New polaris owner

Thomasj · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 06:57 PM

Hello, I am about to purchase my first polaris. Mainly looking at a Sportsman 500. Doing a little research here on differences of the years. Im sure you will be seeing me on here quite a bit. Im 31 and have been riding since I was 7. First atv was a YFM 100 Moto4. Currently in Indiana but moving back to PA soon where I can do some REAL riding lol. Indiana just has nothing to offer as far as atv riding goes.

**Bruce!** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 07:18 PM

Welcome to the board!

phil · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 03:14 AM

Welcome - you are looking at a very nice quad to purchase. If you have the opportunity to "test-drive" the different machines, have a look at the 550 XP. It is (in my opinion) far superior to the already great 500. Just a thought, and if the extra $$$ doesn't bother you, it's worth a good look. I opted for no EPS on mine. Put the $$$ into accessories instead and have not been sorry.

johnnyjaws · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 07:26 AM

.............welcome................... i just bought a 06 sportsmen 500 ho efi and i love it

ssgtos · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 10:13 AM

The Sportsman 500 is a nice ride. Got a 2010, purchased it about 7 months ago and have enjoyed every minute with it. Has alot of power, for my first quad I feel that it was the right choice.

**mkeddie** · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil

Welcome - you are looking at a very nice quad to purchase. If you have the opportunity to "test-drive" the different machines, have a look at the 550 XP. It is (in my opinion) far superior to the already great 500. Just a thought, and if the extra $$$ doesn't bother you, it's worth a good look. I opted for no EPS on mine. Put the $$$ into accessories instead and have not been sorry.

i have to agree go for the 550 little more power and totally differnt ride WARNING once u sit on the 550 u will want it
there alot of threads on here about them both

let us know what u go with

QuadMan · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010, 05:16 AM

I own both a SP800 and XP850. The XP rides much nicer but the SP has a softer ride. The SP500 is more of a proven machine. Look around for a clean used one. In today's market you can get nice toys cheap! My buddy just purchased a 08 Camo SP800 HO with rear box, winch, shield, heated grips & only 100 miles on it for $4700 here in town.

Thomasj · #8 (**permalink**) 09-11-2010, 09:16 PM

I have my eye on some older sportsmans in the 01-04 range. Can get them really clean and low miles for under 2500 usually. I plan on throwing on wheels tires and a lift and maybe contacting FST about some engine and carb work

Should be able to do that for around 5K.