My 2009 Sportsman 500 EFI
This is a picture of my 2009 Polaris Sportsman 500 (EFI) ATV. This is my first ATV, and to be perfectly honest, it was kind of a spontaneous purchase. I had been wanting a motorcycle for a while, specifically a Triumph Bonneville from the 70’s, but with a three year old and another one on the way, I decided to get something I perceived as being a little less likely to get me killed. Anyway, I love it. So far I have only taken it to the Windrock Coal Creek OHV park in Oliver Springs, but even after a handful of trips, I still have lots of trails to explore. I will use this page to document my experiences with the ATV. Eat it!
Polaris 2009 Sportsman 500 EFI Specs
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Displacement (cc): 498, Carburetion: 39mm Throttle Body, EFI, Starting Type: Electric, Drivetrain/System: Shaft/Automatic, Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut with 8.2″ / 20.8 cm travel, Rear Suspension: Fully Independent, Progressive rate with anti-roll bar, 9.5″ / 24.1 cm travel.
Accessories Added After Purchase
Lock and Ride Rear Cargo Rack – This is pretty much a necessity if you need to carry anything bigger than an iPod. I use it to store any food, tow straps, and a change of clothes (It isn’t completely waterproof, so be sure to put the clothes near the top). $200 is kind of a rip job, but as mentioned above, its kind of a necessity. Also, the good thing about the lock and ride gear is that it can be taken off or put on the ATV in about 2 seconds.
Lock and Ride Rear Cargo Rack Side Bags – These bags attach right to the Rear Cargo Rack using Velcro. This is where I store things that I need to get to often (or quickly) like drinks, my GPS, a camera, and any small snacks. They seem to be pretty durable and can be put through a washing machine if they get a little dirty. Not too bad at $20 per bag.
Garmin Dakota 20 GPS – I’ve never owned a GPS before I got this one, and although looking back now it may have been a little overkill for what I need, I think it’s freakin awesome! The U.S. Topography maps are great and provide a good amount of detail. It fits in your pocket, the batteries seem to last a long long time, it has a touch screen, and in a pinch can be used as a cell phone prop to get you out of an awkward conversation with any weirdo you might run into on the trail. He’s got a real pretty mouth on him, don’t he? I’ll get a better review of the GPS once I log some more hours on it.
Trips