Can-Am or Polaris? NOT SURE

[Quadingmaniac]

Originally Posted by jimbits

After 07 Polaris started removing stuff from their quads allowing them to sell them cheaper and cheaper ($7999,$6999,$5999).

I know they stopped installing the reverse work lights
Removed the recoil backup
Replaced the EBS roller clutches with plastic button cheaper ones
Used cheaper Carlisle tires instead of pxt's
No EFI

might be more but that's what I've noticed comparing a 06-07-10-12 models that friends and family have.

Oh man my head is starting to ache. Lol. I thought this was perfect for her. Even though the 2005 only has 300km on it $4500 seems to much for a bike that old. Down to 3 choices now
05 sportsman 500 300km. 75hrs
$4500
08 sportsman 500. 1500km. 104hr
$4000
11 sports. 500 1450km. 124hr
$4400



All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[jimbits]

Out of those 3 I'd say the 05 is the "better" bike

It's sort of like the new "economy" Chevy trucks.

Someone buys one for $20000 then thinks they got a better deal than the guy that bought a used 08 for $20000
Well the economy one has car tires, steel rims, painted bumpers, manual locks,windows, mirrors, transfer case,
Rubber floor
No tint
Less sound deadening
Etc
Etc


That 2011 might do your wife great cause she is likely easy on it.

My 07 with cheap clutches had no EBS (the engine braking system) lasted 6 months till all the plastic buttons melted, 2 months later same thing.
Replaced the clutches with the better ones and no issues.
Installed the switch and bulbs for backup lights ($40) from Polaris. It was all pre wired it was just missing bulbs and toggle to save money.

Buddies 10 has no recoil but I'm sure it's just a matter of unbolting that cover and installing the recoil setup.

The poo's are a strong reliable bike IMO, just gotta know what your getting.

Sorry, didn't intend to make your decision more difficult.

[Quadingmaniac]

Your not making the decision harder and I greatly appreciate the input. I just want the best quad for my budget so my wife can enjoy the limited rides she goes on. I don't want to make the wrong choice


All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[Loudelectronics]

JP just a word of caution about those pops. I personally would not put my wife on one especially with a kid. Those models have a high center of gravity and can be flipped over backwards very easily for someone that is not expecting it. Climbing hills on the slightest incline the machines can catwalk very easily up and over. Same as going down hill the back tires lock up and cause uncontrolled skids if not expecting it. The rear also likes to come up if dropping into a creek bottom or something of that nature.

I say this cause I ride with a bunch of them in the past. Have seen more up ended pops than any machine. I am surprised they are not sued like yamaha is for a so called tippy rhino etc, or Honda with three wheels. I am sure lots will chime in and say I be hating but this is the absolute truth. You really need to know how to position your weight on these or they will buck you off. At 800 lbs it is pretty tough to position weight sometimes. The new xp models would be the way to go. Much better designed quad and that is not opinion, it's fact.

Look for a machine that will take care of her and allow her to learn skill and trust in the machine. Try looking for an 07 grizzly 700 or even 660. Heck even a 450 is a great all around machine. Also look for an older king quad 700. Also a very good machine for your needs. These are also incredibly simultaneously let to work on if they do need anything. They make your canams look like it was designed by nasal. You open them up and you see a few wires, motor, diffs, frame and a few other components not framed in and pieced together like a rubiks cube.

Just my 2 cents but for what it is worth it know all these machines very well and all there strengths and weaknesses. Been at this game for 20 years now.

[Quadingmaniac]

Well the 2011 sportsman didn't work out. Back to the drawing board


All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[Quadingmaniac]

Well I got to say that Marc Gilmore is amazing. He new I was unsure of what quad to buy my wife so he found a guy selling both brands. Both the sportsman and outlander were 2008 and I test drive them both a couple times. The winner after everything was the 2008 Outlander 500xt with 1300miles Thanks again Marc my wife will love it!!!



All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[myst3ry]

Good to hear bud

[MOOSEintheMarsh]

I would go with the Polaris..... I have an 800 touring that is 2 years old and have over 4700 km with absolutely no issues at all. It has been a great machine and I researched the H*LL out of all the machines out there and Polaris had the best overall rating. In fact here's a video I took this past weekend of a Polaris going for a swim.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NchS616fMuI

Just so you know..... yes we did get it running on the trail after and it ran like nothing happened.

[robbie]

Originally Posted by MOOSEintheMarsh

I would go with the Polaris..... I have an 800 touring that is 2 years old and have over 4700 km with absolutely no issues at all. It has been a great machine and I researched the H*LL out of all the machines out there and Polaris had the best overall rating. In fact here's a video I took this past weekend of a Polaris going for a swim.....

Just so you know..... yes we did get it running on the trail after and it ran like nothing happened.

if you swamped it, probably not the best idea... needs a oil change.

[510Bulldog]

X2 on DONT DO IT!!!! ..............you'll be sorry!!!

[Quadingmaniac]

My wife loved the outlander 500 once I got it home. Thanks for all the input guys , it helped a lot. My little workshop now has two yellow bikes in it.


All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[Bulk_3]

Should of got a can am. Lol. I liked my old 400 but I liked to get something with the efi. But it comes down to what u can afford. Good luck with the poo.

[myst3ry]

Originally Posted by Bulk_3

Should of got a can am. Lol. I liked my old 400 but I liked to get something with the efi. But it comes down to what u can afford. Good luck with the poo.

Lol he did get a canned ham !!!

[Quadingmaniac]

Well my wife got to try out the Outlander 500 xt this weekend and she loves it. We rode Saturday day and a night ride after supper and it's a sweet little machine. Sunday I hauled 12 loads of wood out of the bush and did it like nothing. I made the right choice in machines.


All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[Quadingmaniac]

All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[779]

Good to hear