ttaylor,

Thanks for your comments about the ride differences. Did the factory rep tell you that the spring and shock rates were softer or is that someones assessment? The polaris web site didn't mention it.

If you can recall any other ride differences between the 04 and 05 I would really like to hear them.

Thanks for your help ttaylor.

 

The rep is the one that said that since the front is longer it allows them to soften the spring rates. On the rear you can actually see the difference between the springs. They couldn't tell me what the rates were only that they were softer.

I could also make the assessment having spent many years racing ATV's I know the difference between stock and aftermarket shocks and how they feel. The same holds for the difference between the 04 and 05 sprngs. The ability for the 05 models to glide over the rough stuff means they softened up the suspension. If they didn't change the rear suspension at all between the years you would notice the front glide and the rear bounce. This didn't happen so they softened the rear to match the softer front.

 

ttaylor,

Thanks for taking the time to clarify the changes for me. I appreciate it. I was glad to hear about the suspension being softer as I have a back muscles that are moody. It sounds like the 2005 would be better for that.

 

For the trail rider it is perfect. almost no vibrations, no bump steer, and very soft suspension. I think the complaints will come from the crowd who want to plow with it or load up the racks with lots of weight. The suspension will tend to sag a little too much for them. I just wish that Polaris would attach a preload collar on the front springs. That way if you do load up the racks you don't have all the static sag and no way to adjust for it.
With your back I would also suggest a kidney belt. These help tremendous amounts when riding. They keep everything lined up and from being shaken. I don't ride with out one. Of course I rarely ride without the full gear anyway, but the kidney belts help out a lot too.

 

Go check out this review. Sounds like the 05 has some big improvements afterall. I initially would have said just get the 04.5 since I have one and love it but if this review is accurate it might change my mind.

http://www.atving.com/atvconnection/...man-Lineup.cfm

 

Thanks a lot for the info, especially about the use of a kidney belt. I never thought of that.

 

If you have the extra $, go with the '05. I have a 700 EFI 05', and it is great. I sold my 500 and picked up the new one. The storage is great, better tires, wider, better mud protection on the fenders, rear work light, 4" racks (700 comes with the rear), better suspension, supposed changes to the motor, fixed old problems, etc. etc.

Of course I never leave anything stock, I put on the 3.0 winch, 3 headlight mod, 27" ITP 589 tires, ITP 5C Aluminum wheels. Here are some pics:

05' 700 EFI Pic 1

05' 700 EFI Pic 2

05' 700 EFI Pic 3

dave

 

Doyou have a copy of the headlight mod? Will it work on the 05 500 sportsman
Your bike looks great. !!

 

Nice pics Dave,

Have you found the 2005 to ride softer as reported? Any ride difference details would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Scarabrick,
The headlight mod works on all sportsmans. It is the same. A simple $6 relay from radio shack (part# 275-226) some 18 guage wire and some electrical connectors. If you can get a "piggyback electrical connectors then it makes it even easier.
The relay has four connectors and each of them are numbered. #85 connects to the ground (brown wire) on the auxilary power outlet on the pod. #86 connects to the yellow wire coming from the headlight. #87 connects to the hot (red/white) on the auxilary power outlet on the pod. On my 04.5 Sportsman the hot wire to the pod was actually orange. #30/51 connects to the green wire coming from the headlight swtich. I found that by removing the front rack and front center piece it opened it up to where all the electrical connections are kept. Just above the radiator I found an open connector with the green wires connecting to it. It had been sealed up with heat shrink tubing. I cut back the heat shrink to expose the connector. it saves from having to cut into the protective tubing to find the green wire. It works wonders. Now when the lights are on low beam you get the lower lights and when they are on high beam. All three lights are on. I have installed this on my dads 2000 and my 04.5. I am sure the wiring is the same for the 05's