Rubicon VS 2000SP500 Race Results
Sep 21, 2000 | 10:47 AM
#31
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Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2000
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I have to set the record straight about the race we had. We raced in High twice. In two wheels drive on a gravel parking lot he took me. Of course he was in four wheel drive and got more traction. But when I put mine in 4 wheel drive, I took him. So I would have to say that the race that we were both in 4 wheel drive the SP500 actually won in High. He flat out beat me in low the first time and the second time we were even until I revved out. So I would say he beat the SP in Low. We will have a more accurate comparison this weekend.
BUT, a drag in the parking lot is not why either one of us bought the bikes that we did. The SP500 rules the mud and harsh terrain. It rides like a cadilac and the suspension soaks up jumps like you would not believe. That is why I bought. I might pay for it with reliabilty problems down the road that Texmud will not have to deal with and that is the price I pay for the other benefits. That is fine with me.
If all out speed on a flat surface was important to me, I would own a banshee. I have ridden several bikes down the rough rocky and steep trails in Arkansas. This is just one more area that the SP500 suspension will stand out. A banshee would have its work cut out for it just following me much less providing a comfortable ride. We all buy different quads for different reasons. Texmud and myself just had a friendly competition and I hope there will be more to come. We don't get defensive about it so why should anyone else. If he beats me in a parking lot all day long, I will be just fine knowing that I get to tow him out of the next mud hole we come to.
So, assuming the Rubicon holds up through the weekend(Ha) and the axels manage to stay in the differential, we will report back Sunday night of the comparisons between the Rubi, Grizz, SP500, SP335, Big Bear, Honda300, Rancher4X4, Rancher 2X4, Sportsman6X6 and probably a few more including Highlifter's Rubi.
Of course my little Yellow Polaris will rule since I am posting the results. You can blame that on the Liberal Media.
Greg
BUT, a drag in the parking lot is not why either one of us bought the bikes that we did. The SP500 rules the mud and harsh terrain. It rides like a cadilac and the suspension soaks up jumps like you would not believe. That is why I bought. I might pay for it with reliabilty problems down the road that Texmud will not have to deal with and that is the price I pay for the other benefits. That is fine with me.
If all out speed on a flat surface was important to me, I would own a banshee. I have ridden several bikes down the rough rocky and steep trails in Arkansas. This is just one more area that the SP500 suspension will stand out. A banshee would have its work cut out for it just following me much less providing a comfortable ride. We all buy different quads for different reasons. Texmud and myself just had a friendly competition and I hope there will be more to come. We don't get defensive about it so why should anyone else. If he beats me in a parking lot all day long, I will be just fine knowing that I get to tow him out of the next mud hole we come to.
So, assuming the Rubicon holds up through the weekend(Ha) and the axels manage to stay in the differential, we will report back Sunday night of the comparisons between the Rubi, Grizz, SP500, SP335, Big Bear, Honda300, Rancher4X4, Rancher 2X4, Sportsman6X6 and probably a few more including Highlifter's Rubi.
Of course my little Yellow Polaris will rule since I am posting the results. You can blame that on the Liberal Media.
Greg
Sep 21, 2000 | 07:49 PM
#32
Trailblazer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Goattrotter,
When my wife and I decided to buy ATV's this year, we decided that we were going to buy 2 polaris SP500's. While we were waiting to pick them up from the dealer, I happened to notice that they had a rubicon in the showroom. We thought what the heck, why don't we take the Rubicon out for a test drive while we wait. We ended up buying it for my wife and a SP500 for me.
The question of which ATV is better is hard to answer. Some days, If I had to do it over again, I would buy 2 rubicons. Other days, the reverse is true . One ATV doesn't stand above the other. Their strengths and weaknesses seem to cancel each other out. For me, the key trade-off is the SP500's independent rear suspension versus the Honda's reliability.
[blue]Suspension:[/blue] The Polaris flexes over rocky terrain and is a much more comfortable ride. The honda suspension is more stiff. The Honda frame seems to float over terrain as a single rigid platform with no flex. The IRS is a big Polaris plus.
