I am looking at getting a new four wheeler, and I have been looking at the Polaris 500 HO or one of the larger twin cylinder models. I was wondering if anybody would have any helpful imput or advice in hleping me make my decision.
Thanks

 

IMO, the only reason to go bigger than a 500 is power. With the 500 you have descent gas milage. Recoil starter. The HO engine is tried and true. If you want gobs of power,,,go big. If you want adequate power,,,go 500.

 

I get almost the same gas mileage as a 500 HO with my 700 EFI. As stated the 500 HO is tried and true. I had the standard 500 before my 700, great machine, never had a problem, went pretty well....around 55 mph and got good mileage. I'm amazed at how well the 700 EFI does on mileage. The 800 EFI is another story....not near as good of mileage, but then again its a beast....

 

If you crave power get a twin preferably the EFI models.

 

always a great discussion snaketamer. in fact not to long ago there was a great thread comparing the 400 to the 500.

as far as this topic, for me the 500 has all the power i would ever need. the reason i have a 700EFI is simple, i love EFI! maybe i'm just getting older, but it's just too easy to turn the key and go! no fiddeling with the choke. and that's just TERRIFIC! do i use all the power the 700 has to dish-out? no way!

IF Polaris comes-out with EFI on their 500 i would more than likely trade "down" to one. like i said, the 500 has all the power i could ever need. i just like the ease of EFI.

good luck with your pic. either way you'll LOVE a Sportsman! WAY FUN!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

MT, when your ready to "trade down" let me know!

Jim

 

I appreciate the feedback, I think I am leaning towards the 500HO right now because I have the worst luck in the world and I need something that has proven itsself. Does anyone know if the 500 will have much more power than a Honda Foreman 450 (thats what I have now)?

 

One of my friends has a Honda 450 and another one has a 500 sportsman and the 500 has more power.

 

My wife and I each have a 2004 700EFI and we love them. the reason I chose the 700EFI's is because of the EFI. if polaris offered a 500EFI I would have gotten that one because everyone knows that the 500 is Polaris's best selling machine. although it's a single cylinder and not quite as powerfull as the twins it has proven itself in the atv world as being one of the longest lasting, almost problem free machines out on the market. I don't know when your wanting to buy but I would recommend waiting till the new year models are revealed because the word out on the street is that polaris is going to offer a 500EFI for 06', or if you prefer to go with an 05' there usually are super rabates/price reduction on previous year models. you may even be able to pick up a left over 04' still, I know there are a handful of them out in the dealers still.

 

Yes the 500ho has more power than the forman. The 500ho has about the same power as the 600twin but in a lighter package. Get the 500 and you wont be dissapointed. It is maybe the most reliable motor that Polaris has.