I'm new around here and looking for some wise advice.....

Who can tell me the pros and cons of both the 2005 Polaris 500 HO and the 2005 Kawasaki Brute Force 650??

I will be doing mostly just trail riding and am also looking at buying the 60" plow with it to move some snow.....

There is only about 450.00 (cdn) difference between the two. There are features on both that I like..... just really wanted to get some insight here.
Also, what about the rear indepedent suspension........ is the ride really that much better, and what about additional maint. to it?
Each dealer of course tells me there's is by far superior......... ya, ok. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]


Looking for anyones 2 cents here.

Greg

 

For what its worth, I can share why I bought a Polaris. First, there is a Polaris dealer with parts and accessories just about everywhere around here. On a club or public trail ride of 40 quads - 35 will be Polaris. Yes the IRS makes a difference - a big difference. I've rode both types. The Brute Force I test rode at the local shops grand opening would not be what I consider a good plow machine as the throttle seems to have 3 positions, Idle, go hard and go faster. Even tooling around on the test course was awkward with the throttle like that. Im trying to remember if the Brute had a low range.... funny how some things dont stick... I also thought the brute had a lighter steering effort - but I thought the springs were a little hard. I plow a lot of snow with the SP500. We plow most of our local streets with quads as the township trucks are a day or more out after a good size storm.

Choose wisely - returns are difficult.

 

Both are good machines. IRS vs SRA should be the deciding factor. SRA is not plush like IRS so if you want a soft ride then buy a bike with IRS.

You should test bikes with and with out IRS. The 650 will have alot more power and won't feel tippy as the SP500. I ride with a SP500 and it is a good bike but I don't like Polaris 4X4 system but thats my opinion.

Having said this both bikes are a blast to ride so good luck.

Cheers

 

For just trailriding and plowing, the SP500 is all the machine you would need. You will really thank yourself for getting the IRS. That, and the Glacier Plow system that Polaris has takes about 30 seconds to hook up your plow.

 

Man I bet that P700 with the EFI would be aweful nice in the winter [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

With out getting into every last detail or even the stuff about IRS and SRA let me just say this, "Weight". I don't care what people may tell you the weight of a machine does make a difference and Polaris machines are by far the heaviest beasts out there. With that said let me just say this:

If you are going to get a SRA 500cc machine the Suzuki Vinson is by far the best in it's class. It's so good that many magizines compare the Vinson with the larger cc machines.

If you want IRS in the same class I would go with the Kodiak 450. It's a very nice machine with lots of goodies.

If you have your heart set on a big 700cc machine with IRS then it's the Suzuki King Quad. It has all the best things of all the large quads with the smallest price tag to boot.

Again if you want the 700cc class but with SRA then go with the Suzuki Twin Peaks. I believe this is the last year of this Suzuki machine and they are offering some great deals.

 

I've got a SP500, and a Prairie 700. IMO, no contest. The only place the sp has an edge is the cushy ride and ground clearance. Great for putting around, but poor for active trail riding. The amazing power of the Prairie makes up for the small concession in clearance.