I noticed that the sportsman has 26 inch rubber, something some ute owners would like to up-grade to. Are these tires any good? How many plys? And the rims? Buying lighter and cheaper isnt always better, especially when one is considering adding weight and money. I heard a rumor that the 500 HO will have EFI in 2006, has anyone else heard this? For those that already have EFI , is it everything you thought it would be? Has there been any issues evolving around it? Any input would be appreciated.

 

The 2005 machines have 26" Polaris (Carlisle) PXT's. They are 6 ply radial tires. For a radial, the are fairly lightweight. You can buy them now, they are made by Carlisle and marketed by ITP. ITP calls them the Wetlands. You can see them in the new products page of ITP: Wetlands

As far as the EFI, awesome. I have the 2005 700 EFI. I live in New Mexico, I ride alot of altitude, from 4500 - 13000 feet and it works great. I've been in these same conditions were previous carb'd machines and had to install a dial-a-jet....no changing with the EFI machine, you just go.

Rumors have it that there will be a 500 EFI coming soon.

 

I seen the new 26" pxt tires on the 05' machines while I was at my dealer and they look alot nicer than the badlands that came on my 04', both are made by carlisle. I heard the 500HO will be EFI for 06' which is going to be sweet. I have the 04' 700EFI's and they are great, no choke to deal with, no 10minute cold start warmup period, no jetting issues, just start and go ride. I did have one initial problem with the EFI though, my electric fuel pump quit working after only 11miles on the odometer. the dealer fixed it and has been fine since, there have been alot of these issues during 04 but not enough to say anything bad about polaris. overall I would buy an EFI over a carb model anyday. my wifes cousing Chuck bought a 700carb model about a month after my wife and I got ours and now he wishes he would have spent the extra $300 for the EFI.