2012 Polaris Sportsman® 500 H.O.
The Sportsman® 500 H.O. is the best-selling automatic 4x4 ATV* of all time. Its smooth ride and handling are legendary. For 2012 it’s also the best value 500, with your choice of red, green or new yellow color.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
All
Sportsman 500 H.O. Best-Selling Automatic 4x4 ATV* - With its legendary smooth Sportsman ride and long list of distinctive Polaris features, the Sportsman 500 H.O. is a great value. No wonder it’s still the best-selling automatic 4x4 ATV of all time. (*Based on automatic 4x4 500 H.O. Class ATVs.)
On-Demand True All Wheel Drive - True AWD keeps you moving, automatically engaging all four wheels when you need more forward traction and reverting back to 2WD when you don’t. Other ATVs use a limited-slip differential, engaging only three wheels.
New! Integrated Front Storage - The most integrated storage of any ATV. The 6.5 gallon capacity lets you stow-away loads of gear and still have access to it, even with items tied to the deck.
Raised Radiator Placement - Radiator is mounted 3" higher in the chassis an angled rearward to keep it out of mud and you on the trail longer.
Big Towing Power - The Sportsman lives up to its Hard Working reputation with a 1,225 lb. towing capacity, so you can tow trailers loaded with material and equipment.
High Ground Clearance - A full 11.25" of obstacle-clearing ground clearance lets you tackle some of the tougher terrain that comes your way.
Aggressive Design with Lock & Ride - An aggressive looking body style gives the Sportsman an intimidating look and enhanced sight lines for the driver. The Lock & Ride composite front rack system and matching rear rack make it easy to carry gear.
Legendary Smooth Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) - The Sportsman was the world’s first ATV with IRS, a feature that made it as popular as it is today. Its rock-solid design has 9.5" of travel to minimize body roll and keep the ride smooth.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes All Around, With Braided Stainless-Steel Brake Lines
Ten-Gauge Steel Skid Plates
Single-Lever Braking
50W Halogen - Handlebar mounted high beam light
2012 Polaris Sportsman® 500 H.O.
Specifications
Engine
- Fuel Capacity
- 4.1 gal. (15.5 ltr.)
- Cooling
- Liquid
- Fuel System
- Carbureted
- Displacement
- 498cc High Output (H.O.)
- Engine
- 4-Stroke Single Cylinder
Transmission
- Drive
- On-Demand True AWD/2WD
- Transmission
- Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H
- Final Drive
- Shaft
Chassis
- Wheels
- Stamped Steel
- Tires Rear
- 25 x 10-12; (Model) 489
- Tires Front
- 25 x 8-12; (Model) 489
- Brakes
- Single Lever 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Hydraulic Rear Foot Brake
- Suspension Rear
- Dual A-Arm, IRS 9.5 in. (24.1 cm) Travel
- Suspension Front
- MacPherson Strut with 8.2 in. (20.8 cm) Travel
Dimensions
- Ground Clearance
- 11.25 in. (28.6 cm)
- Seat Height
- 33.75 in. (85.7 cm)
- Dimensions (LxWxH)
- 83 x 48 x 48 in. (210.8 x 121.9 x 121.9 cm)
- Dry Weight
- 696 lb. (316 kg.)
- Wheelbase
- 50.5 in. (128.3 cm)
General Information
- Instruments
- Digital Gauge, Analog Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Tripmeter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt Lights, DC Outlet
- Hitch
- Standard/1.25" Receiver
- Front Rack Capacity
- 90 lb(40.8 kg)
- Parking Brake
- Park in Transmission/Lockable Hand Lever
- Hitch Towing Capacity
- 1,225 lb. (555.7 kg.)
- Rear Rack Capacity
- 180 lb(81.6 kg)
- Cargo Mount System
- Lock & Ride
- Lighting
- Dual 50w Low Beam Bumper Lights, Single 50w High Beam Pod Light; Dual Brakelights/Taillights


