I am planning on purchasing my first ATV in a few weeks. I have pretty much decided on the Sportsman 500 but I would really like to get some rider reviews from owners, both pros and cons. Also, what kind of price did you pay? Thanks.

 

Well, I just bought my 2005 500HO SP about a week ago. I love it. I also have a 2004 500HO SP that I rode the crap out of but it is in the shop (it lost the fight when I hit a 60 lb rock at 30mph). When I dropped off my 04 at the shop is when I bought my 05.

My friend bought an 05 about a month ago and keeps it in my garage so I have been riding his as well. They are GREAT machines and can handle anything you throw at them (except a huge rock at 30mph). What I have noticed so far...it rides much smoother than my 2004. The back up lights are amazing since I ride alot at night. The built in storage is the best out there right now in the 500 cc class (I looked at most of the major brands and none have as much stock storage). I think that the 2005's are all around great machines.

The only downside that I have seen is that my friend's gas gauge doesn't work all the time so he needs to take it in and get it fixed (minor). Also, I am not too sure what I think about the new rack system yet. It could be harder to put on aftermarket rack accesories unless they are made just for the new system (this is mostly true for the front rack since it is now storage box and doesn't have holes going through it).

I think that you are making a great choice.

As far as price...welll, that is going to vary depending on where you are. Here in Vegas they tend to get more for them than in Utah. Here I got mine for $6399. But I also got the 3 year extended warranty for $500 and then tax has to be added on as well. So it was close to $7400 out the door. I think that the extended warranty will come in handy since these things take a beating. Good luck.

Mike

 

In terms of smoothness I rode with a 2002 700 and the new suspension is much smoother as everyone says. The shock and spring rates have been softened for 2005 and it's an incredible difference. Cornering ability has not been compromised either. The storage is awesome. I could go on for hours.

 

I rode today with Jeff and his 05 500 it does ride smooth, nice machine!

 

I LoVE my 01 500
Get your self some new tires and a clutch kit and you will run with the Big Dogs

 

I bought a 2005 500 ho a couple of weeks ago only have 150 miles on it but so far I like it. I test drove most of the brands and found the 500 to be the best as far as first ride impression. Note: I had no prejudices or brand loyalty. This is my first ATV so take this with a grain of salt. $6099.00 OTD.

 

I love my 2004.5 500HO [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

That's because you have an awesomly highly modified NHRA super alcohol version of the sportsman. How's my grammar. Check out Chris' pics, they are awesome.

 

thanks for the comments