Polaris ATV Forum banner

Polaris ??? im starting to think theyre a bag of crap

34K views 116 replies 39 participants last post by  crazyflyboy30 
#1 ·
Ive had my polaris sportsman 1000xp for just over a year now, covered 1200 miles and around 80 hours, so far .....
2x cvt belts
wheel bearings changed twice
all a arm bushes changed twice
Front pinion fail
new billet pinion cover
rad fan snapped a blade
awd engages when driffting or spinning back wheels up so just changed oil out to amsoil , ill wait to see if that fixes it tomorrow
new prop shaft replaced under warranty

All my friends have got canams and dont really suffer any breakdowns.....
Think its time to change.......
I love my poolaris but every single part seems to only have a shelf life of 500 miles..... so maddening !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#2 ·
The XP machines really seem to be a like a Ferrari...super high performance that require lot of time and money on constant maintenance to keep them operating at that high level.

Disappointing because I love all the features on the new XP1000s but changing wheel bearing, bushings and all the rest when you change the oil plus the worry of a frame crackings makes one really hesitant.

Where and how are you riding?
 
#3 ·
im in the uk and we just do standard trail riding,,,,, i cant go on the quad anymore without thinking that im going to breakdown
 
#4 ·
WOW!! have they replaced all that stuff under warranty?
 
#6 ·
yeah 2 CVT belts? Are you riding Larger than stock tires? if so, you need a clutch kit.

Might be time to fill out your signature so we know what you have done to the machine.
 
#8 ·
but it shouldnt be...
 
#9 ·
i ride the quad as it should be ridden. high when doing over 15-20 mph then low for the slow hilly stuff.....
i used to work at atv world which was a large atv dealership in leeds for 3 years, so i know a thing or two about quads, ive had every other kind of atv but this by far is the worst for reliability.....
Dont get me wrong, i love 1000xp but surely they should be better made, take for instance the new 2017, they havent even fixed the pinion cover on the front diff ???
Really bad quality.
Think i may go canam or grizzly......

Oh and they changed the first belt and the prop shaft under warranty, thats it....
 
#10 ·
its also on the std size tyres too.. only upgrade is a big gun exhaust
 
#11 ·
A few images of atv, i must stress that i love this machine but dont know what to do


Land vehicle Vehicle All-terrain vehicle Tire Automotive tire


All-terrain vehicle Tire Automotive tire Vehicle Iron


All-terrain vehicle Vehicle Automotive tire Light Automotive lighting


Black Vehicle Green Automotive tire Tire
 
  • Like
Reactions: jsnance
#12 ·
Sounds like you got a lemon. Got any lemon laws in the uk?

My quads go thousands of miles with only fluid maintenance. Luck and enjoy. :cowboy:
 
#13 ·
I'm still not sure how people tear these machines up. I have an 2012 850xp with 2000 miles on it and only thing I had happen to it was the TPS was replaced under warranty other then that no issues. I also own a 2015 1000xp with 1400 trouble free miles on it. I don't baby them either just change to fluids on time and use common sense and these things will last a long time I believe.

Not saying others aren't having their fair share of troubles and might not be their faults but just thought people would like to hear some good about the Polaris machines we all love to ride.
 
#14 ·
My 850 has only 170 hours and now blowing blue smoke needs rings my 570 had a dead trans at 175 hours. No warranty, soon plan to change to Can Am
 
#15 ·
Whisky, are you using the oem belt? Ive heard other aftermarket belts are wayyy better. Epi belt for example.

Thats a major bummer to hear your having those issues.

I've heard even new bearings aren't fully loaded with bearing grease, I would invest in one of these bearing greasing tools it will save you money. Getting mine soon for preventive issues from creek riding. http://www.machinedintegrations.com/atv---utv-products.html

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
 
#62 ·
Whisky, are you using the oem belt? Ive heard other aftermarket belts are wayyy better. Epi belt for example.

Thats a major bummer to hear your having those issues.

I've heard even new bearings aren't fully loaded with bearing grease, I would invest in one of these bearing greasing tools it will save you money. Getting mine soon for preventive issues from creek riding. Highest Quality, Lowest Cost ATV and UTV Wheel Bearing Greasers by Machined Integrations

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Thank you so much. Im going to order these.
 
