I own a 2000 Yamaha Wolverine and thinking about a Sp600 or Suzuki Vinson 500 manual. I have always had a Manual shift Quad. Not sure I would like an automatic. The Wolverine just dosen't seem to have the power I need. I love to hill climb. How does the Sp 600 do? I have 2 friends that own polaris Sportsmans and like them alot. How long do the belts last under normal riding, like mud, water, hill climbing. Any comments or suggestions good or bad.................

 

hi quadzmoto

i sold my 93' polaris about a year ago and it had the original belt. don't remember how many miles were on it but i rode quite a bit. as far as the sp600 or the suzyq, i would go with the sp600. but if you don't want an auto i would go with a honda instead of the suz. just my 2cents!

 

Get the sp600, it is by far better than the vinson. I rode a sp700 and they have plenty of power, especially when a clutch kit is added, pull the front whells no problem.

They say the 600 is better than the 700, next summer i'll find out for sure i guess.

who'd a believed it, RINCON on a Polaris!!!!!!!! lol!!

 

The 600 is a very nice machine. I rode one a few days ago and was quite impressed. The steering is easier than my 500. A very nice machine.

 

I can't wait until there's a blue one in my garage!!

everybody needs one! lol

 

I had a 2000 SP500 up until a few weeks ago, I replaced it with a SP600. I absolutely loved my 500, but the 600 is a huge improvement over it so far. I'm still in the break-in period, so I haven't had a chance to really open her up, but even at half-throttle, I can tell it has way more getupandgo than my 500 did.
The only thing that I have noticed so far that I don't like is the front tires don't seem to have as much directional grip as my stock tires on the 500 did. I don't know if it is the extra power of the 600 or what, but when I'm on really windy, narrow trails, (mostly hardpack) when I hit the throttle in the middle of a turn, it wants to keep going straight. I never had a problem with that on my 500. But then again, there is a heck of a lot more power-to-weight on the 600. There have been a couple of times that the 600 almost got away from me on the trails, which is just fine with me. The 500 wasn't challenging for me anymore.
If you use low range when you're supposed to, your belt should last you a very long time. There are lemons made by every manufacturer of every vehicle, and there are some people here who obviously have gotten some lemons and had problems with their belts. If you are going to go on a long atv trip in the boonies, buy an extra belt to take along just in case. It is pretty easy to change the belt in the field.

For me, the 600 was the best bang for the buck when it comes to speed/power vs. price. Good luck...

Arcosanti

 

Oh yeah, one more thing.........

When I bought the 500 a few years ago, I didn't think I would like the auto shift as well. I came from old-school 1980's atv's, and I wanted the manual clutch and everything. It seemed to me that it would get boring not having to shift. The only reason I went with the Polaris is because a buddy owned the dealership. I have driven my buddies Artic Cat's and Honda's with manual shifting, and I am very happy that I don't have to shift. It is so much more fun to just floor the throttle on the trail and not have to think about shifting. I have never, ever been in a situation where I wished that I could be shifting manually.

Also, I'm told the 600 will easily go 65+ MPH. My 500 maxed out at 57 on hard gravel. This weekend I couldn't resist, and opened her up on a straightaway for a few seconds. within a few seconds I was at 60, and it sure seemed like there was alot more to go. I don't know how big your Wolverine is, but I don't think you will be complaining any time soon that your 600 doesn't have enough power to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Arcosanti

 

My 03 SP600 will go 62mph up hill in 12 inches of snow. Lets see your Wolverine do that.

When your done reading this i'd like to discuss some swamp land in Florida......

 

Personally - I'd spring the extra few bucks and get the 700. The difference between the 600 and 700 is substancial IMHO.

I've ruined one belt in over a thousand miles of mountains, swamps and forest. Had something to do with going threw the ice and sinking into 4 feet of silt, taking 4 hours to extract, started it up and drove it home..... Pictures on my page.

FYI - my buddies with the manual tranys all wish they had a automatic. On a aggressive ride, that old-fashion shifting thing causes them to fall behind. clank clank clank...first gear..go

 

My criteitria for choosing a quad are: Comfort (suspension, erogonomics) Ground clearance, Power. I tried the Vinson but the 600 surpassed it in every catygory. The seat felt like someone had forgotten to put foam in it, when compared to the 600's. You need to borrow/rent and ride an auto for a day. I swear, you will never go back to a semi or manual shift.

I did my homework before getting a 600. 600 is neck in neck with the 700 up to 50mph. Top speed on the 700 is about 2mph faster. The 600 engine is smoother than the 700 (less vibration). 600 has a better stock clutch setup, many people are complaining of having to shift to low when the going gets rough on the 700. The differance is 83cc's (3mm bore, 3.5mm stroke). The savings covered all my accesorries and then some. Your call.