Last autumn, Polaris announced the arrival of the 2021 Polaris Sportsman 570. Alongside a more striking modern look, the latest machines introduce a number of updates and new accessories.
We got behind the handlebars of the fully road-legal Agri Pro model, one of the four special edition models.
Engine and transmission
Diving straight into the nitty gritty, the Sportsman 570 is the lowest-powered model of the range, with 567cc.
This is quite a bit more grunt than many of its agri-focussed competitors in the popular 450cc power bracket.
A larger 1,000cc Sportsman XP 1000 model is also offered within the range.
The 567cc single-cylinder, double-overhead cam (DOHC), fuel-injected ProStar engine is liquid-cooled and cranks out a healthy 44hp.
Directing this power to the ground is the two-range belt drive Polaris variable transmission (PVT), which features an engine braking system for descending hills or pulling heavy loads, leaving less reliance on the brakes.
The Sportsman 570 Agri Pro.
Unlike many of its competitors, Polaris positions its gear lever on the right-hand side of the bike instead of the left.
The thinking behind this is that the right hand is taken off the throttle before changing gear.
The lever itself is quite long, given its low mounting position, and it wouldn’t be impossible to hit it with the knee.
Being the road-legal Agri Pro model, the bike comes in under the same classification as a tractor and is therefore limited to a maximum speed of 60km/h.
There are two large grab handles bolted to the rear cargo rack, which we can only assume are for the safety of passengers.
The positioning of these handles means that they easily come into contact with the foot mid-swing while mounting the Sportsman, proving quite a hindrance.
The Sportsman 570 has a towing capacity of 680kg.
Build and suspension
The Sportsman 570 is fitted with independent front and rear suspension. The front MacPherson struts provide 208mm (8.2in) of travel, while the rear double wishbones allow 242mm (9.5in) of travel.
Hydraulically-operated disc brakes are fitted in each of the four corners and are operated together via the left-hand handlebar lever or just the rear wheels using the foot brake.
The plastic body is stylish and moulded from a hard-wearing plastic. The high-cut square-shaped wheel arches are a reminder of the latest-generation Honda models.
However, things are a lot different when it comes to the cargo racks. The rear rack has a respectable load-carrying capacity of 82kg, while the front rack is rated to carry 41kg.
Underneath the front rack is a storage box, which is home to the relocated battery on the new Sportsman, a much improved location compared with older models. The added storage is certainly a bonus, but the plastic hinges on its lid feel quite flimsy.
The sporty suspension leaves the impression that ground clearance is more than it actually is at 300mm, a figure still ahead of most competition.
Comfort across rough terrain was silky smooth, maybe too much so that it ended up being its downfall when it came to using the bike as a workhorse. When the rear cargo rack was loaded, the bike would squat right down.
Similarly, when sewing the thumb to the throttle on take-off, the bike would squat on its rear, leaving the front feeling light. However, a little stiffening of the suspension would cure a lot of this.
The new-model Sportsman adopts a full digital dashboard which displays all the necessary information in a clean and tidy manner. There is also geofencing technology on board and a built-in passcode-protected speed limiter – a good feature perhaps for the younger riders learning how to drive.
Underneath the digital display are two 12v inputs, one of which is for direct charging of the now larger battery on board when parked up.
All lights are LEDs, including the front daytime running lights. Given that Agri Pro is fully road legal, the headlights and tail lights have indicators built in.
The redesigned handlebar-mounted spotlight is also an LED and is switchable, independent of the high and low beams. Unusually, to turn on the lights, the ignition switch has to be turned anti-clockwise.
Seating position and handlebar positions are good.
Performance and handling
Straight away, what struck me was the instant get up and go when taking off from a standing start, not like the typical belt-driven CVTs which generally happen to be more sluggish off the line.
The Sportsman 570 has plenty of low-down torque too, which means you can tip around comfortably at low revs.
Pulling proved no issue either. We had the 5x4ft trailer loaded with firewood, which it quickly showed who was boss.
The engine braking system works a treat, leaving us less dependent on the brakes, even with the weight on the drawbar.
Handling overall was good, but some of the usual ATV understeer was experienced when cornering at speed. It took some time to get used to just one brake lever since most quads have two.
A second would have been a nice addition.
Having established that the Polaris could pull loaded, we went off-road into muddy conditions to see what traction was like.
Both grip and ground clearance were perfectly respectable, but not quite the same as certain competitors when it came to navigating slippery, hilly, forestry terrain with exposed roots and ruts.
Polaris has fitted its True On-demand all-wheel drive system (AWD) as well as permanent 4wd. The AWD system allows the bike to determine when the extra help is needed to engage the wheel that is getting traction. This system worked well.
