I am a newbie on cannondales here and i plan on buying one soon
Whats the differnce between these two
Thanks

 

Just the adjustability. Ones with the 500 computer will have kill switch buttons on both sides. With the 1000 computer, it will have a large square on/off switch on the left side.

 

The first quads C'dale came out with last hear, the FX400 only had the MC500 computer, it was if I remember correctly, their own design and injector system. The 2002 models have the MC1000 Sagem ECU computer made by Optimum and they are also using their GP Control fuel injection system. Much more customizable, as in being able to download different "maps" into the computer which changes rpm soft rev limits, increases HP and changes your power curve, more low-mid for instance like on the Moto quad. You did not have near this much flexibility with the older MC500 ECU.

Check out Optimum:
http://www.optimum-power.com/main-mgmt.htm

 

so if i bought a refurb FX i could not download any other maps into it?

 

Yes, both can have different maps loaded into them, but the ECU1000 is th eonly one that you can change the Rev Limit with. The refirbs should come witht he 1000, but I'm not certain on that.

 

If you have access to one of the few remaining refurbished units, I believe all those should have the new MC1000 computers. As far as the limits to what you can and cannot do with the older MC500 computer, the best people to talk to about that probably would be R&S Performance, they are great people to talk with and do business with:
http://www.rsperformance.net/

Talk to either Kyle or Carey. There are not many of these refurbished units left from what I've heard. I've seen people get some fantastic deals!! Some have even purchased them for $5000 or a little more and get the Ohlin shocks, hydraulic clutch, reinforced swingarm, etc. They apparently all come with new motors and new plastic as well.

 

i have one on order...it is supposed too have ohlins and Magura clutch...We will see