music" on the reliability issue.
Like you, I read all the posts about Polaris reliability issues. But don't let sample size fool you. Keep in mind that Polaris has more market share than Yamaha, Kawi and Suzuki combined. There are many, many more Polaris machines out there in service to break down. The Japanese certainly have an edge in the quality arena.....there is no doubting that fact. Honda makes a great machine that is very reliable......and boring when it comes to the utility class.
I'm going to move ahead with my Magnum purchase. I just wish I could somehow find out what Honda will be coming out with during the winter.
Keep riding everything and make a decision you can live with. There are clear sacrifices (or risks?) one makes in buying a Polaris. But I'm not willing to make sacrifices in the "fun" and "comfort" categories in which Polaris excels and the Japanese manufactureres, in general, do not in the utility class. And isn't that what it's all about? Fun? Sure, getting stranded in the woods would NOT be my idea of fun. But with very close attention to maintenance, and reasonable (non-abusive) riding, I believe the Magnum will fully meet my needs.
Good luck!
Keith Rose
Northport, Alabama
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Gordon and I share the same opinion on Polaris reliability, but then you know what they say about opinions. I bet if you add up every major mechanical and electrical failure of Hondas, Kawasakis, Yamahas, Arctic Cats, and Suzukis discussed in this forum over the last two years and compare them with the number of Polaris problems, the numbers wont be very far off. This topic has been beat to death so something is up here. Why is it that everyone seems to bash Polaris and not any other manufacturer? Where did this bad reputation idea emerge from? Why do Polaris owners seem to be the most loyal to their brand also? Why are they so quick to defend any negative comment made about Polaris in general? Makes you wonder don't it.
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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Chuck, --- rice quad--- Heh heh heh, that cracked me up for a good five minutes. I saw where you got me in the polaris thread for saying Polaris had neat ideas and appealed to all riders. Remember that I'm not one of thos Polaris Loyalists now. I just can't dump off negative stuff about them all the time. Don't want a bad rep here. I also know they don't make a true sport bike, but thats a technicality. You could pretty much see what I meant on that one. They appeal to a large number of different type riders. Thats better o.k. rice quad, I still love that.
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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Hey Talon 400 who was the first to make engine braking a standard feature? uhh... Yamaha if i remember right. Sure Polaris made these trannies for a while. Then the others just copied the idea. Thats what engineers are for. They see what Polaris had trouble with and improved over all that time, and then took precautions. How come it seems as if all of the articles that you read seem to find something about a new automatic that they find better than the Polaris Automatic? It seems like everyone else is sealed up better than Polaris. The Quadmaster Suzuki is supposed to give better engine braking than anything else tested so far as well. Shoot, its brand new. Just cause you haven't been doing something for a long time doesn't mean you can't do it right. And Honda, they don't make an automatic, yet that is. They may in the near future. As for now, they made an easy access transmission for the ES, but at the same time kept it reliable by not going with a belt driven automatic. The new Suzuki/ Arctic Cat transmission seems like an improvement over the original Polaris design to me. The Yamaha transmissions seem better as well. Not to say that the Polaris is bad, just writing what I have read in magazines. More experience making the same thing year after year isn't better, better is better. That is what pre-production testing is for. The other automatics are no less reliable than the Polaris automatics, and in many people's opinions, they have their advantages over the Polaris auto.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Trx430ex has a good point about Honda getting a piece of the sales pie. If they want it bad enough, they can get it. Just look where the attention went when the 400 ex showed up on the scene. Before it came out, people were like "Honda.. yeah the 250 was a baaad bike, but the 300 ex isn't anything to brag about". Then it changed to,"Honda's coming out with a 400 sport bike?, Based on a 250r frame", "Man, I gotta see this!" If they put out a sport utility, get ready to see heads turn and quads get traded in! When it comes to Honda, the ball is always on their court.
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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*
Posted by: Andy Bassham
The sportsman will outperform anything else in my honest opinion. Its fast, stable, comfortable, handles well, turns sharp, has good torque, and a good 4wd system.