[blue]Reliability:[/blue] Time will tell whether the Polaris will hold up over the long haul. I'm not pleased with how the Polaris emits all of these irritating squeaking noises, mainly from the brakes. I hope that this is just the inherent nature of disk brakes over drum brakes. But I can't help but wonder whether all of these noises are a precursor to future reliablity problems. The Honda runs smooth and without any such rattles & squeaks. We did experience an initial problem with the Honda, after several weeks of stalling and hard-starting, we discovered that the gas tank breather tube and the feeder tube under the tank were getting pinched.
[blue]Speed:[/blue] As CHICKENman has stated, speed can be related to carb settings, but our Rubicon beats the Polaris consistently. Both Quads have been rejetted to high altitude.
[blue]Overall Looks:[/blue] This is a personal preference here, but I like the Honda better. Based on the older ATV's I see on the trail, the Honda's seem to maintain their looks better over time. Better plastics? I don't know.
[blue]Gauges:[/blue] Honda's gauges are fully digital and are easier to read.
[blue]Racks:[/blue] I prefer Polaris's plastic racks more than the Honda metal frame racks. There's more surface area to place things on the Polaris racks while on the trail. They also make a handy work bench when working on them in the garage.
[blue]Gas tanks:[/blue] Polaris has a tank over 5 gallons. The Rubicon has 3.5 gallons tank. For day trips, we always need to carry a fuel pack on the Rubicon.
[blue]Center of Gravity: [/blue] The honda's weight is lower to the ground and you sit lower in the seat than with the Polaris. I do not feel comfortable in dangerous off-camber situations with the Polaris. I posted a note about this awhile back.
[blue]Transmission:[/blue] There's been alot of talk about the new Rubicon automatic transmission. To be honest, both tranmissions are smooth and I don't see the Rubicon transmission being a decisive factor. I don't go swimming with my Polaris either, so I can't comment on the dreaded belt slippage problem.
[blue]Shifter: [/blue]Both units suck. They often get stuck in a particular gear and you have to rock the quad back and forth to pop it out. This is especially annoying with the Honda, because you have to start it in neutral (or with the override).
[red]Some other tidbits:[/red]
[blue]Polaris: [/blue]
[UL]
* Poor location for the oil dip stick.
* The P tires slide sideways too easy on the steep stuff. The P tire is a better mud tire while the stock Honda's are more oriented toward trail riding.
* Hate those wire fasteners that attach the nose to the body.
* The owners manual is too generic and applies globally to 2 stroke and 4 stroke polaris models - they need to put out a specific manual for each model. duh!
* Easier to change the oil.
* Disk brakes
* 4wd on/off switch.
* I like to stand up once in awhile. The polaris foot rests and handlebar position are better suited to standing.
* Transmission housing can get in the way of your left foot and can be damaged if you accidentally stand on it.
[/UL]
[blue]Honda:[/blue]
[UL]
* The high beam setting turns on BOTH the pod light and chasis lights. (not true with the Polaris.)
* Drum Brake
* Better access to the toolbox.
* Fuel Gage.
* Bar ends. They protect the grips and add a nice touch.
* Easier to Steer.
* Better suited for a smaller rider than the Polaris.
[/UL]
That's all I can think of for now. Hope this is helpfull in making your next purchase.
When my wife and I decided to buy ATV's this year, we decided that we were going to buy 2 polaris SP500's. While we were waiting to pick them up from the dealer, I happened to notice that they had a rubicon in the showroom. We thought what the heck, why don't we take the Rubicon out for a test drive while we wait. We ended up buying it for my wife and a SP500 for me.
The question of which ATV is better is hard to answer. Some days, If I had to do it over again, I would buy 2 rubicons. Other days, the reverse is true . One ATV doesn't stand above the other. Their strengths and weaknesses seem to cancel each other out. For me, the key trade-off is the SP500's independent rear suspension versus the Honda's reliability.
[blue]Suspension:[/blue] The Polaris flexes over rocky terrain and is a much more comfortable ride. The honda suspension is more stiff. The Honda frame seems to float over terrain as a single rigid platform with no flex. The IRS is a big Polaris plus.
[blue]Reliability:[/blue] Time will tell whether the Polaris will hold up over the long haul. I'm not pleased with how the Polaris emits all of these irritating squeaking noises, mainly from the brakes. I hope that this is just the inherent nature of disk brakes over drum brakes. But I can't help but wonder whether all of these noises are a precursor to future reliablity problems. The Honda runs smooth and without any such rattles & squeaks. We did experience an initial problem with the Honda, after several weeks of stalling and hard-starting, we discovered that the gas tank breather tube and the feeder tube under the tank were getting pinched.
