The 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 Review and Specs (2022)

The 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 continues to impress in the four-wheeler segment a year after ATV Rider Magazine it the “ATV of the Year Award.” With its classic yet durable design, enduring features, and EFI technology exclusively, Polaris’s hefty middleweight once again charmed its devoted fan base. However, are these qualities sufficient to keep the quad afloat in the sea of customer preferences? We will find out in this post. We have explained the 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 Review in this article.

The 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 is the third version of the well-known 760-cc line and one of the world’s first EFI-enabled ATVs. It comes equipped with a Liberty™ engine, selectable driveline settings, competitive performance ratings, and special-edition equipment to satisfy even the most demanding quad enthusiast.

Although the 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 is not a top-of-the-line machine (especially not today), these characteristics are more than adequate for those who need to get the job done.

According to my personal experience, this 16-year-old all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is still being utilized on closed tracks, hunting areas, and off-road trails. I will explain why as I go on.

The 800cc 2006 Polaris Sportsman is a great ATV (2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 Review)

The company introduced EFI-only ATVs for the first time in 2007 as part of their “biggest, most powerful, most technologically advanced 4×4 line” in 2006. In 2006, the Sportsman 800 was offered with only four options, none of which were carbureted.

Polaris’ decision to release only fuel-injected models in 2003 seemed to have been experimental, as the company once again offered carbureted trims the following year. By 2007, there were standard models, 2-Up versions, special Hunter Edition models, and EFI-enabled versions for loyalists.

No one has ever documented what benefits Polaris gained from this strategy. In fact, we consumers are sure of one thing: Each year, the Sportsman 800 line gets better and better.

The 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI is equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension, a 27.6-inch seat height, and a 760cc four-cylinder engine.

The Sportsman 800 motor

The 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI starts with a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled V-twin (EH0760LE011) Liberty™ engine. The compression ratio is set at 10 to 1, and the bore-stroke ratio is 80 x 76 mm (3.15 x 2.99 inches).

The engine produces 46.4cc of displacement per piston with a Bosch multi-port semi-sequential injection system and a 40-mm throttle body.

It Provides Services Related to Fuel and Lubrication

Regular leaded or unleaded gas with an Octane rating of PON 87/89 (oxygenated) fills a tank with 4.1 USgal of fuel. Gasohol alternatives are permitted as long as they contain no more than 5% MBTE, 10% ethanol, or 5% methanol. Engines, in particular those running on zero-methanol fuel, may be detrimental if consumed in large amounts.

Polaris Premium 0W-40 All Season Synthetic Oil must be used in the engine, in the amount of 1.9 L (2.0 US qt). Fully synthetic, multigrade oils with a high API grade are always the best choice for ATV’s pressurized wet-sump lubrication system.

The Sportsman 800 Gearbox

The four-wheeler is controlled by a drum shift gearcase with selectable drive modes, and an H-L-N-Rev-Park shift sequence (E-Z shift). The EFI trim of Sportsman has a variable transmission. The Sportsman 800 EFI, LE, and Twin models have automatic EBS.

The Hilliard-type clutch assembly is the primary drive, while the belt-driven final drive is responsible for the final drive. Serious adventurers particularly like Active Descent Control (ADC), which adds stability and maneuverability when going downhill.

Starting & Lighting up

The RC7YC spark plug with a 0.9-mm/0.035-inch electrode gap is used to spark ignition in an ECU-controlled Capacitor Discharge Ignition system with electronic advance and an 8° BTDC ignition timing at 2,000 RPM.

It is powered by a 12-volt, 30 amp hour YIX30L-BS battery (view here) that charges using a triple-phase alternator. The battery has dimensions of 6.56 by 5.00 by 6.88 inches in length, width, and height. It cannot be substituted with YIX30L-BS-PW formats. Electronic gadgets (if any) and lighting are powered by the battery.

The lighting assembly has only one difference between the ’06 and ’07 models: the headlight and instrument cluster.

Vehicle Tires and Brakes Are Important to Your Safety

Polaris PXT tires sized 26/8/12 inches at the front, and 26/11/12 inches at the rear are included with EFI trims. The factory tires are tubeless and have a recommended cold tire pressure of 35 kPa (0.35 kg/cm2, 5.0 psi).

