Polaris Sportsman 570 SP: Suspension Deep Dive

Unveiling the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP's Suspension Prowess

When it comes to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the suspension system is paramount to delivering a comfortable, controlled, and capable ride. The 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP, a perennial favourite in the 4x4 ATV market, boasts a suspension setup designed to tackle a wide variety of challenging terrains with impressive finesse. This article delves into the specifics of what makes the Sportsman 570 SP's suspension stand out, comparing it to its contemporaries and highlighting the engineering that contributes to its renowned ride quality.

The Polaris Sportsman line has long been celebrated for its exceptional ride quality, and the 2017 Sportsman 570 SP is a prime example. While older models might have featured MacPherson struts, Polaris has continually refined its offerings. For the 2017 model year, the Sportsman 570 SP received a significant upgrade, moving to a more advanced and capable suspension geometry that enhances both performance and rider comfort.

Front Suspension: Dual A-Arm Excellence

The front of the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP is equipped with a sophisticated independent front suspension (IFS) featuring dual A-arms. This design, often referred to as double wishbone suspension, offers several key advantages over simpler suspension designs like MacPherson struts. The dual A-arm setup allows for more precise control over wheel movement, ensuring that each wheel can react independently to terrain irregularities. This translates to a smoother ride, improved traction, and better steering response, especially when navigating bumps, ruts, and uneven surfaces.

The front dual A-arms on the 2017 Sportsman 570 SP provide a generous 8.2 inches of travel. This substantial amount of travel is crucial for absorbing impacts from obstacles, preventing the chassis from bottoming out, and maintaining tire contact with the ground. The independent nature of this system means that when one wheel encounters an obstacle, the other wheel's trajectory is minimally affected, contributing to a more stable and predictable handling experience. This is a marked improvement over the MacPherson strut front end found on lesser Sportsman models, underscoring the SP (Special Package) designation's focus on enhanced performance and comfort.

Rear Suspension: IRS Dominance

Complementing the front suspension is a robust independent rear suspension (IRS) system, also utilising a dual A-arm design. The IRS setup in the rear is a critical component in the Sportsman 570 SP's ability to deliver a plush and controlled ride. Unlike solid axle designs, IRS allows each rear wheel to move independently, reacting to terrain without significantly impacting the other. This dramatically improves ride comfort by reducing the jarring effect of bumps and ruts that would otherwise be transmitted directly through the chassis.

The rear suspension on the 2017 Sportsman 570 SP offers an impressive 9.5 inches of travel. This greater travel in the rear, compared to the front, is a common and effective tuning strategy in ATVs, as it helps to absorb larger impacts and maintain stability under acceleration and braking. The dual A-arm configuration in the rear further enhances this by providing excellent control over wheel camber and caster angles throughout the suspension's travel, ensuring optimal tire contact and grip.

Ground Clearance: Conquering Obstacles

A significant benefit of the Sportsman 570 SP's suspension and chassis design is its substantial ground clearance. With a whopping 11.5 inches of ground clearance, this ATV is exceptionally well-equipped to navigate challenging terrain. This ample clearance allows the Sportsman 570 SP to easily clear rocks, logs, stumps, and other trail obstacles that might otherwise ground out lesser machines. The independent suspension systems, by allowing wheels to move up and down without lifting the entire chassis, also contribute to maintaining this ground clearance even when the suspension is articulated.

Comparison with Competitors: Honda Foreman Rubicon 500 EPS Deluxe

To truly appreciate the suspension of the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP, it's beneficial to compare it with a key competitor, such as the 2017 Honda Foreman Rubicon 500 EPS Deluxe. Both are top-selling 4x4 ATVs, but they approach suspension design with slightly different philosophies and specifications.

As the table illustrates, the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP generally offers more suspension travel at both the front and rear compared to the Honda Foreman Rubicon 500. Furthermore, the Sportsman 570 SP boasts significantly more ground clearance. These specifications suggest that the Polaris is engineered for a more plush and capable ride over rough and uneven terrain, absorbing larger impacts more effectively. While the Honda also features an independent suspension, the Polaris's longer travel and higher ground clearance give it an edge in outright capability for absorbing obstacles.

Riding Experience and Suspension Feel

The impact of the Sportsman 570 SP's suspension on the riding experience is profound. The combination of dual A-arms front and rear, coupled with ample travel, creates a remarkably smooth ride. The ATV handles successive bumps, often referred to as 'whoops', with a composed demeanour, allowing the rider to maintain speed and control where other ATVs might become unsettled. The suspension effectively isolates the rider from the harshness of the terrain, reducing fatigue on longer rides.

In rocky or root-filled sections, the independent nature of the suspension allows the wheels to articulate and conform to the contours of the ground. This ensures that the tires maintain maximum contact, providing consistent traction and preventing the ATV from being thrown off course. The suspension feel is often described as balanced and planted, offering confidence-inspiring stability, particularly in faster corners. While the Honda might offer a more nimble feel in tight, technical sections due to its lighter weight and different power delivery, the Polaris's suspension excels in absorbing larger impacts and maintaining composure over rougher, high-speed terrain.

Advanced Features Enhancing Suspension Performance

Beyond the fundamental geometry, the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP incorporates features that further enhance its suspension performance. The Active Descent Control (ADC) system, working in conjunction with the engine braking system (EBS), provides controlled downhill deceleration. While ADC can be quite assertive, requiring rider adjustment, it effectively uses all four wheels to manage descents, complementing the stability provided by the suspension.

The electronic power steering (EPS) on the Sportsman 570 SP also plays a role in the perceived quality of the ride. By reducing steering effort, especially at lower speeds or when encountering resistance from the terrain, EPS lessens rider fatigue and allows for more precise control, which is indirectly supported by the well-behaved suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of front suspension does the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP have?

The 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP features an independent front suspension with dual A-arms.

How much front suspension travel does the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP have?

It offers 8.2 inches of front suspension travel.

What type of rear suspension does the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP have?

The rear suspension is an independent rear suspension (IRS) with dual A-arms.

What is the rear suspension travel on the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP?

The rear suspension provides 9.5 inches of travel.

Does the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP have independent suspension?

Yes, both the front and rear suspension systems are independent.

How does the 2017 Sportsman 570 SP suspension compare to older models?

It represents a significant upgrade from older MacPherson strut designs, offering more travel and a more refined independent suspension setup.

Conclusion

The 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP stands out with its well-engineered suspension system. The combination of front and rear dual A-arm independent suspension, offering 8.2 inches of travel up front and 9.5 inches at the rear, coupled with an impressive 11.5 inches of ground clearance, makes it a formidable machine for tackling diverse and demanding terrains. This sophisticated setup not only provides a plush and comfortable ride but also ensures excellent control, stability, and traction, solidifying the Sportsman 570 SP's reputation as a class-leading ATV.

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