Brother-in-law had a 2009 Polaris RZR 800 decked out. He loved this thing, and was a real treat to ride in, but after a few hundred miles the belt slip and then after another chuck of miles it busted something internally and would not turn over any more. He eventually fixed all this and sold it. Not because it was unreliable (he is known for breaking motorized equipment).
Anyways, fast forward a few years and my wife and kids are getting excited about purchasing out first SXS. However, there are a few issues we're worried about. After doing some research online and talking with locals, Polaris has issues, which appear to be related with their PVT. This is their biggest gripe and did not mention anything else requiring much maintenance.
Problem is, I've always wanted a Polaris since drooling over the Scrambler 500 after it was released. I've owned a Honda 300 back in 1999, and it was a great machine. Naturally we decided to stop at our local Honda dealer and liked their offering and price range, especially the 700-4 model. With this we could take out kids riding on the weekends. However, there is a small issue, My wife was in an accident last year and still recovering from a spinal fusion, and seizures. Therefor, she will probably only ride on the beach and a few groomed trails for the next few years. My daughter may or may not ride, she is only three years of age and a very cautious child, but my son will (5 y/o) ride all day long. Thus, it will likely be me and my son riding 80% of the time.
So this bring the shopping process full circle and decided to look at other manufactures. We REALLY like the Yamaha Wolverine Spec-R, and my wife found it very comfortable in comparison to the Honda. Though, I am unsure if they allow test rides like the local Honda dealer. Having done research on the Yamaha CVT system, I feel confident with this manufactures reliability.
The Wolverine is on the outer limits of our budget. They want $12,999 with included winch and roof. This dealer has it marked down from $13,499.
Anyways, I do not want to rule out Polaris and curious if there is a after market clutch kit that fixes the known problems and how is rest of the machine. Most of our riding will be moderate cruising with some spirited driving with my son once in a while. Other wise just a simple trail machine with excellent seats is needed. Would like it to be reliable since we live in Alaska and worried about being in the bush...stranded...
Any input. I am not brand loyal and willing to listen to any unbiased information.
Anyways, fast forward a few years and my wife and kids are getting excited about purchasing out first SXS. However, there are a few issues we're worried about. After doing some research online and talking with locals, Polaris has issues, which appear to be related with their PVT. This is their biggest gripe and did not mention anything else requiring much maintenance.
Problem is, I've always wanted a Polaris since drooling over the Scrambler 500 after it was released. I've owned a Honda 300 back in 1999, and it was a great machine. Naturally we decided to stop at our local Honda dealer and liked their offering and price range, especially the 700-4 model. With this we could take out kids riding on the weekends. However, there is a small issue, My wife was in an accident last year and still recovering from a spinal fusion, and seizures. Therefor, she will probably only ride on the beach and a few groomed trails for the next few years. My daughter may or may not ride, she is only three years of age and a very cautious child, but my son will (5 y/o) ride all day long. Thus, it will likely be me and my son riding 80% of the time.
So this bring the shopping process full circle and decided to look at other manufactures. We REALLY like the Yamaha Wolverine Spec-R, and my wife found it very comfortable in comparison to the Honda. Though, I am unsure if they allow test rides like the local Honda dealer. Having done research on the Yamaha CVT system, I feel confident with this manufactures reliability.
The Wolverine is on the outer limits of our budget. They want $12,999 with included winch and roof. This dealer has it marked down from $13,499.
Anyways, I do not want to rule out Polaris and curious if there is a after market clutch kit that fixes the known problems and how is rest of the machine. Most of our riding will be moderate cruising with some spirited driving with my son once in a while. Other wise just a simple trail machine with excellent seats is needed. Would like it to be reliable since we live in Alaska and worried about being in the bush...stranded...
Any input. I am not brand loyal and willing to listen to any unbiased information.
