Still waiting for the 500 HO which dealer has ordered. I plan to use this for plowing and to get into my backwoods, which has a steep skidroad that progress up a fairly steep slope through a woodlot for about a 3/4 mile to a nice view, etc. I chose the 500 because of the EBS and which would be good for the long downhill but have heard some folks don't like the EBS. I certainly don't need high top end cause I don't expect to go anyplace that would afford high speed runs. The dealer has a 400 in stock and I could save $600 or so. What do folks think about the EBS. Would it have any disadvantage for plowing. Any other advantage to the bigger engine for what I want to do? Opinions appreciated.

 

Definitely go with the EBS if you are going to be on hills. It is much safer and it will save on brakes. For $600 the 500HO will be a better investment with better resale. I've ridden hills in West Virginia and Colorado and wouldn't even think of doing it without EBS.
Neil
99 SP500[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

i had a 425 Magnum w/o EBS and always had to use the brakes going down hill to keep at a safe pace. the left hand got tired after awhile.
with EBS on the sportsman it's under control now. no free-wheeling. try going down a steep hill in your car in neutral and you'll know what i mean.

good luck!

MT