The sportsman will out perform anything else on the market..... WHEN IT IS NOT BROKEN DOWN.
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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Why change something that people continue to keep buying? Just because you personally don't like the unchanged Honda lineup doesn't mean other people don't. If you want to get down to it, the largest majority of quad owners are utility bike owners, and an overwhelming majority of them are not on this ATV forum or any other for that matter. These are everyday Joes that buy a quad for a purpose and don't get all caught up in speed, performance, suspension, or modifations. They want a good bike that will do its job and last a long time. They could care less that the 300 hasn't been changed. Honda knows this. They are going to get repeat sales from most of the people who already bought hondas, because they had good luck with them.
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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*
Posted by: J.C.Baloun
Dave I agree with you.
Gordon saw a Kawasaki quad being towed out but he clearly and intentionally forgot it.
I understand Dave ,that you had no choice, but correct his anti Polaris statement.I do not see it as a cheap shot, the truth here was raped.Very sad day for this country.
For all of you anti Polaris people.
You just dont want to admit , that you made a mistake and did not buy Polaris. The BEST.
You can always sell your quad and buy Polaris.It makes you special and very happy person. By the way I invite everybody who will be visiting Chicago for dinner. We'll further discuss this toping.
Joe
Posted by: J.C.Baloun
I salute you armyman.I am glad that my post
provoked an educational lesson. Do you know about Kafka's aversion to intercourse,which he called punishment for being together....?
Posted by: armyman
Dave Iskierka,
Re your post to Gordon Banks about the case being “closed” because he witnessed a Kawasaki being towed after being rendered hors de combat during the Quads-On-The-Rocks outing:
In terms of reliability, I think you&39;re attempting to equate apples and oranges in this instance. Having followed Gordon&39;s posts on the reliability issue for nearly three years now, it is plainly obvious that when Gordon talks about reliability and quality, he is talking about initial quality and initial reliability. When he refers to machines breaking down and stranding the rider, he is referring to brand new, or nearly brand new, machines expiring because of major defects in manufacturing technique and manufacturing quality control. (I believe this assumption is confirmed by Gordon&39;s follow-up post wherein he cites the incidence of repair and return-to-dealer statistics from the ATV Magazine survey).
The kind of mechanical failure that side-lined Tree Farmer&39;s 10-year old &39;89 Kawasaki Bayou 300 during QOTR was nothing more than simple wear and tear along with some lax operator level maintenance. A loose hose clamp on a 10-year old machine, a not uncommon occurrence on even a 1-year old machine, that allows the carburetor to be jarred loose from its mount is hardly the same as the kind of major manufacturing defect Gordon speaks of which stops a new quad in its tracks.
As Tree Farmer notes in his follow-up post, it&39;s quite possible he could have affected a field repair on the carburetor hose clamp, and avoided the ignominy of being towed back to camp, if he had been given sufficient time. But the day was hot. Both temperature and humidity were in the mid 90s, the persistent drought in the East caused the air to be filled with a fine choking dust most of the time. The cloud of gnats and mosquitoes that enveloped you, if you stood still for even a few seconds, was unbearable. We had already ridden nearly 30 miles that day and we knew that camp was only about a mile distant, so a tow was a (nearly) painless way to end the day.
I know this from first-hand observation. Hell, I was there! (My apologies to Elmer Keith.) I was the “tow truck” driver. While I didn&39;t force Tree Farmer to accept a tow at gunpoint, I did make it plain there was no way I could abandon a friend and riding companion to his fate just because I was personally uncomfortable, (even though he more than once suggested we go on without him). Still my patience had its limits, and I implored him frequently (like about every two minutes) to allow me to tow him out of there. He finally agreed, and the tow back to camp took about 15 minutes.
Comparing major manufacturing defects in new machines to the effects of wear and tear on old machines, is like comparing apples and oranges. It simply is not a valid comparison. To suggest otherwise, is semantic sleight-of-hand, and is especially disingenuous when, as Gordon points out in his follow-up post, you knew the truth about the breakdown as of 7-19 when the QOTR after-action report email was sent out.
