Looking for a little advise. I presently own a 2001 Magnum 500 4x4. Dont get me wrong there have been 0 problems with this machine. Thinking about getting new bike. Looking at 500 ho and 600 twin. Does one have advantages over the other?
Fuel ecomony, power, ride, reliability? My Mag only has about 1200 miles on it, and like I said NO problems. Maybe I should keep what I got. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

come on guys, i need your advise here.

 

I have the 04.5 500 SP HO and love it. It is very proven. Can't say about the 600. I don't think the 600 would have much more powre than the 500 HO and the 500 HO has been a proven machine. I have'nt heard much about the 600. Dobie

 

We own three Sportsman 500's. I would recommend one of them very highly. Take care of them, maintain them, and you'll love em. I've only read good things about the 600, but you really don't need the extra power. The ride should be nearly identical. If you do buy one, check the setting for the rear shocks. They usually come at the lowest setting from the factory. Move it up two clicks, it makes alot of difference in the ride. No squat on acceleration, plus helps climbing hills, especially those with rock ledges.

 

Well, as you can see I own both and do love them both. A few quick differences: The 500 has a recoil starter in addition to the electric starter that is nice if the battery ever dies or you have a hard time starting it. The 600 only has electric starter, but it has a bigger battery so you can crank longer. As far as physical size, they are identical. Power wise, the 600 has more 'zip' to it but the 500 has plenty of power. The 500 is also more proven in longevity than the 600 but thats something that only time will tell. I've had no problems with either one yet.

If you want the truth, the main reason I got the 600 over the 500 is because I had to have a bigger toy than my father in law. I have no regrets though. I also chose the 600 cuase it never hurts to have that extra power, you never know when you might need it. If I remember right, the difference between the 500, 600 and 700 was only about $400. So the $$ might be another issue. Good luck in choosing. This may not have helped you much but hopefully it gave you something to think about. Feel free to email me if you have any direct questions.

 

I love my 600. I have not had any problems out of it. It has proven to be plenty powerful for me and everything that I have done w/ it. Like predator 03 said, I needed to click my shocks up, but other than that it was perfect from the factory. You will probably be fine with a 500ho, but I like the 600. That twin engine sounds great when you dump the throttle[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]. I'm sure you'll be plenty happy either way you go. Good luck.

 

I wouldn't trade my 02'500 for anything.Good ride,plenty of power for 27" 589's,very dependable.The only problems I have had are the ones I brought on myself.The 600 on the other hand is a new bike with first year problems.I have 4 friends with 600's and 700's.All have had the engines replaced or repaired due to crank /rod bearing failures.All of these had less than 3-400 miles on them.Polaris knows they have a problem and I am sure they are trying to correct it,otherwise they wouldn't keep fixing or replacing engines.JMO though!!!

 

I have had my 600 for about 3 months now. I can honestly say that it has more than enough power and the ride is wonderful. I cant really comment on the reliability of it due to the lack of time ive spent on it. The sound of the 600 twin is quite different, but there again, I like. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img] The way I see it, its a no lose situation. Good luck!

 

go with the 500 it may not have the get up and go like a 600 has but its got plenty of power there, its also been around alot longer having the bugs worked out and parts becoming cheaper

 

Hey 401,

Do you really have friends with 600's??? You don't seem to like polaris very much based on the name you gave
your 400cc at the top of your list??? I don't think this guy was looking for feedback from someone who
doesn't like, and obviously doesn't know polaris atvs!
From someone who actually owns a 600 sportsman, It is an awesome machine. But thats just my .02, What
you should do is go to your dealer and ride them all, then make your decision. It's a lot of money
either way and you want to be sure of your decision.