Agreed, the 400 lacks the umph of the 500, as stated. the 500 is UNDEPOWERED compared to the grizz Prarie 6 and 700 SPortsman, Etc. Its all relative to what your going to be doing with the machines. I have My KTM's to go fast on through the woods. I bought a quad as a simple put put through the woods machine with some exploration thrown in for fun. The 400 Does this Great. If you want to save 700.00 then the 400 will be great, If you want a FASTER machine, and the speed is more important to you, then the 500 is definitley a better choice. The 400 gets to 40-45 rather quickly, but then begins to creep to its top speed.

Ron
04 Sportsman 400

 

my last machine was a 400 man am I glad I got a 600 now.... GREAT pulling power, smoother too, all around a better machine. SPEND the extra money, you won't be sorry!

 

Thanks for all the replies gang. Now I'm more confused than ever,,,LOL.

On a side note, Ron, which KTM's do you have? I've had 6 of them: 01 and 02 200MXC, 01 300EXC, 03 125SX, 01 640LC4 D.S., and an 01 Red Duke. Currently, I'm riding a Yammy WR250f, and absolutely love it for trails.

I went to see my friend today who sells Polaris/Kawi/KTM/Husky/Honda. I picked up a brochure on the Polaris lineup, asked a couple of questions about the 400/500/6000 comparo. Now I just need to decide. He told me he'd sell me any of them for $50 over cost. I think that's about $5200 for the 400, $5950 for the 500, $6300 for the 600. Those are OTD prices. Most of the riding here in VA sounds like the terrain where you ride Ron: super tight and difficult to reach speeds above 40mph. Descioins, decisions! But hey, it's fun doing the research. Dave

 

I would go with the 500 HO, just for the extra torque that the HO has. YOu dont want to spend $5K+ and regret not getting something with some extra umph!!!

 

I would definately say get the 500 or 600, the 400 is underpowered and isn't "snappy" or fun on the trails. It would better for a work quad, but I see it inadequate as a trail, mud machine.

 

after owning a Magnum425, many Sportsman500s, and now a few SP700s, i would never concider owning anything but a Twin in a utility quad.

if you plan on keeping it long term, you might as well keep up with the times- get the 600!! all the way man! no regrets! you go boy, you go! LOL!

i am currently waiting for the new 700EFI. i've been rolling my pennies and can't wait 'till it arrives!!

the TWIN POWER RULES!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Speaking of the 700EFI, my dealer had one on the showroom floor today. He said he just got it in. It was all Black. Very nice looking, but I didn't look too hard, cause the MSRP is $7899. Too pricey and powerful for me. Your dealer should have one soon.

 

ktm's

Im always getting A different one somehow, so it changes about every 2-3 months.. BUT currently

03 525 EXC
01 400 EXC
01 300 EXC
00 300 EXC
01 AdVenturer.. and REALLY Wanting the new 950

 

When considering which one, the 400 or 500 everybody talks of the power difference and that is a worthy consideration. Little has been discussed as to the trails you'll be riding on. You have mentioned they are tight so top speed is not an issue but what about rocks? MUD? If your trails include MUD and rocks then ground clearance is very much a consideration more so than power. In the ground clearance category the 500/600 beat the 400 hands down.
Just an adder for the top speed discussion, if your highest riding speed is say 40 mph the 400 can do this but is all but bagged out with little left to give whereas the 500 is cruising and the 600 is purring both with lots left if required.
Given that your getting a deal that most of us would die for take advantage of it go bigger you won't regret it.

 

Another Item to look at the 400/500 have pull start. The 600 i believe does not have the option to pull start. Hope your battery never goes dead if you are really far out. I just bought the 500ho and I love it. For the extra money you get alot more power/torque. Good Luck