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Polaris sportsman 570 vs other vendors alternative

1412 Views 20 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  ratepace
Hi forum members,

I would like to have and updated discussion about head to head comparison between Polaris sportsmans vs it's Honda opponents (utility ATV, rancher and above).

Only two (and a half) parameters should be considered, reliability and how easy is it to maintain and repair it at your home garage.

First - Reliability definition: basically I would say times between failures. And how long each part would last. Basically part life span.

Second - Easy to maintain and repair Definition: Here I would consider, how simple it is for average owner not only to maintain (fluids, filters, small repair). But also things like replacing wheel bearings, belt, clutch, axles, bushings, grease, etc...
Off course parts availability and documentation.

And last parameters which is more like a question: parts cost. Which are cheaper, Polaris sportsman part or Honda.

Let's assume simple trim level for each one of the brands.
(I don't even want to think about EPS problem lol...).

I am posting because time has changed and the models are getting more upgrades and they change too, for good and for the bad...

Thank you all!!!
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LOL Better buy a Honda if you don't want to fix stuff.

D
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We used to get lots of Honda's to repair, mostly rear wheel bearings.
We used to get lots of Honda's to repair, mostly rear wheel bearings.
Thanks for this example. Is it easier and cheaper to replace wheel bearings on Honda Utility rather than on Sportsman?
LOL Better buy a Honda if you don't want to fix stuff.

D
Thanks for this example. Is it easier and cheaper to replace wheel bearings on Honda Utility rather than on Sportsman?

Also, which Honda is equivalent to the 570 without EPS?
You are trying to compare a Camaro to a Civic.... they aren't the same. You need to go to the dealers and see what you like best for your price point. A base Foreman 520 would be more comparable to a base Sprotsman 450, and a Rubicon EPS 520 might come close to a Sportsman 570 EPS if you are comparing ride and HP. Those weren't 2 of your primary parameters though, so tough to compare. Almost all parts come from China, and they are all roughly the same when it comes to working on them. So really all you are concerned with is reliability. In that case I would say that Honda has a better track record, but they also sell half as many atv's (Honda 12% market share vs Polaris 23%).
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I have had lots of ATVs. Polaris has the best ride, performance, and features of all the ATVs. I am on my 5th Polaris ATV and love it. But, they do require a a significant amount of general service. If you are looking for a durable, cheap, no power steering utility ATV. Honda wins.

D
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I’m on my 3rd 570 and I wouldn’t buy anything else. First one had over 5300 miles on it and some pretty hard ones, the only thing I ever replaced was 1 axle and a belt.
That's impressive. Did you have any problem with the power steering system?
Nope eps has always worked great and would never buy another one without it
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You should add another parameter-Ride Quality!!

I can fix my machine with new parts, but I can't fix my back with new parts!!! I would rather be mad at the machine, than sucking down pain killers and chiropractor visits.

Seriously...The ride on the Sportsman's is fantastic. Other companies offer full independent suspensions, but they don't ride as well..

Go through the accessory catalog for a Can Am..Why do they show upgraded shocks as an accessory? The only thing about the 570 is the weak rear springs ($100 to replace).

And for the record, price a new belt for a Polaris and Can Am. Try changing the oil filter on a Can Am...
Yeah, can am is out of the questions for me.
B.t.w, I know you can register your VIN number on the Polaris website , and you get to filter only the relevant parts specifically for your ATV. Not sure if there is a way to do it on the Honda website.
Only two (and a half) parameters should be considered, reliability and how easy is it to maintain and repair it at your home garage.
I disagree. When you're in the market to buy a new ATV inventory availability trumps all of those.

Try calling your local Honda dealer and inquiring about availability of any of their 400-600cc models that have power steering + automatic shifting + independent rear suspension. Last September I called every dealer within a 500 mile radius asking for the same and was repeatedly told "We don't have those models in stock and we don't know when we'll get them from Japan. Because supply chain issues blah blah blah. Call us back in the spring."
Easy to maintain is one of the two parameters.
For me, if you need to drive 500 miles to get the part, it is not easy to maintain. It's impossible to maintain!
I wonder if Honda parts shortage is cross country problem or just in your area.
It's not just Honda having a parts shortage. The GPS quit working on my Polaris while it was still under 6 month warranty. 7 months later the part is still on back-order. Glad I found an after market fuel pump when it crapped out with less than 900 miles on the bike and 1 month out of warranty.

D
I don’t recall you stating the purpose of this ATV, that’s kind of important. Need a ranch hand-buy a Honda, need a trail rider with great suspension and performance buy the Polaris.
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This is correct. I would say a bit of everything. Recreation, I am from south Florida so I guess a bit of mud is also an option.
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I don’t recall you stating the purpose of this ATV, that’s kind of important. Need a ranch hand-buy a Honda, need a trail rider with great suspension and performance buy the Polaris.
I dont agree with this, I’d take my Polaris any day of the week…. work or pleasure
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Looks like the majority votes for Polaris, work or play. I certainly can’t argue that, or hunting fool’s statement either. I bought my 850 knowing full well it was going to require more maintenance than a Honda, but Honda had absolutely nothing I wanted, and since I’ve been repairing my own chit since I was 10, it was a no brainer for me.
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