After waiting since late August, IceCat (my brother) and I went out and picked up the 500i manual yesterday. I was very impressed with the dealer. He had it all ready with the winch, shined with that spray stuff, a full tank of gas, and sparkling ready for us. wow it was soo beautiful it was like a crime to get it dirty..

We only got to ride it for about 5 minutes each that day in my other brother's driveway (it is a longish one) so i don't really have a ride report. I will say that this thing seems freakishly powerful to me. Maybe it is because it is a manual.. but when I got up to high second and then when i changed it to third my neck flew back when I hit the throttle.. unfortunatly by then the end of the drive way came and i had to slow and turn around.

I have only ever been on a vinson, eiger, rancher, foreman 450 and 98 sportsman so i don't know what riproaring power of 600+ machines apparently give. BUT i will say that this thing seemes like a beast to me and I am completely satisfied with the grunty power. I think 54-55mph is by far fast enough anyway, too.

Now for the looks.. I couldn't believe how good it looks.. so big and tall and beefy and all basic at the same time. It is so perfect!

I got some pictures and will scan them today probably and add them to my picture link. (I will say that new 500i pics were added) Unfortunatly I didn't get too many, only 6 i think, since that is all that was left on the camera.

oh and one more thing. yes it is mostly my brother's (I might own o.o2% ) but i will still refer to it as mine for simplicity's sake... just in case anyone (mainly my brother himself) is wondering why i am claiming ownership. haha


Signed: I very very happy Newf

 

Hay NeWF, congrats!!! I was supposed to pick up my 500i manual this Friday, but the dealer is waiting on the front tiers until next week. I’m having them install 26” Titan 589 M/Ts on it. So let me know what you think of yours as time passes. When do you think you’ll get your first good run?

Ya, I think the speed and power of this quad may have been played down to the point that it leaves a person thinking it is slower an less powerful than it actually is. I own a 2001 Honda Rubicon now, and my top speed is around 85 to 87km. Two of my friends own them as well and there speed is the same. As for power, it is good but not amazing. I know that you don’t get everything in one quad, and since I am getting a second quad ( for the wife of coarse)[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I want one that offers different features (like ground clearance and amazing suspension) Well any way, good luck with yours and keep us posted!!!

 

Congrats neWf on the new machine. Did you get it from GE Johnson and what did you pay for it. I am thinking about trading in my 2000 400 4x4 on a 2003 model 500I, rumor has it that this will have a locker and a few other goodies. I will have to wait for late fall.

Cheers Jim

 

Akita: I am planning on taking it for its first real ride on either sat or sun. Can't wait!

You may be right about the power thing.. but all i know is that I am completely satisfied with its so called 14hp. I don't care about the numbers as long as it does what i want.

JKB: Yes we got it at GE's. (I am very pleased with the place) We paid 9450.00 with the winch installed and taxes included. The bike was priced at $8000 before taxes and accessories. I remember seeing other dealers charging upwards of 8500 for the same bike, so i am pleased with this price. When the 2002s first came out this year those prices were $200 more, but quickly went down after he sold off all the 01 models.

I can't wait to see what AC has instore for 03.. but i can't get too excited i wouldn't want to make the kitty i have now jealous. haha like that would ever happen. Dang I love that quad!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

I'll have a full ride review after this weekend!

newf

 

Jim,

As of last Saturday (Mar. 9) GE Johnson's only had 14 2002s in stock and said he likely wouldn't get any more until August sometime (after the 2003s are announced). I realize you are interested in a 2003, but I tell you this just in case you are at all considering a 2002. Keep in mind also the Atlantic Outdoor Sport and RV show is this weekend and GE Johnson's will be there. It would not surprise me if those 14 are sold this weekend. Anyway, just a heads up.

 

Hay NeWF, did you get a chance to drive your quad this weekend??? If so, how was it!!???

 

Icecat, thanks for the heads up on the the 500's. I won't be ready until the fall, and I am very happy with my 400. The biggest things I am after are selectable 2/4 wheel drive, and a little more bottom end power. The locker would be the thing thats gets me ready to trade real quick. If a think in sensibl terms I can't justify spending the money at this point as my machine performs as good or better than all of the guys I ride with.

Cheers Jim