Army Man
Posted by: armyman
HISTORICAL NOTE
That transmogrification into a “special person” J.C. speaks of, which occurs when one buys a Polaris, was first described by Frank Kafka in his magazine article “Metamorphosis”. Kafka wrote this in direct response to Polaris naysayer, Fred Nietzsche, after Fred told everybody his Polaris was dead.
Army Man
[This message has been edited by armyman (edited 09-01-1999).]
Posted by: Big_Al
To Whomever,
Why don't all you rice burner lovers go to Japan and ride your rice burners and let us Polaris lovers alone to ride in the USA and pull ourselves out of the woods. :) :) :)
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Big_Al
Posted by: Big_Al
Keith Rose,
Don't be nervous about your purchase. I think you will be very satisfied with the service you will receive from your Polaris. I own a 98 Xplorer 400 and have been very satisafied with it.
Utility/Sport ATV's are not racing machines and should not be used in that manner. I think most of the reliabilty issues stem from the fact that this is how they are utilized, or thought of, by individuals fantasizing they are racers. Couple this with a minimal amount of preventative maintaince and you have so called perceived reliability issues. As I said in a previous post, take care of your machine and it will take care of you.
I firmly believe that Polaris is no more, less reliable, then any other ATV on the market. It's as you said the market share is so vast that the negative feedback seems high when in fact proportionally it may be less when compared to other manufacturers.
Enjoy your Magnum, I'm sure it will be as reliable as any other ATV you can purchase.
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Big_Al
Posted by: Big_Al
Gordon_L_Banks,
In regards to your reliability comparison figures stated in your Aug. 22nd. post, referenced from ATV Magazine, I have two questions. Were the number of sampled buyers of each brand mentioned the same? If not, what were the sample numbers of each brand?
Percentage figures can be misleading if all factors are not knowen.
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Big_Al
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
Every Polaris person in this Forum only need to go to my post [99 Sportsman] and see how severly disappointed I am in my purchase.YES,I once loved that machine and thought it to be nearly invincable too,but as everyone told me,wait a while, it'll soon probably let me down,it did.And neither Polaris nor the Dealership will even talk to me.Thats no way to treat a customer who spent nearly 8000$ on his Sportsman and accessories is it?Thats not to say I believe all Polaris to be junk,im just saying I got a Lemon and Polaris wont back up their product.I personally know many happy Polaris riders,my anger comes from Polaris ignorance of my problems and unwillingness to help me.I vow to NEVER buy or recommend ANYTHING Polaris sells.I hope that you new Polaris buyers have the best of luck on your side.God knows you'll need it if anything happens to your quad like what happend to mine. BILL
Posted by: Mudman1
I think you would be happy with a Magnum 500. After hearing all of the stories of how well they perform and they seem to be fairly low maintenence and good reliable machines. I am going to buy one very soon. Just need a few more pay checks (but don't we all :-) )
By the way, I like your nick sgtshultzy!!!
Mudman '96 Xplorer 300 4x4 Vamped
Soon to add Magnum 500
[This message has been edited by Mudman1 (edited 08-12-1999).]
Posted by: Mud600
My local Honda dealer won't even take polaris's in on trade. We were looking at skidoos mxz600 and the guy asks if we have anything to trade. we say no. But i do have a indy500 sled. he says we don't take polaris selds in on trade. i said to him well what about quads? no we don't take any polaris product in on trade. he said they are not worth the hassle of selling them to people and having them breakdown and then the people who bought them will be upset. bottom line he said polaris doesn't make a quality product. say what u want about your sportman 500 trounces my grizzly. you the one who has to buy 1 extra sportsman500 jsut so u can have parts to keep one running. my freind has a 94 sportsman 400 and the thing is the biggest pile of crap. Anyways what did u mean by your sportsman trounces a grizzly? what with oil or something when yours blows up. I have owned polaris before and have had no luck with them at all. it seems u have to replace every part on them. so i guess your at the polaris dealer right now getting parts.
