So after looking around and pricing other products I have decided my first ATV is going to be a Polaris Sportsman. I will be doing allot of trailriding and long distance trips. Camping, fishing, leisure stuff. I am 6 ft tall and weigh about 180 pounds. The only thing left for me to choose is engine size. Do i go 500 or 800. Is the 800 that much harder on gas and will I enjoy/use the extra power given? Thanks for the feedback.

Also i would like to note that I intend to add bells and whistles such as a winch, back/front rack bags, windshield etc. Is it best/cheapest to do this aftermarket or straight throught he dealership??

 

that is something you need figure out.. the guys with the 800's will tell you that you will want more power down the line and that the 800 has plenty... the guys with the 500's will say that it is more than capable... both are great, you just need to figure if you want to spend the $$$ and what kind of riding your going to do..
more people will chime in and help you out
good luck

 

i have a 800 and it is grat but i do a lot of muden a work if you tral ride i would go with the 500 also it is your first bike so you decide but the 800 has lots of power for the beginer

 

I had a 500 and I really enjoyed it but then as my riding changed (more mud) I wanted the extra power. Don't know if your riding with a bunch of guys but look at what they have too. Most of the guys I ride with have big bore quads so for me it was kind of annoying to watch guys chew through stuff and me struggle. I was always wanting more like a little kid that always wants what big brother has. If money is not a factor, go with the 800 and then you can't sit there and say"boy, I wish I had more power". I did for a year and then just bucked up and got the 800. As for gas. I don't really see that much of a difference that it's gonna break the bank on you. You'll use more but whatever. Hope this helps. Either way both are great machines.

 

Unless you enjoy fishtailing out of turns, drag racing and 70+ top speed the 500 will be more than enough for trail riding.
My 500 on average gets almost twice the fuel economy of an 800.
The only time the big boys will get ahead of you is on the straights! My 500s top end is around 55 mph.
Sometimes I do wish I had more but only when the 800s dust me.
I just remember I payed $2000 less and get twice the mileage!

 

I have to vote for the 500, its the most tried and trued engine out there. Gas mileage is good ,power is good,and how often do you want to go 70mph. Another consideration could be the new 400 the only setback would be ride comfort, you can't beat the fullsize ones for that.

 

Long distance trips, trail riding,liesure stuff, from what you describe the 500 will be plenty. If you were going to do mud running, high speed trail running, I would say get the 800. You may want to look at the X2 for the bigger gas tank and carry capacity for camping and fishing, they also give a better ride because of a longer wheelbase.
The difference in gas milage (how far you can go on one tank and with extra) is considerable, I get well over 100 miles on a tank. I just bought two 500's, one for the wife and one for me. I really wanted the 800 but after looking at how I ride ( mostly slow trail, rockcrawling, very little mud, and looong trips, I decided the 500 was more than capable and it was the "macho" in me speaking when I drooled over the big bike. JMHO

I always add the extras later, you have more to choose from then what the dealer offers. Now if the dealer is offering you a good deal on pure polaris parts like the windshield and racks, I wouldn't rule them out, just know what the prices are like on the internet so you know if they are really giving you a deal.

 

Anytime someone asks which one should I buy I always give the same advice. Look into the specs. on each, take em both for a ride and decide what is best for you. I bought the Hawkeye 300 first and it was ok other than some carb. issues, but I liked the small size for riding off the beaten path. I traded that in on a 500 and absolutely love it. The ride quality is amazing I didnt think it was possible to have an ATV feel this smooth when riding over logs, rocks etc. As for the power sometimes I wish I had more but who doesnt when I think of the price comparison that power goes right out the window and I'm happy with what I have. Keep checking your thread a lot of guys will give their opinion and this is a great first step in making your decision, but still ride them both and see what you think!!

 

THis is all great and thanks for the feedback. I'm going to test drive this weekend.

 

i have the 800 and ive had a 500 and they both are great bikes and the 500 gets way better gas milage and the 500 will do fine in mud and everything esle as long as you use low range. the power of the 800 is awesom but the price you pay for the extra and not great fuel milage should be a factor. if all your going to do is trail ride and you are going long distance i would buy the 500 hands down.