Some background on me…I have owned one ATV, still have it technically but it has been sold to friend under a payment plan…it is/was a 2003 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO, I bought it new in late 2002, its been a pretty good machine for hunting but the CVT has given me some grief over the years (wet belt) …my primary use for an ATV is hunting, but I am looking to do some mowing with this new one as well.

I have some questions I can’t seem to find the answers to…

1- Whats the top speed in low range 5th gear on the DCT equipped model? What I’m wondering here is how it’ll be cruising across the open field then coming up on a steep hill…with the CVT, unless I want to hit the hill at a pretty good speed I have to stop and shift into low range to climb the hill nice and easy…otherwise its hard on the belt….wondering if the DCT will suffice at buzzing around through the hills and hollers in low range, without being too slow.

2- Am I right to believe the manual transmission will do better at mowing steep hills with a pull behind finish mower than the DCT?

3- Are there any known bugs in the new Rubicon design and if so, what are they?

That said, I’m probably gonna get the manual shift model (FM5)…but I’m not buying anything until about March, I’m just doing my homework.

The ATV will remain bone stock…I’m not interested in any modifications of any kind, except maybe a winch and a 2" reciever…maybe….I’m in need of a tool, not a toy.

Thank You