Hi everyone: I just went out looking at Polaris machines. This will be my first ATV. I know someone has already done the research and can give me some friendly advice on the new 2004.5 machines. I am kind of stuck on deciding which machine I should purchase. I am trying to choose between the 500 sportsman and the 600. From looking at the book it seems the 600 has more ground clearance than the 500. Are there any other things I need to consider? Or should I save a few bucks and go with the 500? Thanks for you input. Alan

 

First off, WELCOME!

Second, it all boils down to personal taste. The main differences are in the engine, the rest of the machines are so similar as to not be noteworthy. The machines with the twin cylinder engines have slightly stiffer suspension springs, which make them sit a little higher, but the actual clearances are very similar (you can crank up the rear springs on either, or put stiffer springs or spacers in front).

That said, the HO will have all the power you will ever NEED, but maybe not all you WANT. The 500HO has the power to turn all 4 wheels on pavement, so power is not lacking. It will almost keep up with the 600 in acceleration, but not top speed. Where the 600 will shine is in low-end power output. If pulling a trailer, you need 2/3 throttle to make a big hill with the 500, you may only need 1/3 to 1/2 with the 600. I know people with both machines, and they all seem satisfied. Either machine should top out around 60 MPH or so, hopefully fast enough for you.

If it were ME, I would get the 500HO, and use the money saved either for accessories, or a nice Christmas present for the wife/girlfriend (keep in mind, I am the 'practical' sort, not the 'I want the biggest & baddest sort). The 500 Sportsman has been around since 1986 and has been continually refined since then. The 600 is fairly new, and although they seem to have all the bugs worked out of them, they still are fairly new. I know of several 500s with well over 10,000 miles on them, with no engine work done. It will be another couple of years before we see if the twins hold up that well for that long or not.

Farmr

 

Thanks for your reply Farmr:

I think I am going to go with the 500. That was my gut feeling anyway. I plan to put one of the snowplows on. I was thinking of their of going with their one-way blade with the Glaicer Plow Frame.
Can you or anyone else comment on this choice. I told the sales guy I would call him on Monday afternoon and confirm the order. Thanks again! Alan

 

You will also get more range out of the 500. With the 600 you will be getting alot of drive noise. I am unfamiliar with the glacier plow, I have the sportsman one. Went from the 500 to a 700 and to me the 700 is not worth the extra $.

 

I too am thinking of purchasing a 500 Sportsman. All of my experience with Polaris has been with Gen II machines. The question I have about the new machines is about turning stability. The sportsmans are almost 1' off the ground. Has any one had any problems with the sportsman feeling tippy while turning at anything greater than 5 miles an hour. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

 

Thanks for the reply ProRider. I am going to call the salesman tomorrow and confirm my order for the 500. A friend of mine has one and really loves it. I think with the new features, he will be a little envious.
Alan

 

Alan, I recently bought the 500, and also bought the winch and the glacier plow system. I had no idea this machine could move snow the way it does! I went with the 48" plow blade, but have come to realize that it would push the 60" blade just as well. I went with the deluxe plow frame because it doesn't have any hardware hanging down low when you remove the blade. Yeah, you have to remove two pins to take it off. Big deal. It takes less than 60 seconds. Now I run up and down my street throwing snow everywhere---simply because I can!

 

89 trailboss, I just bought a 600. I went in to buy a 04 500 but the salesman sold me a left over 03 600 for $100 less than the 500. I am pretty sure the suspension is the same. Mine has a anti-sway bar on the rear that seems to do a good job. It is about the heaviest quad you can buy and with the most ground clearance so all in all I think its a great buy. I have not had a problem with it being top heavy, when I trail ride I keep it in 2x4 most of the time and just slide it around the turns. The sportsman series are really good all around quads. They are at home on the trails or on the farm. I was a little turned off by the weight but now its no big deal

 

Thanks Guys for all your help. I called the dealer and confirmed my order for the 500 with the Glacier plow system. I order a 56" "One Way Plow". Has anyone tried this plow? The dealer told me that most eveyone orders the 48" OR THE 60" blades. I just wondering what you guys are running and if it works OK? I am interested in finding out how this is going to work. Thanks again. Alan.

 

We have owned (5) SP 500s as a family (1999, 2001-2, 2002-2) and all have ben excellent machines. As long as you run stock sized tires (25") there is no need for the 600. The 600 does have more low end but it is really not needed unless you run oversized tires. The 500 will AMAZE you with it's capabilities. I love mine and would purchase a third if something happened to my 2002. Be sure to use low when plowing or pulling heavy loads (or your buddies out of holes that you will easily make it through thanks to your Sportsman[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img].