Home Forums Gear Horses and ATV's 2011 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO w/o EBS

I'm looking at a new Polaris 500 HO Sportsman ATV and it comes without the EBS, or engine braking system, on it from the factory. It can be added for $400 to $500.
Does anyone have any real world experience with, or without, the EBS? TIA

I just got a new 550 last Friday. I chose the 550 over the 500 for the ebs.

If you are only using the bike in flat country, no biggie. I use mine in Ky. and Co. so, I need the engine breaking.

I have one of each. If you will be riding with any hills where you may pick up speed on the way down, get the EBS for sure. It works fantastic and helps prevent uncontrolled slides. I bought one without EPS after already having the other (great used buy) and I really wish I had it.

I just road a Polaris 400 with an engine break while in Alaska. If given the choice I wouldn't have one without it. It really adds to your control when going down hill.

I'd skip the Polaris all together and get something with EBS, a decent braking system, and one you can trust to get you back to your truck.

So far, Polaris has the lowest price with the Sportsman 500, but no EBS. Arctic Cat (450) is next in line and adds EFI and EBS and a 2 year warranty. Suzuki (King Quad 400) is next price wise. 400Can Am (400) is WAY out there on price. Honda (Rancher) needs to update suspension and transmissions. Yamaha (Grizzly 450) is too proud of their products. At least the dealers around here are. Can Am, Honda and Yamaha are so close in price that there's not much difference with them.

With some of the prices that are being quoted, you'd think that there was no economic slowdown. I may just buy a new pair of boots and keep walking.

get the polaris with EBS. you will get the best
trail riding atv out.

I went the used Yamaha 450 Grizzly route. Around here you can find used quads with low hours. I used to have a Honda Rancher and one of my hunting partners rides a Polaris 700. I think Yamaha has them beat with their 4wd system and size to power ratio. My 2007 Grizzly with 150 hrs ran me 4250.00.

I'd go used if you can find one.

Don't hesitate to buy Polaris! I've had several for years and have had no issues.

As far as Polaris go, a friend on a ranch here says they don't last with the rough way they use them. However, I would bet that the ATV's that ride the tundra in Alaska get more abuse per season than the vast majority of ATVs in the 48. The Polaris' that I had used and friends who talk about theirs keep on going.

If you're going to the Polaris, get the EBS. I had a Suzuki KQ but it was a 700, so I can't say about that one. The Rancher is probably my second choice on your list but you're right, they fall behind on most of the others on things like breaks and suspension. Can Am is VERY proud of their stuff. I'd have a Renegade 4x4 if they weren't.

If you can swing it, the Griz 450 is top of the line and will be the next wheeler I get. I'm waiting another year or two so I can buy a used one with power steering. I can't swallow the 7K price tag the new wheelers are going for.

If suspension is real important, Polaris has the best ride.

Have a 500 Polaris Magnum with EBS that is now almost 10 years old and it has been a great ATV. I do like and recommend the EBS if where you ride is very hilly.

Prices are all over the place.
2011 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO $5563 OTD. Non-EBS
2010 AC 450 $6150 OTD.
2011 Can Am 400 $6466 OTD.
2011 Suzuki 400 KQ $6254 OTD.
2011 Yamaha Griz non-eps 450 $7214 OTD.
2012 Yamaha Griz 450 w/eps $7850 OTD.

It appears that the Polaris Sportsman 500 HO is, dollar for dollar, the best buy on a new atv.

I've looked at used atvs here and the prices are as out of line used as they are new. It seems that a 2001 atv is worth $2500-$3000 in just about any condition. That is my main reason at looking for a new one. Otherwise, I'd get a nice used one and save some money.

Holy crap that's a lot of $ for a wheeler.

I'd not pay that, even for the Yammi. Find a good used one you like. MANY good wheelers in the $3-4K range. Damn near new if you're patient.

the atv is not getting any more abuse in alaska then they do in va. riding in rocks all day.wv has some of worst trails for atv's . coal dust eats them up fast.

I went back to the Polaris dealer today for a closer look at atvs. It seems that not even the 900 XP Rzr has EBS on it. As a matter of fact NONE of the Polaris side by sides have it. It's just on a few of the Sportsman models. I was quoted $522 to install EBS on a Sportsman 500 HO.
A used '08 500 Sportsman will run $4600 plus tax.
The new atv is looking better and better. It's either that or sit and wait to see what comes along, or keep on walking.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Did you check Craigslist?

I've been looking at Craigslist, atv trader, etc. The thing that people around here do is look up Kelley Blue Book retail price. Then, it's take it or leave it at retail price. Never mind the broken plastic, bald tires, etc., it's a retail priced machine.

Here's an example. 2005 Polaris Sportsman: "2501 miles on it but the speedo quit working due to wheel bearing. This just happened. If I replace the bearings the price will go up. It starts, runs great 4wd works great. It also has a plow mount on it but no blade. Price: $3300 as is, more if I fix it."

That's nuts. He'll be fixing the bearing it sounds like.

The new sportsman is a nice machine. If you can swing it I'd suggest EFI, you'd like that in the winter time.