Posted by: Mud600
Go to Austin, Minnesota. Thats where the Honda, Arctic Cat, and Skidoo dealer is. You go there and ask them if they will take your polaeis in on trade. The name of the dealer is Trimbles. To Tell You the truth I was surprised he said that. But he did.
Mud600
Posted by: AC454
Arctic Cat
Posted by: whisky
the polaris people have some nice quads i said some the only one you hear about going bad is the sportsman if you spend that much money on somthing you should take care of it so it dont mess up i know there will be probablems anyway i am a proud owner of a polaris and i will do any thing you will do except really deep mud (dont like mud) i will out climb you and out run you if i was you i would bye the mamnum find i good dealer
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99 500 scrambler with hotseat pipe and clutch dg bumper soon to have pistons and air box mod 93 yamaha t-wolve with a broken taillight soon to be fixed tailight is now fixed now need to fix headlight
[This message has been edited by atvbbs (edited 08-28-1999).]
Posted by: superman
check out yamaha's grizzly600 my dad has one, performs great no problems at all.I don't really recomend polaris my neighbor has a 99 scrambler500 that has been in the shop at least 4 times one time over 800 dollars of damage and he didn't even wreck it.if u don't like the grizzly check out the new kodiak or anything besides the polaris,they perform great but the ones I've seen(trail blazer,magnum 425,scrambler500,and trail boss250) has had numerous problems. half of them ot rid of their polaris,and bought a honda,one with a 300ex and the other rides a 450s
Posted by: Sgtshultzy
I am looking at buying the Polaris Magnum 500. I have noticed that a lot of threads state that Polaris has bad reliability. Finding objective data has been hard to come by. I am also considering Honda's 450es Arctic cat 500 automatic, Suzuki 500 auto and Prairie 400. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Sgtshultzy
Thanks all for your advice. I didnt mean to start such a ruckus in here! Thanks to all for your insight, I may be narrowing my search to the Honda or the Grizzly or Kodiak. I dont care about speed or more HP, i want a quad for huntin, plowing, and work around the yard. I definitely want a very reliable machine. After reading the posts in this forum, I may just wait to see what Honda has coming out in a couplee of weeks. Thanks again
Posted by: sportsman
before this "rice quad" description gets out of hand,you may want to find out where the polaris four-stroke motors are made.
Posted by: sportsman
owning a 98 SP500 myself and having a buddy with a 99 grizzly, and in the past, owning many atvs & having much flight time logged on said atvs,i can tell you that the sportsman is the baddest atv ever made. it will out do all others "hands down". i am not making trouble,only stating facts.if you don't think so,then you've never owned one. i agree with BIG AL & Talon400 about rice quad owners going to Japan to ride.however, as hinted to before, polaris four-stroke engines are made by Fuji Heavy Industries.Does'nt sound very U.S.A does it? but everyone knows how reliable "rice-burners" are.right? anyway my sportsman has 700 mi. on it and the brakes are like new. and it will absolutely trounce a grizzly.just ask my buddy,he will be trading up soon. SPORTSMAN
Posted by: sportsman
As far as a honda dealer not taking polaris products in on trade......B.S. As far trounce, what i mean is ALL WHEEL DRIVE,ON DEMAND FWD,FULLY INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION,5.25gal. GAS TANK,LIQUID COOLED,DRY SUMP LUBERICATED, TWO 27w AND ONE 60w HEADLIGHTS. And the fact that it takes every bit of that 100cc "advantage" you have just to keep up with a SPORTSMAN that is almost 100lbs. heavier.IF you don't believe that.Just find you a long stretch of road and a sportsman and see for yourself. Besides all that, everyone knows that it's "THE KING OF 4X4's".
Posted by: talon400
I only have one thing to say. Dont judge a Polaris until you have been on one and owned it. Polaris by far is the cadillac of the quad industry and definitely leaving all others behind. Also ask yourself this question? Polaris has been making Automatic transmissions for many years, honda and kawasaki and all of the others see what is happening and now trying to steal a piece of the pie. Only they do not have half of the experience to do so. If you want good quality and a great quad, RIDE POLARIS>!!!