Although not easily removable, the seat is well padded and helps make for a good seating position.
Once seated, handle bar position could not be faulted. The electric power steering leaves steering feather-light, noticeably effortless at low speeds in rough or mucky terrain.
The gear selector moves rather freely without needing to rock the bike, like we had to do on some of its competitors in previous tests.
The only issue is that it can be hard to determine the lever’s exact position without looking. A dog-leg gate would have been more beneficial instead of just having positions marked on the lever knob itself.
The handbrake is a simple pawl which holds the brake lever in its pulled position.
The front storage compartment is also home to the battery on the new models.
Conclusion
Polaris is no novice when it comes to the ATV market, having been firmly established in the sector since 1985.
The 2021 Polaris Sportsman 570 Agri Pro is a serious contender for what is a competitive segment.
In terms of performance, fit and finish, it is up there with the best in the segment, striking a good balance between modern aggressive styling and practicality at a price that won’t break the bank.
The fact that this particular machine is fully road legal will be a serious bonus for the majority of farmers.
Engine and transmission performance cannot be faulted. The lighter-looking double wishbones and negative front camber give the impression that the bike has sporty roots. Its performance would lead one to think this too.
Looking into the frame, which is very open and exposed in comparison to the likes of the Suzuki KingQuad or Honda TRX520, there are certain areas we would maybe like to see built heavier or maybe it is simply because we see more with the Polaris.
However, in saying, that the bike stood everything we threw its way.
The engine oil filter and other maintenance points are easily accessible.
Being the Ag Pro model, the suspension could have been more oriented towards bearing loads, whether they be on the drawbar or cargo racks.
All in all, the Sportsman 570 is a quad seriously worth checking out for the users wanting ample power, a seamless transmission and are serious about ride comfort.
? Likes
Power.Seamless transmission.Build quality.? Dislikes
Exposed front end and undercarriage.Gear lever position.
The specs
Engine: 567cc DOHC single-cylinder fuel injected.Power: 44hp.Transmission: Dual speed stepless belt-drive.Four-wheel drive: AWD/4WD.Suspension: Front and rear independent, double wishbone.Suspension travel: 208mm (F) - 241mm (R).Towing capacity: 680kg.Carrying capacity: 41kg front - 82kg rear.Ground clearance: 30cmList price: €9,999 plus VAT.
Last autumn, Polaris announced the arrival of the 2021 Polaris Sportsman 570. Alongside a more striking modern look, the latest machines introduce a number of updates and new accessories.
We got behind the handlebars of the fully road-legal Agri Pro model, one of the four special edition models.
Engine and transmission
Diving straight into the nitty gritty, the Sportsman 570 is the lowest-powered model of the range, with 567cc.
This is quite a bit more grunt than many of its agri-focussed competitors in the popular 450cc power bracket.
A larger 1,000cc Sportsman XP 1000 model is also offered within the range.
The 567cc single-cylinder, double-overhead cam (DOHC), fuel-injected ProStar engine is liquid-cooled and cranks out a healthy 44hp.
Directing this power to the ground is the two-range belt drive Polaris variable transmission (PVT), which features an engine braking system for descending hills or pulling heavy loads, leaving less reliance on the brakes.
The Sportsman 570 Agri Pro.
Unlike many of its competitors, Polaris positions its gear lever on the right-hand side of the bike instead of the left.
The thinking behind this is that the right hand is taken off the throttle before changing gear.
The lever itself is quite long, given its low mounting position, and it wouldn’t be impossible to hit it with the knee.
Being the road-legal Agri Pro model, the bike comes in under the same classification as a tractor and is therefore limited to a maximum speed of 60km/h.
There are two large grab handles bolted to the rear cargo rack, which we can only assume are for the safety of passengers.
The positioning of these handles means that they easily come into contact with the foot mid-swing while mounting the Sportsman, proving quite a hindrance.
The Sportsman 570 has a towing capacity of 680kg.
Build and suspension
The Sportsman 570 is fitted with independent front and rear suspension. The front MacPherson struts provide 208mm (8.2in) of travel, while the rear double wishbones allow 242mm (9.5in) of travel.
Hydraulically-operated disc brakes are fitted in each of the four corners and are operated together via the left-hand handlebar lever or just the rear wheels using the foot brake.
The plastic body is stylish and moulded from a hard-wearing plastic. The high-cut square-shaped wheel arches are a reminder of the latest-generation Honda models.
However, things are a lot different when it comes to the cargo racks. The rear rack has a respectable load-carrying capacity of 82kg, while the front rack is rated to carry 41kg.
