2012 atv comparison

7magshooter · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 04:59 PM

and I need some serious opinions. Yes, I know this is a Polaris forum, and I have been lurking around here for a while. There is a lot of great info here. Here are the details:
I am seriously torn between the newly re-designed Honda Foreman 500 (EFI) and a Sportsman 500 HO (carb).

An automatic transmission is not a must for me, but I do not care for any of the electronic shift programms offered by Honda or others. In the past I have owned:

1. 2004 Honda Foreman 4x4 manual shift (excellent machine, used it only for hunting, no recreational riding)

2. 2007 Honda Rancher 420 4x2 manual shift (a bit small, body and frame-wise for my taste, small racks on it compared to the 500, but throttle response was great compared to the carb on the foreman, used it for trail riding)

3. 2008 Honda Rincon 680 Automatic (awesome atv, smooth riding, liked the auto tranny)

4. Polaris Ranger 800XP EFI (nice UTV, perfect machine for hunting, fast, rode well, hated the "lag" when starting off from a stop, which I have been told is how it works with the belt-driven CVT that Polaris uses on all their Sportsman atv's and ranger utv's, it made all sorts of noise when slowing down from any decent speed)

This ATV will not be used as a submarine at any time, will not have a lift or snorkel and will be thoroughly washed and dried after every ride. I enjoy these sorts of toys when I'm on them, but I do take care of them-they're not cheap!

My concerns are this: I can get the 500 HO for $450 cheaper than the new foreman. With that, I would get IRS, automatic, more ground clearance and NO EFI. I have not had a non-efi machine in several years and do not want to be standing in the dark when it's 25 outside wishing my atv would start so I can get to the woods before it's light. I also don't want to have to have that same atv towed out of the woods for something stupid, as I can assure you either brand would not ever be abused or pushed to their limits by me.

I'd like some UNBIASED opinions from those of you who have had experiences with the 500 HO, especially 2010-2012 models. I mentioned above that I really disliked the "lag" before the cvt would engage on the Ranger I had-is the 500 going to be the same way?
I have even seen posts on this board where Polaris owners admit that Honda is probably the most reliable brand of atv made over the long term, but they are behind in the suspension and engine performance areas. At the same time, Polaris might just have the best riding atv's around, but does that really matter if when their little 6mo warranty is up, the thing is not operable half the time?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.....I really appreciate it.

**Bruce!** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 07:20 PM

And welcome to the board!

Clinebo · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 08:17 PM

I have had very good luck with my '02 500 HO. Its never let me down. Like you I take care of my toys as they do cost a lot of $$ (at least to me). The only time I had to limp home was when I got a flat and found out I had left the tire repair kit on the bench in the shop. It was a long 28 mile limp, but we made it without breaking the bead.
I'd buy another in a heartbeat. In the last 5 yrs my neighbor has owned 3 quads. A Honda,an Arctic Cat,and now a Yamaha Grizzly which he promptly rolled down a mountain. He said he has heard bad things about Polaris.But he's always working on his quads,and all I do is get on mine and go,and go,and go.

marty2194 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 09:06 PM

After reading your post about which 500cc machine to choose, it seems that you are not brand committed but rather seeking the best value machine to suit your needs. Personally, I have owned 2 atv's so far, a 2006 Honda Fourtrax 350FM and my current 2011 Polaris Sportsman Touring 500 HO.

You brought up some valid points when comparing the Honda and Polaris brands. The honda's are clearly behind on the suspensions they offer, however the reliabilty of a Honda is unmatched in my opinion...never had an issue with mine. The Polaris brand on the other hand offers great engines and suspensions as well as a variety of models to suit everyones specific needs.

Here are my reasons why I chose Polaris to replace my Honda;

Trusted automatic trans: tired of manual shift for trail riding and like you, i'm not interested in the hassle of electronic shift with the Honda's.

Independent rear suspension and 2 up seat for the wife.

Great price for more value than Honda.

