Need some help. Looking for a new bike, and not sure what I need vs want. Am looking at the AC 500 auto or 650 auto's, and would like to know what changes have and will happen. Have been riding a scrambler 400 for several years, but want a big 4x4 4 stroke, and like IRS. Have ridden a 500 Sportsman quite a bit, but do not want the polaris 4x4 system on this one. Will use it for hunting, light farm work, trails - including in the mountains.

What do you suggest? Changes on the 500 in the last couple of years? What does 05 model have new?

Thanks!

 

The 05 500's have quadlock now it is the first year with it and I think the 500's have different headlights, as well as the 650's other than that from 03-05 only minor changes that I know of, different mastercylinder, tires just little things I think.

 

Biggest change in 05, AFIK, is the differential lock on the 400's and up. Prior, only the 650 had it. Also, the 500 and 650's have very similiar body styles with respect to gas tank location, pods, ect..

I almost went with an 05 500, but I felt for the same money, I could get the 04 650 and that was a 'better deal'.