I was wondering seeing the 04.5 500 HO's have a 4.75 gallon tank like the 700 carb verison, what is the difference in gas mileage between the 2. I am betting its only about 2.00 more to run the 700 carb. Ya I know the EFI gets good mileage but it is also 1000.00-1200 more too and will take a long time to make that up in gas mileage.
Thanks

 

so far i believe the gas mileage on the new 700efi is the same as my 400 sportsman.

 

Not the EFI, the carb version, I can save 1000-1200 right now on the 700 Carb and was wondering if it basically has the same gas mileage as the 500 HO or close.
Also I've been thinking, the carb might be better for repairs too as back yard mechanics can fix it easier and I can save lots of money instead of paying the dealer all the time at there rates. Something to think about when buying an EFI, only the dealers can now service it as it will have codes and they need to plug the computer to the machine, not like a carb 700 twin right.
Thanks

 

I just bought a new sportsman this week. I asked the same questions to some guys in our clubs and the dealer. Essentially they told me on approximately 50 mile trips they added about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon more then the 500HO. If you think about it considering the tank size is small they are not using that much more. I ended up going with the 500 because I do quite of bit of 70+ mile rides and felt the better economy of the 500 was worth it to me. I also don't see the need for anything larger then the 500. Some of them felt the 700 had too much power in certain situations.

 

Thanks TTaylor,

The only thing that concerns me with the TWINS is the usual complaint, NO backup pull starter, as I go very far in the middle of know where, were usually 4-7 machines but I wouldn't have to be towed back out 80 miles. I have a traxter XT right now but the ride is not there, the reliability is but I need something that won't kill my back on a 100 mile ride, but that can also work and that does not cost too much either, right now the 700 carb is pretty cheap in my area.
Thanks

 

Don't worry about no backup starter. As I always say to people who are concerned, "Does your truck have a backup starter?" If you don't ride alone, brung a small set of jumper cables for that extra security. The twins have a heavy duty battery and starter. I've never had a problem with mine, alost 2 yrs old and 820 miles. I like bringing extra supplies anyway when we go on rides: jumper cables, mini air compressor, tools, tow strap (for the other guys..[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]), etc. When we do ride on long trips, I've chevked the mileage a few times. With combo driving, cruising and playing (getting on it, mudding, etc), I've averaged 22-25 on my 600 Twin.

Go for the Twin!

 

The no pull starter concerned me too. I have been out on the trail when one of the guys batteries died or didn't have enough juice to turn the motor quickly enough to fire it up. They had been using their winch a bit or some other accessory which was a big drain on the battery. These machines were a few years old and I don't know how well they maintained their batteries either. That probably had a lot to do with their battery dieing. I just know that I would hate to be out there with a dead battery. Like sp600 said as long as some one else has jumper cables you should be okay.

Good luck with your decision. anyone of the sportsmans are a great choice!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

What really worries me was a friend of mine has a 03 700 twin and we were around 80 miles in the woods in DEC. and his starter went, NO way to jump it then, we tried with cables and nothing, if he would of had a backup pull starter he would of been able to get it going again. Someone told us after that putting a rope on the Primary clutch could have started it, I wonder.
But the point is, are there staters good, I've never had a starter problem on a ATV before.
Thanks

 

"Also I've been thinking, the carb might be better for repairs too as back yard mechanics can fix it easier and I can save lots of money instead of paying the dealer all the time at there rates. Something to think about when buying an EFI, only the dealers can now service it as it will have codes and they need to plug the computer to the machine, not like a carb 700 twin right.
Thanks"

Not true. You can obtain all codes through diagnostic mode which is viewable on instrument pod LCD screen. It will display code numbers that you can cross reference with list that is printed in manual.

 

Sure the machine will give you codes, but the potential problems that can arise I imagine will only be able to be fixed my cert. mechaincs that deal with all these codes. If the machine doesn't run right and you don't get any codes what do you do. You bring it to a dealer, with a carb version you can do the trial and error easier i would think.
Another thing I worry about, is most machines with EFI are in clean environments NO? Suzuki says the new KQ has the EFI system off the GSXR that is proven, well you don't put a street bike where we put ATV's right, of course its realiable but what happens when water and dirt get around in there. That's what I worry about.

So would this be accurate to say that the 500 HO only burns 1/4 of a tank more then the 700 carb's as someone mentioned here. Gas mileage is also important to me as I don't want to have to carry a 5 gallon of gas every trip I go on. I regualarly do 100 mile tirps and fill up at the half way points and that's it. I want to keep this.
Thanks