catdude you will probably be fine. like bear said if you get in rough terrain use it. in the gravel pits to where it will suck the power down or in a cultivated field then use it, but on a grass trail i wouldn't worry bout it. the 500 is a good machine you shouldn't have to knock on wood for having good luck with it.

 

I know I am going to change my riding habits.

 

I ahve a 00 300 and it has 3 ranges. I usually leave it in mid range. Low range is for dragging through long mud holes! High is for only flat hard surfaces. Even rolling hills on a hard trail, it bogs down bad in high range. I am always afraid bogging down like that will cause the clutch to slip and get hot. So medium works best for me.

Try high range first, and if the engine is working to hard, go to low instead.