[blue]Speed:[/blue] As CHICKENman has stated, speed can be related to carb settings, but our Rubicon beats the Polaris consistently. Both Quads have been rejetted to high altitude.
[blue]Overall Looks:[/blue] This is a personal preference here, but I like the Honda better. Based on the older ATV's I see on the trail, the Honda's seem to maintain their looks better over time. Better plastics? I don't know.
[blue]Gauges:[/blue] Honda's gauges are fully digital and are easier to read.
[blue]Racks:[/blue] I prefer Polaris's plastic racks more than the Honda metal frame racks. There's more surface area to place things on the Polaris racks while on the trail. They also make a handy work bench when working on them in the garage.
[blue]Gas tanks:[/blue] Polaris has a tank over 5 gallons. The Rubicon has 3.5 gallons tank. For day trips, we always need to carry a fuel pack on the Rubicon.
[blue]Center of Gravity: [/blue] The honda's weight is lower to the ground and you sit lower in the seat than with the Polaris. I do not feel comfortable in dangerous off-camber situations with the Polaris. I posted a note about this awhile back.
[blue]Transmission:[/blue] There's been alot of talk about the new Rubicon automatic transmission. To be honest, both tranmissions are smooth and I don't see the Rubicon transmission being a decisive factor. I don't go swimming with my Polaris either, so I can't comment on the dreaded belt slippage problem.
[blue]Shifter: [/blue]Both units suck. They often get stuck in a particular gear and you have to rock the quad back and forth to pop it out. This is especially annoying with the Honda, because you have to start it in neutral (or with the override).
[red]Some other tidbits:[/red]
[blue]Polaris: [/blue]
[UL]
* Poor location for the oil dip stick.
* The P tires slide sideways too easy on the steep stuff. The P tire is a better mud tire while the stock Honda's are more oriented toward trail riding.
* Hate those wire fasteners that attach the nose to the body.
* The owners manual is too generic and applies globally to 2 stroke and 4 stroke polaris models - they need to put out a specific manual for each model. duh!
* Easier to change the oil.
* Disk brakes
* 4wd on/off switch.
* I like to stand up once in awhile. The polaris foot rests and handlebar position are better suited to standing.
* Transmission housing can get in the way of your left foot and can be damaged if you accidentally stand on it.
[/UL]
[blue]Honda:[/blue]
[UL]
* The high beam setting turns on BOTH the pod light and chasis lights. (not true with the Polaris.)
* Drum Brake
* Better access to the toolbox.
* Fuel Gage.
* Bar ends. They protect the grips and add a nice touch.
* Easier to Steer.
* Better suited for a smaller rider than the Polaris.
[/UL]
That's all I can think of for now. Hope this is helpfull in making your next purchase.
Sep 21, 2000 | 08:40 PM
#33
Pro Rider
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
JA great post your learning fast,just one thing the head lights,you can position the switch half way on Polaris and it will run all three at same time.Also just in case you have missed it there is adjustment **** under pod to adjust height of pod light.You may have the dealer change springs,and or weights on your clucth,you'd be surprised what that will do for ya.Want to ride some time just holler at Poopsie and I we'll be ready.Quad dusters are going to RED CONE on the 7th.CM
Sep 23, 2000 | 12:42 AM
#35
Pro Rider
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
Janderson, the Rubicon has a start in gear feature. Just pull in the right hand front brake lever until you hear the "click" and then hit the start button. It will start in gear. But you can't be pushing the throttle. It's also in the owner's manual. Did you experiment with gas mileage in D1 and D2 yet? I want to do this with our Rubicon on a long trailride, I think D2 would drastically save on gas, since it's like an overdrive-keeping the engine rpm's low.
Oct 6, 2000 | 08:42 PM
#40
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I CAN NOT BELIEVE WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN ON THIS SCEEN!!!!!! I OWN A 98 SP500 AND A 01 SP500HO, THE 98 BEAT THE PANTS OFF THAT 01 HONDA RUBICON IN ANY AND ALL TYPES OF COMPARISONS HE COULD THINK OF !! I ALSO OWN A NEW SP500HO AND IT IS BYFAR FASTER THAN MY 98SP500, SO I AM UNWILLING TO LET YOUR "TEST" GO UNNOTICED...JIM