Why you should buy a 2006-2011 Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. | Polaris Sportsman Review

*Let me know what you think of the Polaris 500 H.O.* This is a review of the older style 2006-2011 Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. ATV. I put about 3,000 miles on my 2008 500 H.O. and had great luck with that model. I explain my ownership experience. In a nutshell, I really liked it and would recommend one if you can find a low mileage well looked after unit.

[@jamesgillis529]

I currently have a 2007 500 x2, a model they only made for two years. They are quite rare and a little bit more expensive but I absolutely love it, the long frame and powerful motor make it perfect for off-roading and working around the farm

[@EastCoastATV]

I remember that model, I liked it very much. They extra space for storage in the back was great. I'm glad to hear you've had good luck with it.

[@univelkaa]

I have Polaris Sportsman 500 HO EFI Touring 2007. I bought it 3 years agi without knowing ANYTHING about ATV's. I was lucky and hit a jackpot with this one. It's extremely reliable, you can find still all parts you need to replace, it doesn't have too many electrical components to break on you and even without power steering it handles very well. I use it in harsh Finnish enviroment, witch means -22F wintertime and +86F summertime. Not once I have had problem with this warhorse. I blow snow, I get tree trunks out of the forest and use it just to drive in woods and highways. Best little machine I have owned.

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm glad you've had such good luck with your machine! Thanks for posting. Enjoy your machine.

[@ManzanoManATVAdventures]

I own a 2014 Polaris Sportsman. I bought it brand new and last year I bought the Can Am Outlander 570. It's hard to argue what machine is better because I like them both. They both have solid power and 4 x 4 systems. Nice review on your older machine. I am not brand loyal. I am just a guy who loves ATVs that is reliable.

[@EastCoastATV]

The Sportsman and and Outlander are both very nice machines. I agree they have good AWD systems that work a bit different from one another. I used to be brand loyal but now I am open to different brands if it's something I find appealing. Thanks for watching. I hope you have good luck with your Outlander.

[@simcoebackcountry5998]

I have the 570, and it has never let me down. I am very happy with it.

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm glad to hear it's been a good machine for you. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post a message.

[@jamesortiz6251]

Hey buddy, nice video. I recently bought an 07 Sportsman 500 X2 Deluxe Model. The AWD system allows me to just crawl up steep hills. Very peppy for a 500 and the EFI makes it even better. The suspension on this quad is probably the best I've ever felt. If I had more money around I would get my hands on another X2. I found it at a good price with low mileage and hours. This video along with other videos helped me purchase a great machine. Thank you. Keep up the good work on the videos.

[@EastCoastATV]

Thank you James, I appreciate that. I always found the 500 Polaris was peppy for a 500 as well. I think I mentioned in the video that I wish I never sold it. I miss that one. Polaris definitely has the suspension system down to an art. The Sportsmans were definitely a plush riding machine. I'm glad I was able to help you make a decision you're happy with.

[@offgridcrib8693]

Just stumbled across your review of your 08 and enjoyed it. I`ve always rode Polaris snomobiles and atvs and have a 06 500 HO fuelie that i bought new and was the first year for efi so was a few bugs to iron out with reflashing the computer couple times and repairing rubbing extra efi wiring not particularly designed for that chassis. Has been an amazing bike and truthfully hasn`t had an easy life, spending it`s fair share of time at the dealer lol. All due to operater error and hold my beer moments but only had to be towed back to camp twice, broken belt after upside down in the creek and burnt up stator after submarining it and pullstart handle wasn`t sealed. Still gets used year round plowin snow yardwork or just goin for a rip still runs strong for a 15 year old bike, savin up for power steering kit with no desire or need to replace it.

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm glad you've had such good luck with your machine. I wish I never sold mine. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you get several more years out of it.

[@AtvAdventureVlog]

Thanks for the Review 👏💪👍

[@KtZcritters-44]

Excellent work! I am buying a used one. It is first one I will own and I am retired! This confirms my choice and helped me understand it's working. The one I am buying is not the deluxe, but I understand many factors that were questions. Thank you!

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm glad I could help you with your decision. I hope you have great luck with your machine.

[@J57947488]

Great video my dad has unfortunately had pretty bad luck with his 06 sportsman 800 it was bought new and only has 2,300 miles on fuel pump injectors 2 belts new spring on the rear 2 new rear wheel bearings a sensor that controls fuel injection and he is the slow rider of the group. Win some and lose some. Glad you had good luck with yours.

