A friend of mine is about to buy one of these. He likes to putt around at relatively low speed, and will use the machine for backcountry exploring. The power of the 700 isn't necessary, but the 700 is attractive because we regularly ride at 8,000 feet, and the EFI solves the altitude/jetting issue. But I hear the 700 has a high engagement RPM, and that could be annoying for slow speed rock crawling. Can the engagement RPM be lowered with a different spring, or should he buy the 500?

 

you...a prarie owner should know that a clutch spring can change the rpm engagment....

 

i would go for the 700efi...its got tons of power on tap(just in case) and the efi will solve all the carb issues...but the 500ho is a rock solid reliable engine, i would know since i did own one for a number of years and never let me down

 

Go with the EFI in any cc for your conditions, the carb 700 has high rpm engagement, a little touchy in low gear.

 

Actually, Chris, I haven't done a thing to my bone stock Prairie. I just wasn't sure what's available for the Sportsman, or if there were any limitations or drawbacks to doing this. Are all the springs interchangable between Kawasaki and Polaris?

 

wow...that kinda surprised me lol...umm yeah the springs are interchangable between them...or at least I am assuming because I do belive someone once ran a polaris red in their V force before

 

you,a guy with a v-force icon should no for sure..lol,just kidding[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Check the heelclicker kit, it provides srpings and weights. My 600 had a real high engagment when I bought it, the heelclicker worked great on my machine. It not only lowered the engagment but I don't have to shift into low as often, I've already loaded into the bed of my pickup and not even noticed it was still in high.
My 400 xplorer is by far a better rock climber, the 600/700 has a much higher center of gravity, the clearence and independent suspension almost makes it worth it.

 

lol I dont have a v-force yet [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] just the bomb the magnum and the tb

 

Go with the 700 EFI. If you look on this polaris page, you'll see my recent thread on comparing the same two bikes. I did all kinds of tests, and the 700 won. You really should read that topic, "Is the 700 EFI worth it over the 500 HO. " It was really helpful.