Well folks, I just got back from a day in the mountains riding my new Mag 500 and my son with his Sport 400. Somebody pinch me please! I am so impressed, I called my wife from the top of the mountain on my cell phone just to thank her for her unselfishness in agreeing on this new purchase(sounds a little too yuppyish doesn't it? haha). Anyway my son and I started out really not knowing the area that well and not having the greatest amount of experience on a quad, so we at first just cruised the backwoods roads for a while feeling out the machines at different speeds and a little up hill and down hill runs. after about an hour of really just aquainting ourselves we stopped, had a softdrink and discussed some of the trails we passed along the way and made our choices as to which ones we would take. Since his machine is really not the best choice for the steepness and conditions of the terrain we decided on what appeared to be some fairly easy trails (I lead the way). Boy, did we find out in a hurry how a trail head can be decieving as you go along (I guess that wasn't all that unexpected). The first thing that I noticed about my machine was how really sure footed it actually felt, the next was the instant availability of horsepower to push thru some really brushy areas and loose shale steep areas with AWD available at the flip of the switch and turn it off again when not needed. Now keep in mind please, that the Sport did not go in these areas(my son had to stay back and just watch). I also have to give it some applause for the way it would turn around in tight configns, only two to three manuevers in an area no wider than the length of the machine. Next was the EBS (engine braking system, I at first didn't think it was working at all on a real steep down hill, then I realized that I was in high range, shifted into low and I could just creep along at a snails pace carrying myself (190lbs), extra gas can, cooler, and soft bag with all the essentials that I felt necessary in case of emergencies. I NEVER had to use the brakes on any of these downhills, unlike the Sport 400, he was on the brakes all the time and by the end of our ride he was asking me if we could put EBS on his! (I dunno?) By the way, anyone got an idea of how to install EBS on a 1986 GMC 1 ton 4x4 w/ auto trans? It needs it!

By mid day we stopped and had lunch. I think if anyone had happened onto us they would have thought we were a couple of giddy little kids the way we were carrying on about our earlier experiences. And what a beautiful place we got to, to have lunch! Never could have gotten there (except by walking) any other way. Right up there in the Douglas fir trees and Oaks on a ridge that you could just see for miles down a valley. The sky was clear and the temp was, I don't know, perfect? Just an absolute ideal day for your first outdoor adventure on one (two) of these machines!

After riding several more short trails we headed back down a main road to the truck. What a smooooth ride back it was. Got a little complacent at times and cruised thru some pretty heavy water bars at about 20+mph, the first time I did it I nearly panicked having not seen it before I was on it. Then when I went thru it I was amazed at how controlable the bike stayed and that I didn't bounce all over the place. However I did watch a lot closer for them to come up because you never know how deep some of them can be! Still what a dream ride!I'm sorry (actually I'm not) I honestly cannot think of anything about this machine that I really did not like or appreciate. Nothing on either machine broke and no mishaps to report.

Wait!! I do have one thing that I was wishing for while riding the trails. I wished the Magnum was a little narrower to get thru some places that made me turn around. But that is IT! As for upgrades, I feel that I will put the Goodyear Mudrunner tires on as some other owners have. And I may put a winch on it. I already have frt and rr bumpers as well as rack extenders. Also I kind of found the need for a horn (does that sound odd) to warn possible unseen riders of our presence and to get my son's (riding partner's) attention at times.

Anyway, if you all care to listen and I apologize for the length of this post, I will keep letting those interested know how the Magnum 500 does as time goes on. I really think Polaris has a jewel here!

Thanks everyone for your time!

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Donald J. Dickinson 99 Magnum 500, 99 Sport 400L Ooh yeah!

 

It sounds like you and your son had a really enjoyably time. That is what four-wheeling is all about. I can't imagine anything I like better than to do what you just described. Just to get away from working or the stress of everyday life, four-wheeling is the only thing that can relieve me. If it weren't for my quad, I think I'd go crazy.
I hope you enjoy your quad for a long time. Also keep us informed on how it holds up,performs,maint.,and etc. I am thinking of getting one in a few months and I think it will be a good investment.

Mudman '96 Xplorer 300 4x4 Vamped
Soon to add a Magnum 500 to the line-up

 

JERRY,
Great that you and your son had such a nice ride. Also enjoy hearing about the performance of the magnum. If you are having trouble with your son keeping up on the sport, you might want to think about trading for a scrambler, or another magnum. I know the quad is about brand new, but just a thought.
I am closer to making the magnum purchase, waiting for a dealer to call me today from out of town, to see what kind of deal he will do. I am getting my father involved with the quads, and he has never riden much, but looking foward to it. I believe Gordon Banks will help me convince him that 58 is not to old to start riding! Keep us updated on your adventures, and how the machines are doing.

RIDE HARD-NEVER LIFT!!!

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