[@EastCoastATV]

Sorry to hear about his experience. I have a friend that had a 2007 800 and he had a lot of problems with it too. Interesting that machines with the same body style but different engines would have so many more issues. Thanks for watching and commenting Jeremy.

[@joerutkowsky3261]

I have a 06 500ho. Never let me down. I still ride it and love it

[@EastCoastATV]

Glad to hear it. I wish I never sold mine. Thanks for watching.

[@iandungan6196]

Same I ride it hard it’s a champ

[@da324]

I have a 2008 450 Sportsman. I think the only thing I've replaced were the bushings and a battery. The bushings were my fault as I used to put a lot of kids on it to give them rides through the woods. My speedometer just stopped working, but the rest of the display functions fine. They are very durable machines and I like it much better than the newer designs. Nice review!

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm glad to hear you have had good luck with your machine. My speedometer stopped working one time and it was just a cable that needed to be replaced. Pretty inexpensive fix. I really like the style of those machines too. Thanks for watching!

[@da324]

​@@EastCoastATV It went out the last day of my trip and it's at camp. I'll be checking it out when we go back after Christmas. Keep up the greet content.

[@Maritimer]

Hey Buddy ! Nice review ! I laughed at the keyboard warrior part lol people get so brand loyal it's crazy. And I agree with ya on the smooth ride, I took a 500 HO for a ride with my g/f at the time, and I was super surprised at how smooth it rode on the trails, it was like a cloud haha I did find the body roll at higher speeds a but noticeable, I'm guessing b/c of the soft suspension but man what a soft/smooth ride.

[@EastCoastATV]

Thanks Maritimer! They do have a bit of body lean but it only goes so far though. I still found they handled very well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ArizonaKid]

Good review , ya I ride Honda with the lowest horse power , but gets the job done . It’s all what you prefer. I did have a 570 polaris and I miss that front cargo box .

[@EastCoastATV]

Thanks. Honda makes very good machines with great reliability. For me I just wish they would put out a bit more hp. Like you wrote, it's what you prefer. If they would make an ATV with an 850 engine they would probably get a lot of people from Polaris and Can Am that would buy them. Same with Yamaha and the Grizzly. I don't know why other ATV brands haven't copied the Polaris built-in front storage box. I used it all the time. Thanks for watching!

[@levimc6783]

I just bought a 2011 with 700 km on it and love it hade 5 of these 500 polaris they are great bikes i had 9ne with 8200 miles on it and it still ran great

[@EastCoastATV]

700 km! Nice, it's barely broken in. Enjoy it. Thanks for watching.

[@50nick83]

My dad bought an 04 model brand new still has the original belt after years of trail riding, pulling down trees, mudding, and still pushes heavy snow every winter. One of these days im gonna pull the belt cover off to see how how it looks lol

[@EastCoastATV]

Excellent. It sounds like your dad knows when to use low gear. I'm glad it's been a good machine for him. Thanks for posting.

[@KM-je5xt]

Thank for the video just got one bin sitting for some time 1400km on it needs new rubber and back cv boot can't water to take it out

[@EastCoastATV]

Have fun my friend!

[@After5Outdoors]

I have owned a 2010 and a 2013 Sportsman HO. Both were good machines. My biggest issue was the electrical output. I just got a 22 Sportsman 450 and that issue is no more

[@EastCoastATV]

The Sportsman is probably the most comfortable ATV ever made. They handle great too. It sounds like they put a bigger stator in the new ones to alleviate electrical issues. Thanks for posting.

[@lcdubs7847]

My biggest complaint about the Polaris AWD system is that the rear wheels have to spin a little before the front will engage. Most of the time that is totally seamless, and you never even notice, but when trying to load the ATV on to a truck using steel ramps, having the back wheels spin is nerve racking, and can make it incredibly hard to get up the ramps.

[@EastCoastATV]

I 100% agree. Also when you are on slippery trails and you let off the gas the rear wheels lock up which can send you sideways.

[@michaelgmcauliffe]

i have a 2013 500ho 9600 miles and counting just changed rear shocks!! All wheel brgs throughout the years have been replaced!! never had a problem im on 4th battery and 3rd set of tires!! Love it will definately buy another polaris!! Im sold amazing durabilitly changed belt at 7500miles as preventive maintenance and a belt wasnt even required!!! i thought for sure it would be time for a new belt!! Cant recommend polaris sportsmans enough!!

