2014 Polaris Sportsman Ace

July 1 st  2014:

Ready for the parade
Ready for the parade

My Sister wanted to come over for Canada Day and join the GF ATV club in the parade.  “I’ll bring a quad from work” ( Polaris Dealer).  I said see if they have one of those new Polaris Ace’s.  She said “yup there’s a new one in the showroom”  So that’s how I got to try one without even leaving home..  This is so very new concept.. like quad meets side by side.  Same size as a quad, but you drive it like a side by side..  They basically took the motor in the quad and moved it back to make room for a floor , a comfy seat, and gave you a tilt steering wheel and foot peddles.  Add a roll cage and the all important cup holder and there you have the Ace.

Kathy behind the wheel
Kathy behind the wheel

I took her up some very rough trails close to town..  Lots of big rocks, washouts..  and generally rough going.  Those big tires .. the clearance and it’s heavy 850 lbs … smoothed out the whole works.  Wow .. this thing is like bringing you new $50,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the trail.   No fighting the wheel…  no steering around the rocks..  The cup holder down beside the seat is kinda shallow.. And we were sure the water bottle would go flying .. NOPE.  That smooth !

IMGP1218
On the trail with my Polaris

Now this unique machine has a unique motor as well..  it’s got only 32 hp.. it’s fuel injected, counter balanced and multi valved.   not neck snapping power..but it gets the job done.  And reportedly good on fuel.  Typical  Polaris drive line.. hi, low range but with an added “park”.   AWD drive is a button on the dash..  Quite simple and user friendly.  The roll bar keeps the trees out of your face.. and you have a feeling of security in the seat..

Me !
Me !

Anyways I was impressed enough to desire one in my garage..  We’ll see.  It’s would be cool to go all day and not need physical therapy after.. its that comfy !  You drive this … not ride it..   so there is that,  of which the die hard quader’s reject.   And did I mention the cup holder !  But !  this is not the quad for me..  So back it goes.