i was just warnderind if there is any real differance in these two machines.
Andy G

 

Andy,
I've wonered the same thing. From what I understand, about the only difference is the Independent Rear Suspension on the Sportsman vs. the more conventional solid axle rear end found on the Magnum. Engines are both 500 cc, they are both liquid cooled and dual range auto transmission. The front suspension is basically the same, so is most everything else.
I honestly think the Magnum is a little faster that the Sportsman because it has the more conventional rear suspension and less weight. I'm sure its not much faster, but some. If I had my choice, it would be the Magnum...

 

Andy I have ridden both extensivly the real advantage of the sportsman is its ground clearance due to the independent suspension. the ride is a little cushier on the sportsman to It is a great rock climber because it always seems to keep all 4 wheels on the ground because of the amount of wheel travel that it has. I bought the Magnum 500 because it seemed to suit my puposes better . I use mine on the farm hunting and trail riding 200 to 300 miles a month. It just seemed like it would be a more reliable machine because it has less suspension parts the sportsmanhas 23 grease fittings (a good thing if you use them) on its suspension the Magnum has around 8. Really like my magnum It holds its own with the sportsman except in really rough terrain and I always seem to find my way to the front of the pack when we go riding. The sportsman is a great machine but the Magnum is a good one to its all a matter of where and how you ride as to which one you like.

 

The biggest difference is PRICE> The magnum is a great machine, and If I had to chose between the two I would choose it. The sportsman is like the cadillac of utility quads. It has all the bells and whistles. Actually the magnum should be faster because it is lighter. But if you are buying a utility quad you are not concerned with speed. The sportsman does have the best ground clearance of any quad, but the magnum has ample clearance. Just look in dirt wheels (or atv action) a few months ago. The magnum beat the overrated GRIZZLY in a head to head shootout. It was not faster, but much better all around. Either way you will be getting the best utility atv around. They have the same rack capacity and tow capacity. So the ultimate question is "{is that fancy suspension worth the extra cash and maintenance). I don't think so.

Jeremy 500 HO

 

I could be dead wrong, but after driving both, I actually thought the Magnum turned a little tighter. Not much though. It seemed to turn more like the explorer 400 which was noticeably tighter than the sportsman. Really good for a bike with the same dimensions. My only guess would be the straight axle and the front suspension. Those are the only differences I can see on the setup between the expl/mag and the Sportsman. The first two have 6.7" of travel up front and a solid axle, the sportsman has 6.25" and the IRS. The ride is a little smoother on the sportsman, but the ride on the magnum is still better than any other manufacturer. I don't know about technical riding because I don't own either.

 

HEY Jeremy!
You said "So the ultimate question is "{is that fancy suspension worth the extra cash and maintenance). I don't think so."

Well, I do think so!!! And I have the extra cash!

Take care


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Opinions vary. I was not trying to be offensive when I said I did not think the fancy suspension was worth the extra cash. I just meant that If I bought one of these two machines, I would save the money and go with the magnum. If you need or just want independent rear suspension, then go with the sportsman. Like I said "it has won every shootout it has been in". It kind of makes me mad when some of you people feel like you have to prove somethig by aiming your rude response at someone. I was just responding to a post.

 

I've seen the sportsman on it's side a lot, perhaps the lower weight and solid axel of the Magnum would help with stability as Gordon says.