[@EastCoastATV]

Dude that's awesome that you've had such good luck with that machine. I think those old 500 HO ATVs were pretty much bulletproof. I still miss mine to this day and wish I never sold it. Not all Polaris ATVs are equal. The old 800 model based on the platform of the 500 was known for having a ton of problems. I had a 2015 850 and I sold it in a year because I had so many issues with it. Keep your 500 running as long as you can.

[@michaelgmcauliffe]

@@EastCoastATV i will drive it till the wheels fall off lol!!

[@Jil1A]

Nice review. Looking forward to more reviews of your other ATVs that you owned until you bought the Commander which is when I started following your channel. Any updates on the Commander DPS repair?

[@EastCoastATV]

Thanks Jil. I'll do some more reviews of those machines too. I got the Commander back home now. It turns out the power steering unit was okay but there was a u-joint seized on the steering shaft. The shaft had to be replaced and that fixed the problem. Much cheaper than having to replace the entire power steering unit.

[@Jil1A]

@@EastCoastATV Glad you got it back and it wasn't too expensive. Is that u-joint greasable?

[@EastCoastATV]

@@Jil1A Yes I believe it is.

[@Jil1A]

@@EastCoastATV Make sure you grease it regularly then. I'm still on my factory u-joints in the back with 10,500 km. I just grease them regularly.

[@andrewinsinga2993]

Great video thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍 I currently own and ride a 2000 Suzuki king quad 300 4x4 It is a little tank and I rarely get stuck but I would like to step up to a larger more powerful machine , would a 500 be a better option than a 600 or 700 polaris sportsman? Thanks again

[@EastCoastATV]

The 600 is a v-twin with a bit more power but I had several problems with it. Personally, I think the 500 H.O. is powerful enough to get the job done and really reliable. I'm not sure about the 700. Good luck with your choice.

[@stanfen1966]

You're gonna miss the king quad 😂..owned a 1999 king quad before the polaris HO 500 sportsman..this is what you will not like and notice ..automatics always stay in a pulling gear witch sucks for creeping around or easing round old dirt roads at low speeds. If you're cool with the continuous winding and fans blowing a Polaris is a fine machine..

[@trustme7731]

2009 500 X2. 400 babied miles and always parked indoors. I bought it because I need a 2 up and I love the dump box although the box is pretty useless with the passenger seat set up for use. Nobody else makes this or I'd probably sell it and try another make. Under powered and slow. Oil changes are a pain in the ass. (clamp the hose and listen for the hiss. what a bunch of BS! not to mention oil needs to be drained from 3 places) Problems with the MAP sensor. Polaris wiring harnesses are generally crap and rub here and there. Tiny wires break off easily and Polaris doesn't sell the connectors. Many, maybe earlier models, ate cam shafts. Current problems are difficult start, won't idle, won't go over 5300 RPM, backfires through the intake and often won't run at all. No codes. They eat wheel bearings and have to buy an aftermarket device that claims to grease them. Starter sounds horrible. No recoil. Very clunky shifter. Not enough grease fittings. Suddenly releasing the throttle when on ice makes the back wheels stop causing a spin and maybe tipping over. Other than that, I guess it's ok.

[@reneaucoin4074]

Did you ever have issues with water getting in around the belt. I have a 2005 and replaced the clutch cover and still get water. I know I could just not go in deeper water but that probably wont happen

[@EastCoastATV]

No I was lucky and never got the belt wet and I drove through some pretty deep water. Strange that it's still happening with a new cover. Could be a bad gasket seal maybe. I hope you get it fixed that's an annoying issue.

[@timberray9572]

I have the X2 version from 07. The only problem I have had so far is a dead battery far from civilization, thank God I had a pull start. Mine has well over 5000kms on it. My machine gets used mostly for logging and will pull a third of a cord on a trailer nicely, I pulled a half cord once but that is getting too heavy for the little 500. This summer I will make some videos of it at work.

[@EastCoastATV]

The X2 was really nice if you want to bring a second person along. A dead battery out in the woods is awful. Luckily that model had the pull start! I'm glad to hear you're having such good luck with your machine especially when doing heavy work with it. Thanks for watching and posting a comment.

[@Fort_Wanmart]

If you remember, did the battery sit near the rear wheels or under the seat, im not sure how comfortable I feel with getting water on my battery as it sits near the wheels, if yours did to, did the water affect the battery?

[@EastCoastATV]

The battery on that one was under the seat. I never had a problem with it.

[@rzl07375]

Nice review. I have a Sportsman 800 thats been great. Curious if you ever checked out what top speed was on the 500?