#16 ·
Cool thanks for the link, ive just ordered one, i will put all new bearings in and give it one more chance
 
#17 ·
there has been a few members who have complained about their atv engaging in awd on its own. Our 570 has done it a couple of times, what is worse is it felt like it was engaging in low gear all of a sudden ever if i was going 40 plus mph, that could damage/ shred a belt i guess, felt bike would slow down and vibrate when it happenned. Just though i'd mention it, its not just your bike having this issue. I have a hard time believing changing oil brand will fix this, i think a electrical/ awd switch more likely. Didn't do it at the dealer of course ! let us know if they find cause .
 
#18 ·
I had a lot of trouble with my 1000 at the start dealing with the heat issue of the exhaust. But after that was resolved it's been normal maintenance for the most part.
After 6,000 miles or so and about 300 or so hours, I've done the following:

1x CVT Belt (at 4k miles, original was still in good shape so now I keep it as a spare for the trail)

2x A Arm Bushings (mostly lower) + Added Cecco braces due to lower a-arm bolt holes rounding out and causing slop in front end

Front diff fix - preventative

Fluid changes all done on time - preventative maintenance

Front Coil Spring replaced (due to coil spring failure)

Before the season starts up this spring I need to do the following:
A Arm bushings (Never replaced some of the uppers, they're just getting to the point of needing replacement now)

Front control arm (left lower - my fault - large rocks and control arms do not play well together)

Pull apart the clutch and clean everything up real well. Inspect the weights etc., to make sure it's ready for more miles. Will also inspect the (newer) belt to make sure it's still in good shape.

In other words, it's high maintenance yes, but It's been dead reliable, and takes quite the beating. I ride hard but stay out of the mud for the most part. Mostly sandy, rocky terrain, but the quad does see some time in the air and also sees a lot of high speed riding on washboards and bumpy terrain.

I think everyone needs to consider what these wheelers are put through on a daily basis. I for one, am amazed at how well it's held up. I could have a lower maintenance machine like a Grizzly, but that would be so BORING. Nobody else comes close power wise besides Can-Am and I've had buddies with their fair share of troubles on the CanAms.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I've said it many times Polaris has the best built junk on the planet. They are VERY capable machines that are pretty crudely designed and built in many ways. You just need to recognize the limitations. I did my research, identified the weak areas and addressed immediately. Billet pinion cover (prefer Cecco) Cecco a-arm braces, and Power commander with auto tune to help the AFR/hot exhaust thing.

CVT belts do not just break. With the trans bolted to the engine direct they have become exceptionally reliable. Either abuse or misalignment would be my suspicions.

The Polaris AWD system is NOT suited for drifting, donuts etc. It will continue to grab in these situations in my experience and will blow up the cage if it happens enough.

Remember the saying the grass is always greener. If you want reliability get a Honda but be prepared to find a lack of performance and capability...
 
  • Like
Reactions: isde02
#20 · (Edited)
Having been on these forums for years, it seems that overall your chance of getting a lemon with Polaris is higher than other brands. However, I can't help but wonder if that is due in part (not completely) to the volume they have out there vs other brands and that the % would be similar if you had access to all the numbers.

One thing that is evident is they are a stock value driven company...if they can get away with doing something cheap and it does not result in a lawsuit they do it. The Japanese manufactures seem to have at least a little pride in their product. Polaris builds product for 1 reason only: MONEY and it is evident in everything they do.

So looking at the xp1000 specifically, if you do cecco braces, jcapri bushings and the aftermarket pinion cover right off the bat as part of the purchase and then roll the dice on the rest, you will increase your chances of a positive experience. After that it is dealer, dealer, dealer...if you have one that is on your side you can get a lot done...if not, you are truly on your own. The dealer 2 miles from me is absolutely worthless and as money hungry as the company he represents. I have to drive 2.5 hours 1 way to deal with a decent one, but they are worth it.

Properly managing expectations is what it is all about with Polaris. I used to think that given the amount of money they charged, I should be able to expect rock solid reliability and no "weird" issues. I have come to learn they charge what they do because they CAN and that is how they make more money and drive the stock price up.

You are paying the high dollars for the performance their products provide IF you get lucky and get one that was put together well with parts they are sourcing from whoever will sell them the cheapest. Just keep that in mind.

