I just recently had an accident on my former 04.5 500 seems I went airborne while riding along a ridgeline here in the NC mtns and when I landed it bounced my quad and me over the mtn. It didn't last long luckily I hit a tree. Long story short I survived with only bruises and a few scratches. (Well and a banged up ego!) Anyway my atv is no longer and my insurance company came through so I am shopping for a new atv. Finally to my questions.............

1- I know the dimensions of the 500 changed a little bit. Are they slightly bigger or slightly smaller?

2- Related to #1 will they fit any better in say a 2000 F-150 than before?

3- Is the ride any noticeably different - Better or worse?

4- Are they still a little top heavy or does their center of gravity seem improved?

5- I have read that the new front rack obstructs visibility a little more?

6- How are the newer tires compared to the 04.5's?

These are my questions if anyone can add comments regarding any other differences it would be appreciated.

I really would like to have the 500 EFI but I think I will wait a bit until they get some of the bugs worked out on them.

 

Anyone??? To any of the questions?

 

The main differences is the 05 and later is two inches wider all the way around. The suspension is better. Its more reponsive I think, and give me a better ride. As far as top heavy, I think that one is a personal call. Do you have two inches to spare in the bed of your truck? I dont have the EFI so I cant comment on that one. As far as tires, the new ones are pretty good. They handle just about anything within reason. Don't expect to win the Mud Nationals with them. I hope this helps.

 

James,

Thanks for the reply. My old atv just about filled the bed of the truck up so I went to a device that allowed me to just lay the tailgate down and then secure the atv by the hitch of the atv and the hitch of the truck. Worked really well with the exception of having so much weight on the very rear of the truck. Anyway I read where the newer tires were more aggressive than the older type tires the only down side maybe being the new ones are only a 3 ply as the others were 5 ply?

 

The new tires do really well. I would not worry too much about the ply difference. They are pretty stout. You should still be able to use the same attachment to secure the ATV to the truck. I have seen those in some magazines, its a pretty slick setup. You will have to drive over the wheel wells more, but I think you will be ok loading it. Its one heck of a machine.