Polaris Sportsman

If there is one machine that defines the do-it-all, hardworking and hard playing utility ATV, it is the Polaris Sportsman 500.  They’re practically mandatory at every hunting camp in the country, and they’re on every trail regardless of whether it’s a Louisiana swamp run or a climb into the snow covered mountains of Idaho.  Along the way, they became the best-selling ATV ever built.  Nearly all were abused occasionally, if not on a regular basis, with some owners completely ignoring any regular maintenance; yet the Sportsman was always ready for more.

We believe the Polaris Sportsman XP 550 is quite possibly the best ATV ever built. That’s not a claim we make lightly, but there is so much to love about the XP 550 we hardly know where to begin. The ergonomics are excellent, the engine is powerful and smooth, and it’s a dream to drive. What more is there?

We’ll admit that the first time we headed out onto the trail riding double on an ATV was a little strange. For years we had been one of the guardians of safe ATVing, and riding with a passenger was one of the Cardinal Sins, sure to lead to destruction and damnation. The trouble was, since the first ATV rolled into the first ride area, undoubtedly a friend, buddy, or girlfriend wanted to ride along regardless of the lack of seat, foot pegs, or handholds.