2005 Polaris Sportsman 800 efi

Hello. Looking at buying rhis machine. Anyone know anything about them or that drivetrain in general?

Not sure but google electrical problems on that machine. I have know several guys that had problems with electrical in those years.

I don’t know about the 800, but my dad has an 05′ 500 and my brother has and 05′ 600. They are both still running today. But the 500 has been a LOT more reliable. I think they even discontinued the 600.

My 2005 500 HO has been reliable and I have not had any issues with the drivetrain. I don’t know much about the 800’s, but I assume they use the same drivetrain.

Electronic issues have plagued the 2008 and older Polaris’. Other than that, they are a workhorse machine. It has partially to do with the pouch style circuit breakers in the wiring harnesses.

just as a safe buy as any others. personally feel like the Polaris is just as good as the others and definitely have the best suspension.

I enquired on various forums back when I was shopping for that same vintage a few years ago. Almost across the board, I was warned that the 500 and the 800 are totally different animals. The 800 attracted way more feedback and warnings from owners.

That’s not actual experience, just sharing the fact that by asking around a lot of guys steered me away from 800s in that vintage.

I ended up with a 2009 500HO and I have to say for my use I can’t possibly see where I would need 300 more CCs. I’ve pulled a 250 pound food plot disc for hours on end with this machine, can’t see what more power would get me, so glad I went with the 500 machine personally.

I’ve had the usual issues, torn CV boots, tires that leak, etc. Only thing that I don’t consider a “wear part” that’s gone bad was the Stator totally failed. Maybe my expectations are wrong, but I guess with a machine that has only 1500 miles, I think this was a little premature for it to wear out the stator, but that’s what happend. Other than that, it’s bean a good machine.

Grouse

I towed one for a guy. Never heard so many F-bombs in such a short period of time. Besides it drinking gas like an alcoholic from a free keg, it sounded like he had spent a ton of money on ignition issues.

I only know of a couple guys that had own them, and they all sold them and went with different makes/models. Specificly which years they owned – i don’t know

My experience is different from others apparently. I have the 2008 800 HO and couldn’t be happier with the machine. I bought it used 3 years ago with 3000 miles from a buddy that rode it pretty hard. I have put another 700 on it without one single issue thus far. I only run Amsoil full synthetic and keep the battery in the house over the winter months of non-use. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

I have an ’05 Sportsman 700, bought new, never been in the shop. I plow with it and hunt and fish.

I bought one of these brand new and still use it today. I’ve never had a problem with electrical, drivetrain or anything else for the matter, maybe I just got lucky. Strong machine; I’ve used mine for elk hunting (towing a 4×8 trailer full of gear and elk at 9,000 feet and plenty of snow-just chain up and go), 4WD roads in the summertime and my dad uses it to plow his driveway the rest of the time. My only complaint, which is not a Polaris issue, is the Warn winch. I’ve had two replaced and this 3rd one is about to go. Yes, they use more fuel when compared to the 500s but what doesn’t use more fuel that is bigger? A friend has a newer 850 and I burn less than he does.

I really appreciate all your input. Have not decided yet…… And no hurry.

I bought a 05 Sportsman 700 efi in 08. Strong machine, no issues always gotten me home.