Underneath the front rack is a storage box, which is home to the relocated battery on the new Sportsman, a much improved location compared with older models. The added storage is certainly a bonus, but the plastic hinges on its lid feel quite flimsy.
The sporty suspension leaves the impression that ground clearance is more than it actually is at 300mm, a figure still ahead of most competition.
Comfort across rough terrain was silky smooth, maybe too much so that it ended up being its downfall when it came to using the bike as a workhorse. When the rear cargo rack was loaded, the bike would squat right down.
Similarly, when sewing the thumb to the throttle on take-off, the bike would squat on its rear, leaving the front feeling light. However, a little stiffening of the suspension would cure a lot of this.
The new-model Sportsman adopts a full digital dashboard which displays all the necessary information in a clean and tidy manner. There is also geofencing technology on board and a built-in passcode-protected speed limiter – a good feature perhaps for the younger riders learning how to drive.
Underneath the digital display are two 12v inputs, one of which is for direct charging of the now larger battery on board when parked up.
All lights are LEDs, including the front daytime running lights. Given that Agri Pro is fully road legal, the headlights and tail lights have indicators built in.
The redesigned handlebar-mounted spotlight is also an LED and is switchable, independent of the high and low beams. Unusually, to turn on the lights, the ignition switch has to be turned anti-clockwise.
Seating position and handlebar positions are good.
Performance and handling
Straight away, what struck me was the instant get up and go when taking off from a standing start, not like the typical belt-driven CVTs which generally happen to be more sluggish off the line.
The Sportsman 570 has plenty of low-down torque too, which means you can tip around comfortably at low revs.
Pulling proved no issue either. We had the 5x4ft trailer loaded with firewood, which it quickly showed who was boss.
The engine braking system works a treat, leaving us less dependent on the brakes, even with the weight on the drawbar.
Handling overall was good, but some of the usual ATV understeer was experienced when cornering at speed. It took some time to get used to just one brake lever since most quads have two.
A second would have been a nice addition.
Having established that the Polaris could pull loaded, we went off-road into muddy conditions to see what traction was like.
Both grip and ground clearance were perfectly respectable, but not quite the same as certain competitors when it came to navigating slippery, hilly, forestry terrain with exposed roots and ruts.
Polaris has fitted its True On-demand all-wheel drive system (AWD) as well as permanent 4wd. The AWD system allows the bike to determine when the extra help is needed to engage the wheel that is getting traction. This system worked well.
Although not easily removable, the seat is well padded and helps make for a good seating position.
Once seated, handle bar position could not be faulted. The electric power steering leaves steering feather-light, noticeably effortless at low speeds in rough or mucky terrain.
The gear selector moves rather freely without needing to rock the bike, like we had to do on some of its competitors in previous tests.
The only issue is that it can be hard to determine the lever’s exact position without looking. A dog-leg gate would have been more beneficial instead of just having positions marked on the lever knob itself.
The handbrake is a simple pawl which holds the brake lever in its pulled position.
The front storage compartment is also home to the battery on the new models.
Conclusion
Polaris is no novice when it comes to the ATV market, having been firmly established in the sector since 1985.
The 2021 Polaris Sportsman 570 Agri Pro is a serious contender for what is a competitive segment.
In terms of performance, fit and finish, it is up there with the best in the segment, striking a good balance between modern aggressive styling and practicality at a price that won’t break the bank.
The fact that this particular machine is fully road legal will be a serious bonus for the majority of farmers.
Engine and transmission performance cannot be faulted. The lighter-looking double wishbones and negative front camber give the impression that the bike has sporty roots. Its performance would lead one to think this too.
Looking into the frame, which is very open and exposed in comparison to the likes of the Suzuki KingQuad or Honda TRX520, there are certain areas we would maybe like to see built heavier or maybe it is simply because we see more with the Polaris.
However, in saying, that the bike stood everything we threw its way.
The engine oil filter and other maintenance points are easily accessible.
Being the Ag Pro model, the suspension could have been more oriented towards bearing loads, whether they be on the drawbar or cargo racks.
All in all, the Sportsman 570 is a quad seriously worth checking out for the users wanting ample power, a seamless transmission and are serious about ride comfort.
? Likes
Power.Seamless transmission.Build quality.? Dislikes
Exposed front end and undercarriage.Gear lever position.
The specs
Engine: 567cc DOHC single-cylinder fuel injected.Power: 44hp.Transmission: Dual speed stepless belt-drive.Four-wheel drive: AWD/4WD.Suspension: Front and rear independent, double wishbone.Suspension travel: 208mm (F) - 241mm (R).Towing capacity: 680kg.Carrying capacity: 41kg front - 82kg rear.Ground clearance: 30cmList price: €9,999 plus VAT. 
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: