In 1996, an ATV was created that took the industry by storm and set the benchmark for ATV innovation and technology.
This is the legendary ATV that started it all - the first with independent rear suspension, the first with automatic transmission, the first with On Demand All Wheel Drive and the first with all wheel disc brakes.
This is an ATV that other brands have spent the past 11 years trying to replicate.
The Polaris Sportsman 500 has weathered storms, floods, drought and just about every other condition imaginable to remain the worlds best selling automatic ATV some 11 years later.
While the EFI version of the Sportsman 500 has been readily available, the carburetted version is returning from a short hiatus to be back in Polaris’ 2008 range and retailing at genuine 1996 prices.
There’s not many products that sell for the same price eleven years after their release, but that’s exactly what the Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. will do.
To celebrate its return – and in recognition of the impact drought, increasing interest rates and inflation are having on farmers across the nation - Polaris will be offering the Sportsman 500 H.O. for only $9,995, the same price as its release in 1996.
“This is the model that really took ATVs to a completely new level in terms of engineering, technology and innovation,” said Polaris Australia National Sales Manager, Peter Harvey.
“With the current environmental and economic considerations, we have identified the need to provide even greater value to the consumer.
“While the hugely popular EFI version will still be available, the carburetted Sportsman 500 H.O. will offer an excellent value proposition at only $9,995.”
And while other brands have spent over a decade trying to catch up, Polaris has widened the gap even further with a constant stream of innovation.
The Sportsman 500 H.O. jets along with a Polaris 500 carbureted engine that has electric start and backup recoil start, and breathes out through a 40mm CV Mikuni carburettor.
The independent rear suspension now offers a whopping 24.1cm travel and 28.6cm ground clearance to ensure the legendary smooth Polaris ride, and hydraulic front disc brakes offers optimal braking performance in all conditions.
The Sportsman 500 H.O. also boasts leading capabilities such as a staggering 555kg towing capacity, 81kg rear rack capacity and 15.5L fuel capacity.
And, of course, the Sportsman 500 H.O. is compatible with the world’s largest range of accessories – the genuine Polaris Lock & Ride range. From a cargo box to a gun scabbard, these accessories attach and detach in seconds, making your Polaris the world’s most versatile ATV.
The Sportsman 500 is just one example of the legendary Polaris innovation. It’s been over 20 years since the giant US company built its first ATV, and in that time Polaris technology has shaped the industry, delivering reliable, hard-working performance – and above all, the smoothest ride on the market - to farmers and recreational riders worldwide.
Polaris has pioneered countless features that have revolutionized the ATV industry, including automatic transmission, on-demand all-wheel drive, independent rear suspension (IRS), 4WD sport model, single lever braking, engine braking system (EBS), electronic fuel injection and electronically locking rear differential.
And even though Polaris has now manufactured well in excess of two million ATV’s and Ranger off-road utility vehicles, they continue to be at the forefront of ATV innovation. Just this year, Polaris released the Outlaw 525 – a sports quad with a KTM 525 engine. And the company has recently released the all-new Ranger RZR – a side-by-side utility that is quite unlike anything seen before in the industry.
This incredible offer of the Sportsman 500 H.O. for $9,995 is available now.

Photos, product testing, and other media requests:
Alan Collins
Polaris Industries
(03) 5330 4713
0419 016 501
alan.collins@polarisind.com
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