[@EastCoastATV]

Darn, I forgot to mention that in the video. I'm not sure if it was the fastest it would go but I hit 90 km/h, (55 mph) a few times. It would maybe do a little better on a long straight trail. Thanks for watching.

[@rzl07375]

@@EastCoastATV Thanks man.I always was curious if there any engine performance difference from the older efi 500 ho to the newer ones in 2011 that had carbs.

[@EastCoastATV]

@@rzl07375 I think the only difference was how it was easier to start the machine in all kinds of weather or altitudes.

[@strofly122]

I have the 06 Browning Edition. It’s 2024 And The Sumbih Still Going. This One Time My Tire Tread Ripped My Brake Line And I Decided To Continue To Ride…So I Was Going Down A Steep Hill And The Engine Braking Didn’t Work BC I Had Transmission Issues..And It’s Crazy B/C I Didn’t Panic…So Basically The Suspension System Saved Me. I’ll Post A Video Tomorrow On My Page Of Hill.

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm glad to hear you've had such great luck with your machine! I still regret selling mine to this day. It's good that you kept your cool and didn't panic in that situation. Good job!

[@glow-_r6511]

i have the same one on stock tires and i o kt get 50miles a tank is that right?

[@EastCoastATV]

If I recall correctly, I got about 70 miles on a full tank with stock tires.

[@Hammerback0]

Looks just like my 2005 HO. Seems like the manufacture date was 09-04-2004

[@EastCoastATV]

I hope it's been a good machine for you. Thanks for watching.

[@khadimrasul3321]

Any thoughts on the 2005 sportsman HO??

[@EastCoastATV]

It's pretty much the same machine as the ones I reviewed. The major differences were design related. I owned a 2004 600 twin and loved it. It was very tough. A friend of mine had a 2003 500 HO and he owned it a long time and put many thousands of miles on it relatively problem free.

[@Rider-lh2gz]

I have the same exact one but mine is a 2005 Polaris sportsman 400

[@EastCoastATV]

Right on, I hope it's been a good machine for you. Thanks for watching!

[@1988camarokid]

Just bought one 2005 model needs injectors and the bushings are out in the steering arm for $1500

[@EastCoastATV]

Sounds like you got a decent machine for a good price. Thats not much work to fix it up. I hope its a good machine for you.

[@joeytimes2300]

I got 2008 sportsman 500ho carburetor model with 14,000 kms on it in in Vernon BC

[@EastCoastATV]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that. Those 500 engines are tough. I hope to be able to do some ATVing out there someday. I love the mountains.

[@joeytimes2300]

@@EastCoastATV I'm actually from new Glasgow Nova Scotia and lived in Stephenville nf

[@EastCoastATV]

@@joeytimes2300 OH, you're just next door! When you mentioned Vernon, BC I assumed you lived there. Maybe I'll see you out on the trail sometime.

[@kevinshaw3979]

I got a 07 Polaris x2 500 I live in savona BC but from Pictou NS Love riding in the mountains from my yard !

[@mike420fan]

The 2nd gen sportsman 500s are the best atv in my opinion reliable as hell

[@EastCoastATV]

I loved mine. I wish I still had it. Thanks for watching!

[@mike420fan]

@@EastCoastATV same here I wish I still had mine. Now people want 5k for them ahahaha

[@EastCoastATV]

@@mike420fan People are paying as much now as when I sold mine back in 2015. Crazy.

[@randylee2549]

Paid 3200 2008 ho efi 500, 118 miles with winch and Polaris plow in Phoenix AZ in 2012 still have it

[@jordangreen5559]

They had this body style in 2005

[@EastCoastATV]

Yes you're right, they did.

[@iaroslavlysenko8621]

Круто

[@leeallenbeal]

My Polaris Sportsman 500 2006 will do 60 or 65

[@EastCoastATV]

Nice. I could maybe get 60 on a long stretch now and then when I had mine.

[@Hammerback0]

My 2005 looks just like what is shown here as 06 and up

[@EastCoastATV]

Yes they came out in 2005.

[@pascal-ex8dk]

They made it from 2005 I thought?

[@EastCoastATV]

You are correct! Good catch.

[@REJ509]

They don’t make ‘em like they used to 😢

[@EastCoastATV]

Agreed. I miss that one. I wish I kept it.

[@ShortArmStrongArm]

BWAHAHAHA my 2006 (carbureted) has 1,500 miles on it. Its my second baby after my 1999 Suburban.