It is like going into a casino...you spend a lot of money for the CHANCE to win...just remember, it is not guaranteed or even EXPECTED that you will win if you buy a Polaris. You are putting down your money for a CHANCE to win.

Read through the threads. Many have won, many have lost. That is just the way it is. I am sorry our brother in the UK has lost this time. He now gets to decide if he wants to play again, or go to a different casino.
 
#21 ·
I'm not here to start a Polaris vs Can AM war or argument. I have never driven or even sat on a Can Am. Anyone or NWISCOSportsman What problems do Can Am's usually have or your friends have with their Can Am? I own a 2016 Polaris Scrambler 1000, have owned a Polaris Sportsman XP 1000, also a Polaris Sportsman XP 850. Like some members on here, the more you read about Polaris atv's the more you wonder if their isn't something better out their. I also own a 2009 Suzuki 450axi 4x4, it's not the best trail machine, but it's been perfect mechanically. normal maintenance, 4000 miles on it, done nothing as in repairs. I'm not saying Suzuki is the best either, just wondering is their something better???
 
#23 ·
I've got 2 Can-Ams. An '08 Max 400 and a '16 Max 650. The 400 has about 1400 miles on it and hasn't had a thing done to it except oils and brakes (although it's got no spark at the moment but it's been too cold to diagnose). The 650 only has about 500 miles on it, but not a single problem yet.

Both Can-Ams have better track records than my '15 Sportsman 1000 which had a drive shaft rubbing on the frame since new, a bulge in the sidewall of one tire since new, a failed voltage regulator at about 1200 miles, and a front diff that locks in even when switch is set to 2X4 mode.
 
#25 ·
I'm trying to glean some meaning from your post, but it's pretty vague. Also, grammar... and punctuation.
 
#31 ·
" if you do cecco braces, jcapri bushings and the aftermarket pinion cover right off the bat as part of the purchase and then roll the dice on the rest". This is what I'm talking about with Polaris, you should not have to do these things to a new ATV. Polaris knows about these issues, but does nothing. The 2015 Sportsman XP 1000, melting plastic on bunches and bunches of machines, Polaris just replaces parts, don't fix the problem, just replace parts, on top of that they play stupid. I'm sure all companies have issues, but it's also how they handle the issues. If Suzuki made a big bore ATV, with better suspension, I would have to try one out. I totally agree Polaris uses the cheapest parts they can get away with. Sad
 
#36 · (Edited)
[edited significantly to be less of a d___]

I AM NOT ADVOCATING FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE FUNCTION.

I would however advocate for the implementation of a system that WORKS and DOES NOT introduce the potential for catastrophic failure. But that's not what this post (or any of my previous posts) is about. I was simply stating a FACT.

The FACT is, the removal of the 2 wheel drive switch would eliminate the possibility of CATASTROPHIC FAILURE of the front differential under normal operating conditions. It is because of Polaris' poor implementation of the AWD system that the potential for catastrophic failure exists. (disclaimer: this next part is an opinion, feel free do disagree) If they cant make it so that it works, they shouldn't sell it. Alternatively, they could put a warning in the manual reading something like WARNING: aggressive use of throttle while in 2 wheel drive could result in rear wheel spin which may erroneously activate the front differential and cause total and complete destruction of the front drive system. But then they would be acknowledging the problem, and that's not what Polaris does.

I really like 2 wheel drive. I really like on demand AWD. They both have their purpose. However, if I have to ride around in AWD mode all the time anyway in order to have peace of mind that I'm not going to explode the front diff, then what good is having a 2 wheel drive mode?
 
#38 · (Edited)
sometimes i have to use the EDIT button too...
these machines do fare better left stock though, I just noticed you have 28" bear claws and HD axles.
with that extra weight on each tire, these things are more likely to happen. but stock is boring.
I hope you have done a clutch kit.
SuperATV has some HD Sprague roller barring cage with or without new rollers, supposed to fix some of these concerns,
mix thoroughly with AMSOIL.
 
#37 ·
Lol, every winter season this topic comes up. I love it lol

Want some real fun, ride tight windy trails through the woods, that even hairer than being on wide open spaces. Pretty cool guessing if your going to actually turn or push and hit a tree, game of chance at every turn, literally lmao
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top