Sportsman X2
Responding to reality, Polaris has added the Sportsman X2 to its line. Fitted with the 500 EFI motor, a longer wheelbase and compatible with Lock & Ride accessories, the X2 transforms to a two-seat machine very quickly. It is equipped with a dump bed that converts into a seat-the rider's backrest folds down to become a passenger seat. The passenger seat is pretty cool and all self-contained with no parts to add or remove. Its longer wheelbase made the X2 a joy to ride both with a passenger and without, and the machine is surprisingly stable. We managed to drown one X2 in a mud hole-an unsealed prototype CDI proved to be the culprit, which won't be an issue for production models. Offering good power, the versatile two-seater is available in black/silver, red/black and a fresh Break-Up camo pattern.
Sportsman 450
Filling Polaris' entry-level niche is a more powerful and better-handling Sportsman 450 that has replaced the 400 for '06. It enjoys all the features as the other Sportsmans: all-wheel-drive, integrated storage and the entire line of Lock & Ride accessories. Still no featherweight, the quad can now get out of its own way and was thoroughly enjoyable to ride. Colors are green/black yellow/black and a very hip Sonic blue/black design.
Hawkeye
Polaris identified a segment of its customers who want a full-featured midsized quad without any compromises. The new Hawkeye-aimed at filling this void-is offered in both 2WD and 4WD models and should bring IRS to the masses. We had a chance to ride it and can attest that it is easy to use and has good handling and power. The starting drill is somewhat disconcerting and requires three hands, or at least the ability to use two hands and an elbow, as you must turn the key and apply throttle while keeping the brake squeezed. However, once started, the machine runs well. It has digital instrumentation and front storage similar to the Sportsman line.
Sawtooth
The new Sawtooth is a 2WD 200cc air-cooled machine, which uses the same motor as the Phoenix. This entry-level is outfitted with dual A-arms, Sportsman lights and metal racks. It also accepts the same accessories as the full-sized ATVs. It has a full 7 inches of travel and will be available in blue or Sportsman green.
Ranger Line
Each year we've seen the Rangers improve, and the trend continues this year. Kudos to Polaris for implementing customer feedback into tangible features and benefits. New for this year is the Ranger XP, a 700cc EFI-powered Ranger corralling 40 horsepower-the greatest output permitted by U.S. law. The company claimed it also gained 47 percent more torque and 29 percent more acceleration and now boasts a top speed of 44 mph. The 700 EFI engine was also installed in a new Ranger 6x6 model. Innovative accessories for the Ranger line include a Lock & Ride cab that offers easy installation and removal of components and a multimount winch system that can be swapped between the front and rear of the machine depending on the task at hand.
With such a diverse lineup, it's a good year to visit a Polaris dealership if you are in the market for a new ATV. Add in the company's new partnership with KTM (News Front, page 18), and things can only get better.