Polaris or Yamaha

[mitrrophybowhunter]

OK folks. Since the last ATV dilemia got soooo much attention I thought I would post for some help. As you can tell from the Title I am only considering Polaris Sportsman 700/800EFI or the Yamaha Grizzly 700FI.

I was always a huge Polaris fan but have concerns about the belt slippage and how well the AWD works over very tough terrain. I have also seen a couple posts in other forums about trouble with the Polaris 800 transmission breaking gears. Any have this problem?

I am also a fan of the new Griz with the power steering and the great 4wd system. I understand that the Griz comes standard with EBS were the Polaris is now an extra charge.

So what are your thoughts? I know I can't go wrong but just wanted some peoples experience/opinion.

It will be used for plowing snow, food plots, deer dragging and fun.

OH PS I LOVE the quick contect glacier snow plow for the Polaris. Anyone know if they make something like that for the Griz?

[texastrophies]

I have an '06 700 carbed Sportsman, with 29.5" Outlaws on it and have had no problems with belt slippage at all. And in my opinion the AWD is the best system out there. You have 4wd as soon as the back tires start turning faster than the front and you actually have 4wd not 3wd which makes a big diff if you get in an off camber situation where one front tire is up in the air.

I have not broke any gears in the tranny, but, I did have the low gear slide on the shaft. I believe that has been fixed, but not sure.

Have never ridden a Griz, so I can't really give you an opinion on them.

The Popo is a lot heavier than the griz, which can be good or bad depending on the situation.

[bigmoss]

I have owned Polaris since they started building bikes and have never slipped a belt and can pull anyting all day long any other bike can, just hit low wheel drive and way you go. I would stay with a 700 I have the 800 and it is really extra money for bling and not much else. It has the best suspension around and rides like a dream, clean the clutches once every fews months and the bike will last forever.

[coles]

i have a griz 660 and i love it. if i were to buy another 4x4 4 wheeler it owuld be a griz 700. and this is just my opinion but i have ridden a polaris before and they are smooth ridden bikes but to me it felt like a toy. i dint like the plastic racks on them and i dont really know. it just didnt appeal to me. i wouldnt give my grizzly 660 for anything. just like i tell everyone else with atv questions on here...go and test ride both of them and see which one you like better. what works well for us and what we like might not be the same for you.

[maytom]

I have a 2004 1/2 Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. and my brother has a Grizzly 660. Yes, his is quicker, but I love the ride, handling, and AWD features better on the Polaris!! There are two ranges for the gearing, High and low. If your pulling a heavy trailer or going less than 7mph, or climbing over a log, use low range in AWD. If going over 7mph and joy riding, use High range. Pretty simple!! I'll always be a Polaris fan. My next machine will surely be the 800 EFI!!

[Bownarow]

I own a 2006 Kodiak 450 and have loved it every second I have owned it. My buddy has a 500 Sportsman and he seems to like it as well. Of course I do notice that he gets stuck a lot more than I do. Then again that may just be b/c I am the world's greatest rider

Seriously, they would both be great bikes. Personally I would go with the Griz.

[snapper]

Since they are both belt drive...I'd say you have just as much chance with one slipping as well as the other. I've seen first hand two belts burnt off a Polaris ranger and at least 2 other times seen a belt slip and/or start to smoke on a Polaris Scambler 500.

I'm not a fan of the belt drive...but unless your considering a Honda...you'll have to live with the belt.

I know you said its between those two...but don't sell yourself short until you rode them all for yourself and then decide. I rode several and all were great machines in their own way...I ended up with the Kaw. Brute Force 750i. The V-twin on the 750 is incredible for sheer power!

Out of the two you mentioned...I personally would lean towards the Griz...but thats just me.