I totally agree. I'm really surprised to hear all the Polaris haters in this thread, Lol! I'm on my second one (owned a Yamaha prior) and I've had zero problems with either one. Almost everyone I know owns a Polaris including my dad, my father in law, about four different uncles and most of my friends! I can't remember any of them having any problems over the years. We started buying Polaris in the late 90's so there's some history there. Polaris seems to be king in Colorado, seems like they are the most popular on the trail. Others are good too, I'm not really a fan boy for Polaris and don't care what others choose to ride but feel like Polaris is getting an unwarranted bum rap!I bought my 2005 Sportsman 500HO brand new and have used the hell out of it....never broke down. Still on the original belt, brakes and tires. I have replaced the battery...twice.
1999 was the last year of the 300 Fourtrax. The 350 rancher came out in 2000. I bought my 1999 300 in 2000 and its still going strong!!I run an old school 2001 Honda 300 4x4, 5 speed auto clutch, solid rear axle, been bullet proof. Suspension is not the best. My brother runs 3 hondas on his place, the mid to to late 2000's automatic 500cc models, they are tough, but suspensions are a touch rough, but much better than my 01. My son in law has a 3 year old can am, it's like riding a magic carpet. Been a good quad so far for him, rides like a dream. I have an outfitter friend that swears by Polaris, they ride good too. About all I know about them.
If I needed a new one, I'd probably look for a Honda or Yamaha, with a more recently designed suspension, 300-400cc is plenty for me.
Maybe I misremembered, but am pretty sure the year of manf. started with a 2, at least that is what the seller told me... It's been a great ride regardless. I'll actually have to check the serial number or title, you've got me wondering MM.1999 was the last year of the 300 Fourtrax. The 350 rancher came out in 2000. I bought my 1999 300 in 2000 and its still going strong!!
Was at my local Polaris dealer yesterday looking at new UTVs. Noticed a really nice 2009 Yamaha Rhino that was a trade in. Worked a deal and it is now in my garage.I second the Polaris. I too have a Sportsman 500 HO. I bought it new in 2005 and have never touched it except changing oil. I have about 1500 miles on it. I put a whole cow elk on the rear rack and my buddy sat on the front rack and off we went foe about 3 miles on a 2 track to get to the truck. I also have and older Polaris Sportsman 400 that my wife rides and also other friends when we hunt and they don't have a quad. Both have winches. I really like Polaris, they both have served me well.
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I thought I had some better pixs. My 500 has independent rear suspension, while the 400 does not. Big difference in quality of ride. My wife does complain some too. I am thinking about selling both of them and buying a sidexside, but just not sure.