Not sure where to start my question. Presently my wife and I ride pretty tuff trails at very easy paces together. When on my own I ride these same trails but wick the pace up a bit. Myself I ride either my DRZ400(solo) or TW200 (when wife’s around) duel sport bikes. And her on her (still) nearly new 2016 Sportsman 450ho (570). Her ATV has less the 500kms on the clock mostly put on by myself as shortly after purchase my wife and I were blessed with the arrival of my daughter.
For a multitude of reasons (mostly past injuries of mine taking there toll on my abilities). The time has come to sell of at least one of my duel sport (Likely the DRz). And in anticipation of my now nearly 2 year old daughter being able to join us one day I’m contemplating selling the wife’s ATV as well in favour of a two up machine.
My questions are a choice between the players in the field. I’m looking at the Sportsman 570 SP touring, the Sportsman 850 SP touring, and a bit different the Honda Pioneer 500.
For me the 850 sounds fun because when the wife’s not around I love the DRZ for the insane pace it can keep on the trails AND would hope to get some of that feeling on four wheels once it’s gone. BUT I worry the size and power of it may scare off my wife as she has not ridden in two years now. I also worry of Polaris quality and reliability as even our low mileage 450 has been to the dealer once for warrenty repairs when the CVT case leaked in water it’s second time out.
The 570 would be essentially a slightly longer version of her current machine and be fine I’d imagine but not all that exciting for when I use it. And again quality and reliability remain a concern.
The Honda offers a much more carefree from reliability stand point. A bit more amenities in having a roof and a bit more security it a full roll cage and seat belts. The DCT means no more worry of belt slippage. BUT it’s goong to be slower than the wife’s 450 and lacks traction in the front with the open diff. It’s also a bit on the ugly side.
The parent in me is leaning towards the Honda for its roll cage alone and far better reliability record. while I think TRULY I want the 850 Sportsman. The wife is kinda indifferent but is really fond of her 450 (she loves the blue lol).
Regardless what I pick it will see far more use than wife’s current ride, as wife and I can use it togeather, or wife and daughter eventually, or even Myself and daughter, or even better yet the wife and daughter then me on the trusty old TW200(seriously other than deep deep mud or water this thing is UNSTOPPABLE).
