The Sportsman 700 Twin is so-called for its 683cc engine. This is now (but for how long we can’t say) the largest displacement powerplant on the recreational ATV landscape.
Of course, you wouldn’t necessarily realize this until you sat behind the handlebars. That’s because Polaris engineers designed this parallel twin-cylinder engine in a remarkably compact configuration. The size difference between this and a single-cylinder unit is scarcely noticeable. It has a minimal number of parts given its extra reciprocating components, and the single coil and carburetor help simplify maintenance.
As for performance, there doesn’t seem to be an end to what the two-cylinder will give up. In fact, under typical driving conditions, you’re not likely to ever power-out the Sportsman 700. But this tremendous performance is not limited to top-end horsepower. Thanks to its high-velocity cylinder head ports, pushrod-actuated valvetrain and roller rocker arms, the engine produces a heaping helping of low-end torque. This is underlined by the ATV’s class-leading 1,500-pound towing capacity.
The Sportsman 700 Twin is only available with an automatic drivetrain. That means the engine is backed by the time-tested, field-proven Polaris Variable Transmission. This dual-sensing transmission monitors engine rpm and torque requirements for optimal torque transfer to the wheels.
It also features an engine braking system for smooth speed control on downhill grades. For the Sportsman 700, the Polaris transmission comes with a new in-line shift pattern and a start-in-gear feature. The transmission ranges include High-Low-Neutral-Reverse-Park. It’s easy to reach, easy to operate, and equally pleasing is its location on the right side of the gas tank.
Similarly, the Sportsman 700 only comes with four-wheel-drive. Actually, it’s an all-wheel-drive system that is activated by a switch located just above the throttle lever. In the “off” mode the Polaris acts like your standard 2WD ATV. Move the selector to “on” and the all-wheel-drive system is engaged. The interesting thing about this system is that power is directed to the front wheels only when the system detects rear wheel slippage. The advantage to this is that four wheel-drive comes on only when it’s needed to maintain forward progress. This provides for lighter steering effort when all-wheel-drive is not necessary — which, unless you are pushing through some really nasty trail sections, is most of the time.
There is, however, a downside to this set-up. Since the front wheels engage only when rear wheel slippage is detected, you can never achieve four wheel-drive while going down hill. This pretty much negates the positive aspects of engine (or compression) braking because on really steep slopes with loose traction (mud, sand, snow, wet grass, loose rock, etc.) the engine braking works on the rear wheels instead of the front. Left to its own devices, the result is a kind of rear wheel lock-up and skid — something you don’t want to contend with.
On a more positive note, Polaris has given the Sportsman 700 Twin a superb braking system. The front and rear disc brakes are on a common hydraulic circuit, and both are activated simultaneously (like an automobile) with a single hand lever located on the left handlebar. It delivers the best stopping power we’ve seen yet on a sport utility ATV. In addition, a foot lever can independently activate the rear brakes, and this, too, is hydraulically actuated, not cable-controlled.
While the large displacement 683cc engine grabs most of the attention, equally impressive is the Sportsman 700 Twin’s smooth suspension system. Up front we find Polaris’s typical MacPherson strut independent configuration while the back end consists of a progressive-rate independent with monotube shocks. Wheel travel is 6.7 inches for the front and 9.5 inches in the rear.
When we say the suspension is smooth, we mean it. In field testing new machines we like to go full-boogie across the rough stuff (hoping nothing untoward happens to send us flying down a ravine or into a tree) just to see how the suspension soaks up the dips and bumps. Let’s simply say that the Sportsman 700 does an excellent job of insulating your backside from the trail topography. Handling is so sweet and soft it almost takes the fun out of it!
Score one for expert engineering.
As a sporting rig, the Sportsman 700 comes well equipped. Not only can it handle the loads thanks to its high towing capacity, the composite front and rear cargo racks can accommodate plenty of gear — even a whitetail in back — and the full floorboards go a long way towards keeping you dry when going through the wet stuff. We also like the large, easy-to-see VDO speedometer and digital display, the key-start ignition (similar to an automobile ignition), and the pod-mounted quartz halogen headlight that shines wherever you aim the vehicle.
20213 E. Admiral Pl. Catoosa, OK 74015
