Central New York

[Shaman]

No quad yet, but will be buying a new 2012 Polaris soon. I have it down to the Sportsman 500 H.O. Polaris Pursuit LE and the Sportsman 550. This will be my first ATV so it's hard for me to decide on what I need, want or can live without.

I found this forum and thought it would help me to make my decision, but not yet. Great info though and I feel once I make my choice I can count on a lot of experienced riders to be able to help me out.

I live in Central New York between Lake Ontario and Syracuse so my first concern was the cold weather starts with the carbureted 500. I liked the idea of the EFI in the 550. Then not having any riding experience I didn't know how much I would like/need the anti-kickback steering of the 550. I have 1.5 acres of woods that I'm looking forward to opening up with some trails. A lot of stumps and rocks will be around. If I knew I would be happy with the ride on a 500 I could save $1,400 and use that towards accessories.

Glad to be a part of the Polaris community.

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[Polar69]

Welcome to the site
I would not worry about cold weather starting, the 450 sportsman I had never had a issue no matter how cold it was.

[Murdocheng]

I live in CNY. I have 2 Sportsman 500 HO and they have always started and run well in cold weather. They call be alot of fun and handy in all the lake effect snow we get.

[reynoldston]

I live in the same area as you. My ATV is a carburetor 330 Magnum with standard steering. I never have any problem starting it in the winter other then it is very cold blooded so that part I think you would like the EFI better. I never have any trouble with my steering kicking back on me and I have 35 acres of very rocky and stumps because I had the woods cut and they made big ruts. I sure wish I had the power steertng because it steers hard in tight spots.