Just my opinion but they are true facts,
'99 Scrambler 400
Posted by: talon400
Why dont all of you guys who love Honda so much go live in Japan. Man o man this is your own country and you do nothing but buy foreign quads. Honda has to follow the leader (which is Polaris) and the only reason people sometimes pick on Polaris is because they have no idea what those things can do. Polaris can topple a 400EX when set right and that is that! By the way while you are drowning in your tears from me passing you sitting in water or mud or even on rocks etc etc, I will make sure the dust sticks to your eyes and closes them. Then and only then you might realize what quad is the real MACHINE.
LOL
'99 Scrambler 400
Just ragging alittle guys. To all have a safe a happy quad experience wherever you may roam. LONG LIVE HARDCORE ATV ers!!!
Posted by: talon400
52 HORSEOWER?? I laugh at that they are not nowhere near 52 HP. The DS650 only has 48 and you are telling me that the Honda has that much come on now. You better read some on that one. But anyway I would drag you! So what if you win I dont care the main point is that a 4 wheel drive machine would only be a little bit behind. That is sad. It is proven in the charts and also in the ride. The main point is that you need to think about 52 HP.
[img]http://www.prime-web.com/Ultimate20/tline.gif[/img]
Have a good one. RIDE HARD!
Chuck
Posted by: talon400
YOUR DEALER SUCKS!!
Posted by: talon400
I only wish for once in 14 years honda would actually change there quad! They are falling behind!
Posted by: mik
cory,
You didn't think the Honda dealer would have anything good to say about Polaris or any other brand for that matter, did you??
BTW are you in eastern PA? Looking for some good riding areas
Mike
Posted by: coryatver
A honda dealer told me that all the parts on polaris atvs are cheep. And that they have plastic parts and are not built strong is this true?
Posted by: mdemarest
I own a polaris, and while I agree they are the most inovative company in the sport, their quality control is lacking. Mine had to go back to the dealer 4 times for 4 diff problems first 6 months I owned. My second quad is a grizzly and it has been bullet proof. I didn't see Grizzly on your list, all that power and lighter that the artic cat or sports man. You should add it to your list.
Posted by: corncob2
When you're sitting in the woods, waiting for someone to help you out, you're stranded--for whatever reason. Being stranded is, well, being stranded!!!!!!!! No excuse shortens the length of the walk out.
[This message has been edited by atvbbs (edited 08-28-1999).]
Posted by: Phoenix1
My PERSONAL OPINION is that the majority can not be wrong. Before buying my last quad, I visited many dealers and one repair shop that does not promote any one brand. Thay said that "If I purchased a Polaris that I would be seeing a lot more of them than most other bikes" - keep in mind that I did not say that and I personally have not had the pleasure to ride a Polaris. Between that visit and this forum I had ruled out Polaris. I do give them a lot of credit for applying new ideas and maybe in a few more years they will improve their product, but until then I have to go with a "Old Technology" Honda (450ES that is, I guess that does have a bunch of new technology)
Posted by: WeAREsane
I live way up north where its cold and isolated. I have recently decided to purchase a quad. So for the last three months I have been reading and asking questions about comfort, reliability, and maintenance of various quads. Some of the people that I talked to work for the gas field companies. These people must drive miles through thick woods and bog to get to their worksite. They put anywhere between 1000 - 3500 miles on their quads in one year! All of the quads are bought buy the companies they work for, by the way. When asked what they prefer the answer was ... Honda. They have tried Polaris, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda and Arctic cat. These guys beat the hell out of these machines and on the average Honda stood out as having both low maintenance and high reliability. I dought that any one uses their quad as much as these guys do or treats them as bad, (remember they didn't pay for them the company did). Some quads are known for the ride (Polaris) or the power (Kawasaki Prairie) but ask around and you will see who sets the bench mark for reliability. Not to say that Honda's don't break down, that would be a silly thing to say, But pound for pound you can't go wrong with Honda. If you wish to speak about performance or ground clearance or comfort then that is something different.
