ATV Television Test - 2007 Polaris Hawkeye 

This is a great little quad. Works well on my heavily wooded property because of it's size. Power to weight ratio is good, lots of torque with a good belt in it. It's a joy to ride and very versatile. I also have an '08 Sportsman 500 HO EFI, I often opt for the Hawkeye 300 for in the woods.

I have had 2007 for 5 years now and it takes me over some really rough rocky and muddy trails in the Smokey Mountains. I take it out for 6-7 hours trips on old logging trails, crossing creeks,mud holes, etc. Never had a problem. I am a woman 130 lbs and had never ridden an ATV before this purchase. I find it comfortable and and easy to handle.

When in 4WD (AWD) the front wheels engage when the rear tires spin. Once engaged it is locked in like a locking front differential. A very good smaller-framed 4x4 is the Suzuki King Quad 400. Smaller and lighter and better handling. Plus you can get it in auto or foot shift.

Bought this ATV in June, very nice. Didn't really notice the engine was underpowered. But, in the coming years, I'm thinking about a Sportsman 400, since I love the style of the 2011 model. You think that will be a significant upgrade?

You are correct. For 2009 it is labeled the Sportsman 300.

hey whats you opinion on what is better the scrambler or the hawkeye i just cant seem to make my decision

The Polaris drive system is unique in how the All Wheel Drive system powers the front wheels. The biggest downside to it is that it only works under power, and that means under anything else it simply free-wheels. And that means engine braking only to the rear wheels.

@LITTLEREBEL55 While Polaris ATVs do not have locking front differentials, their AWD system works with the same basic outcome.

@LITTLEREBEL55 We're not really mechanics, nor that familiar with Hawkeyes but it's sounds like the crankcase breather. Change the oil, clean the filter and start over and see how much oil is in there. It may just be that the previous owner oiled the filter (too much!)

@LITTLEREBEL55 Sounds like you might need some sort of an aftermarket (steel) bumper! Accessory outlets are no problem to buy and install.

@bmxperson101 Two completely different machines - the Scrambler is more sport-oriented and faster while the Hawkeye is a smaller (yet still fun) utility machine.

Now, correct me if im wrong, in the 2009, Polaris Manufactures list this bike as the sportsman 300 didnt they?

this is what i have and its a very nice 4 wheller

I have had problems with the welds on the rear control arms coming lose, when they give out or let go the spindle comes out. Which means the axle is out and if this happens like it did to me good luck I rolled about 30 yards. Both sides have done it so we have checked and welded those that look weak. The other thing I dislike is the front is very light and it doesn't take much to roll. I would sugest if you own one add weight to the front and make sure that it isn't to much.

@LITTLEREBEL55 I'm pretty sure we show the weight at the end of the video. If not check the Polaris website.

@LITTLEREBEL55 Nope. You'll have to check around or have one made.

@Lenar2541 I would recommend at least a 400. Look at the new Value Sportsman and the King Quad 400. It's a great workhorse that can also play. And best yet, it's super reliable.

@NiitroChiZz Yeap. This, the King Quad 400, and the Grizzly 350-400 would all be great.

I suppose my answer depends on how deep is deep? First you can remove the CVT cover and silicone seal it to prevent leakage. But, the CVT must breath - in and out so you need to make sure the intake and exhaust tubes are sealed at the seems all the way to their highest points. And then, don't splash any water in them or you'll be back to square #1.

Thanks

@monsterspectacularrc You have to check dealers for pricing as right now everyone's making some real good deals. The new Grizzly 450 is supposed to be pretty good but we haven't tested it. The King Quad 400 is the best handling, most reliable 400cc ATV there is.

+1 for the the Honda Rancher. I have an ES with 2,500 miles on it and have had no trouble. Polaris is small and to me feels very unbalanced though I only have experience with the Hawkeye 300. Ive never ridden a Yamaha so I it may be good too. You definitely will be sorry if you get the 2x4 and end up in even mild mud.

@LITTLEREBEL55 Yes. Not sure how it's done without seeing one.

@imgonaburnyourhouse Probably should check the mud forums like High LIfter for that kind of info.

@pellethunter951 You can always look for a clean used model.....

@1728jeff7928 It's called the Sportsman 300

@NiitroChiZz Like we said before we can't recommend an ATV for anyone under 16. We never test top speed.

Good job on your video I liked it very much!

what i don't like is that the front tires stick out a lot

try the yamaha wolverine 250 or 450. it is a sport ant utility mixed into 1

@bmxperson101 depends what you want to do. if you just like trail riding and a calm riding and going threw the once and a while mud hole i would go with the hawkeye. but if you like speed and more aggressive rider and like mud i would go with the scrambler. ( i have a scrambler amazing quad with bear claws on it) parts price wise the scrambler i think would be abit cheaper

@monsterspectacularrc Without a doubt get the King Quad 400 - you will never regret the decision.

@LITTLEREBEL55 Pretty hard to say without seeing the machines.

Never had it in thick mud.

does polaris still make these if not does it have a replacement

Wonder how long they made the Hawkeye?

how much horsepower does this machine have

Could you give me some advice on how to make a snorkel for my sportsman 300 polaris?

guys im getting a atv soon what would u recomend cuas thers a dealer down the streat with a red hawkeye and i really like it

@THEJBUDS Very few!

Rephrase (and re-write) your question. I'm not sure what you are asking.

could you put a 1500 pound warn RT15 winch on it and if i took it into the polaris dealer could they attack it for me.

@1728jeff7928 Don't know as we never test top speeds.

why is it that Polaris has engine braking only to the rear wheels? Makes no sense

@LITTLEREBEL55 No and Yes. That's two answers so it must have been two questions ;-)

how fast can the hawkeye go

@SpAzMaNiOnDeViL14 That's a bit too open-ended of a question to just shoot off an answer. Sorry.

i think it sucks how the age jumps from 12 on a 90cc to 16 on a 125 i dont understand that

@NiitroChiZz We can't really recommend an ATV for anyone younger than 16. Sorry.

does it have true awd?

about 50 mph top speed, dirt wheels magazine did a test of one these machines when it came out and thats what they said.

@l0lum4d Or maybe a 500!

yes

i have the same atv and it is not very good in the mud it gets stuck very easy in 2 feet of mud

ok thanks enyway

@LITTLEREBEL55 The Hawkeye's probably faster but in every way the Ozark is better!

@bmxperson101 Ah, yes, the Polaris "true AWD". They all do....

@LITTLEREBEL55 Eiger

honda 420 4x4 es

cant go wrong with a honda 420 4x4 es. i have a 08 rancher 420 4x4 es and it will go through anything the big boars will go cause they are light and have alot of engine. get a honda

The only thing this atv is good for is chores around the farm and getting you to a hunting spot. Don't plan on doing anything "fun" with this atv because it wont hold up. All the features may look good on paper but this is one of the worst atvs Polaris has ever produced. I have seen first hand that if you do any fast trail riding or playing around in a sand pit that it wont withstand the abuse. I have seen the rear axle hub snap by just railing a sand berm! Dont buy this if you wanna have fun

@12345678969169 Just one more thing about too much government you can question ;-)