I must agree that the CVT belt lag is very frustrating and annoying and not having EFI in a Polaris is frightening at times, however, I would recommend a Polaris ATV any day.

My opinion, get the EFI machine as it seems by reading your post that its must for you.

Good luck with your decision.

Marty

Clinebo · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 09:31 PM

Found this test video...

2012 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO vs Honda FourTrax Foreman 4x4 - YouTube

7magshooter · #6 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 03:24 AM

Thanks for the replies so far!

I have seen that video posted above, and I can't argue with it, but they are using a pre-2012 foreman, not the newly designed model. I doubt it would make a difference in anything except maybe (big maybe) the off the line race.

Marty-you made some good points. I must say that the Polaris is more machine for almost $500 less, and it is an auto. Sometimes I think I may be making too much of the carb on the Sportsman-I've had countless numbers of dirt bikes with carbs and never had a problem with them, including big 4 strokes.

On the one hand it seems ridiculous to pay more for the Honda and be getting a worse ride, lower ground clearance and no auto tranny.....but there is the reliability factor built into them and clearly Honda sees that.

I'm going to be speaking with the Polaris dealer this morning to discuss wheel/tire options on the 500 HO-I'd like to go a size or two bigger on it if that's what I decide on.

Keep the comments coming....

bgirard420 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 06:37 AM

Just curious why you got rid of the rincon, and why it's no longer one of your choices? I know they cost a lot more but if I were to get a Honda it would be the only one I looked at. Anyway, if waiting for engagement bothers you more than shifting then I don't think CVT's are for you. There is considerable delay as compared to the Hondas as you've experienced with the ranger.

I've had my Polaris for a year and a half (75 hrs and 800 miles). The only problem I had was a bad fuel pump and I am sure it was an isolated incident. I don't live in Antartica, but I've never had a problem getting it started and most of the time I don't even need any choke. I do use fuel treatment continuously since my fuel pump issue and things seem better. I ride my 500 with all big bores and I keep right up with them. Most of us don't go 75 mph in the woods anyway. The power from a 35 HP machine is quite impressive. I will note that when I added heavier radial tires I lost some of that power and needed to add a clutch kit to get it back. Just a thought since you mentioned upsizing your tires.

In keeping it simple, if you are looking for comfort and power, go Polaris. Even when compared with other IRS quads I think many agree Polaris is the smoothest. The onboard storage is also second to none. If you want a simple, low maintenance machine that moves the very second you hit the throttle, go Honda. My .02, good luck with your decision.

bobx2 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 08:12 AM

Sounds like you are getting plenty of good input. About all I will add to this is that the Polaris gives you true four wheel drive, as opposed to the three wheel drive offered by Honda. I ride plenty with both brands and have seen them side by side. I will take 4x4 any day over 3x4.

RedSportsman · #9 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 10:34 AM

I ride with alot of Hondas and I can tell you they won't go where a Polaris does. The hondas aren't as fun to ride or as comfortable. The Honda riders are always talking about how sore they are the next day and as far as reliability I ride mine harder than anyone else I know and my Sportsman holds up fine.

7magshooter · #10 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 12:53 PM

Great info here everyone, I appreciate the comments so far.

The storage on the Polaris is a definite plus, no arguing that. I do believe that in terms of today's machines, the Polaris brand likely gets more of a bad rap than it deserves. Maybe that's because their earlier models were so much more advanced than the others (and relatively untested by the masses) that the problems people had were rampant and in some cases weren't ever resolved....but that's speculation on my part after owning only 1 very nice Polaris machine(Ranger). As stated, my only complaint about the Ranger was the obvious lag due to the CVT design/clutch and belt engagement....that took some getting used to.

My Polaris dealer will have no more 500's until February, in any color. Christmas wiped them out more so than they anticipated, per the salesman I spoke to today. The 800EFI is an attractively priced machine, a bit more than I want to spend, but still tempting to some degree...they have a couple of those left.

We'll see....decisions decisions!