The ATV’s stopping power is provided by single-control hydraulic discs mounted on all four wheels. Furthermore, a cast aluminum rim is used for special-edition trims, whereas a steel rim is used for standard and fuel-injected Sportsmans.

All you have to do to replicate the tire setup on LE trims nowadays is purchase ITP SS312 Alloy Black Wheels – they will fit perfectly on your quad and provide your wheels with a fresh new look!

Being Suspended

The front MacPherson Struts and progressive-rate independent rear suspension with coil-over shocks are contained within the Polaris 800 Sportsman’s Spirit chassis. The suspension units allow for a respective wheel travel of 8.2 inches (210 mm) and 9.5 inches (241 mm), and they work well with the ATV’s high center of gravity.

The four-wheeler’s impressive handling is due to its 50.75-inch wheelbase and 6.3-foot turning radius, which both improve bump absorption.

Lengths & Weights

The EFI trims feature dimensions of 2,110 by 1,220 by 1,220 mm (83 by 48 by 48 inches – length, width, height), with the saddle positioned 864 mm (34 inches) above the ground. Dry and curb weights are similar to their 2007 incarnation at 349 kg (770 lbs.) and 353 kg (778.7 lbs.), respectively.

According to the owner’s manual, a quad’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 563 kg (1,240 lb.), which is a combination of the quad’s 770-lb dry weight, 300-lb rack capacity, rider/passenger weight, and accessories.

The maximum weight that a vehicle can tow and the weight that can be put on a trailer hitched remains at 680 kg (1500 pounds) and 68 kg (150 pounds), respectively.

Appearance, Look and Feel

A Sportsman 800 is made of a steel frame and plastic body material in Green/Black, Black/Silver, and Red/Black colors. All production models feature grips, composite carrier racks, handlebars, floorboards, and front and rear fenders.

The Browning Hunter Edition series come outfitted with Mossy Oak “New Break Up” pattern camouflage rims, hand and thumb warmers, rack extenders, a 2,500-lb winch, and a gun scabbard with a gun lock and ride a mount.

What about price for 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800?

2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
2006 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI (Silver & Black)

2006 Sportsman 800 EFI (Mossy Oak Camouflage)
2006 Sportsman 800 Twin EFI (Browning Hunter Edition)

The base models and special-edition trims of the 2006 Polaris 800 Sportsman were more expensive than the ATV’s price range the following year.

The most expensive model, the Sportsman 800 Twin EFI (a bargain, in my opinion, considering all its features and unique paint job). Unfortunately, there were also fewer 800-cc Sportsmans this year, which may partially explain its higher price.

A wonderful fact is that auction listings have higher resale values than Nada Guides’ data source.

Anything in this price range will have good quality, with intact carrier racks, well-maintained wheels, and minimal-to-no cosmetic damage (such as a torn seat cover or dented undercarriage).

Sportsmans typically sell in this condition provided that you are lucky enough to find an aftermarket footwell, shocks, Camco Black Boar ATV Rear Storage Box and Lounger (view here), and plow.

You can find many 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800s on the used market. All you need to do is look in the right locations (mostly Southern and Midwest U.S. regions) and websites, and you may just get a steal.

There Are Issues With the 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800

The problems associated with the 2007 Polaris Sportsman 800 quad are the same as those listed in my article. Polaris had not yet permanently solved many of the ATV’s issues by the time I wrote my piece, which is why there are so many similarities between the two lists. The most common issues associated with the 800-cc Sportsman are as follows:

It Is Important to Remember

Regardless of the fact that some of these issues persisted from year to year, it is critical to understand that the Sportsman 800 is not inherently flawed. As an all-terrain vehicle, it is a utility vehicle. It is utilized for difficult riding, heavy loads, and snow clearing (among other things), so its components should wear out prematurely.

Even though you cannot reverse the damage caused by using a secondhand vehicle, proper care and cleaning can dramatically increase the longevity of your weekend warrior.

Polaris Provides Worldwide Urban Lighting Solutions That Increase the Quality of Life, Save Energy, and Reduce Emissions

Polaris Industries is a large multinational corporation based in Minnesota. It pioneered the automatic transmission, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems, which revolutionized transportation, as well as the production of snowmobiles.

Polaris, which was established by Edgar Hetteen in the ’50s, went from creating pioneering snowmobiles with the 1956 Sno Traveler to producing motorcycles, electric vehicles, and ATVs like the 2006 Polaris Sportsman 800.