I was all set to buy a used 04 700 efi for a good price but now I'm thinking of waiting for the 06 500 efi. In looking at the specs it's lighter (45lbs) has a smaller turning radius and a back up recoil starter. Also I know there are other differences between the 04 and 06's, different racks, wider front end, a litter more suspension travel, I'm probably looking at $1000 difference. What's your thoughts between the 04 and 06 as well as the 500 and 700 motor? I will be doing mostly off road riding.

 

with the 700, you obviously have more power, but id go for the 500, great fuel economy, pull start, and a tough tested motor

 

Hey Snowguy,

There are sooooooooo many different opinions out there. I have a 2005 500 HO "LE" and I absolutely love it. Plenty of power from a proven bulletproff engine with a ride that is second to none. Perhaps it would be wise to wait at least a year before bying the 500 EFI so that they can iron out the bugs.

Just my 2 cents

 

My dilemma continues......I can get an 05 700 efi for $300 more than an 06 500 efi. This is sure tempting. I went and rode a 700 carb and a 500 carb. My impressions, acceleration wise they both felt about equal off the line but I could feel the extra pull with the 700 after it got going. The 700 steered a lot harder and didn't turn as tight, I could deffinately feel the extra weight of the 700. The 700 rode a little smoother, once again the extra weight cushioned the suspension more and it didn't feel as bouncey as the 500. I like the idea of the backup pull start on the 500 and a little better mileage, other than that there is not much difference. What would you do?

 

Well snowguy,

Again, I bought the 05 500 LE and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever, and the next guy will tell you that he purchased the 700 and feels the same way so you see, it all depends on "your" riding needs. It's a great idea to come here to get various opinions but at the end of the day, you need to make a descision based on your own needs and not the needs of others.

Personally, I feel that the 500 has PLENTY of grunt and the fact that it's a proven engine also helped in making "my" descision.............. They are both awesome machines and truthfully, you can't go wrong with either one.

 

Yes it's a tough choice and I'm leaning towards the 500 efi when it comes out. I see you have had Hondas and Yamahas, those were the other brands that I have been considering. The Foreman is one that my buddy swears by, he goes with a 500s, I rode a Rincon and really liked it but it seemed more sport quad like and I didn't like the idea of no low range. I like the Griz too but have never ridden one. The Kodiak feels too small. What is the difference with the 04.5 500 from the 04? What did they change?

 

If I remember correctly Snowguy, the changes were quite minimal. I'm pretty sure that the 04.5 got an electronic fuel gage and a few other minor upgrades. The HUGE change was between the 04.5 and the 05's, hence my trade.

You asked about the Hondas and Yamahas. I'm not much of a Yamaha fan, but you simply can't go wrong with a Honda. The absolute only reason why I sold my Rubicon for a 500 HO is because of the stiff ride found on the Rubi, but make no mistake about it, the Rubicon is one heck of a nice quad !! Many will claim that the 05 Rubicon "Canadian Trail Edition" has a ride that is at par any IRS. I have tried it and although there is a noticeble difference when compared to the 04's, I'm still not convinced that the ride is anywhere near as smooth as the Polaris 500 HO. I am also convinced that the Rubi has the very best ATV tranny on the planet, but let's face it........... there's allot more to a quad then just a transmission. With that said, you'll never hear this guy bash a Honda.

Again for "my" personal riding style, the Rincon doesn't cut it. It has a caddy ride, but you're right snowguy, no low gear and that's a biggy for me !! It also has very little engine braking capacity.

In my opinion, the Kodiac is too small and I had real bad luck with the Gizz.

So far I am a big fan of the 2005 Polaris 500. Lots of power, incredibly smooth ride, discs all around, 2x4-4x4 option, low range, awesome GC, tons of storage, not to mention the ever so "cool looks" of the "LE".

I'm sure that whatever you end up with will serve you well bud. Lets us know.

 

In regards to the 04 vs 04.5

The 04.5 has a tach, digital fuel meter, shifter with park position, different tires and different hubs. Also the fuel tank is different with the fuel sending unit built into the tank (just found this out as I cracked the threads on my tank by overtightening the cap and had to replace it.)

The changes in the 05 are huge, wider stance, new tires, new racks, trunk storage, better suspension design with tighter turning radius and soft steering feel, newer design brighter headlights, reverse lights, dual brake lights, and receiver hitch standard.

 

go wit the 500EFI. i just bought an 800 yesterday and am already having second thoughts. too loud and runs rough (twin cylinder). has more than enough power, but too much chrome and if you want to ride high altitudes you still have to take it in and have the dealer reset the EFI with a computer. in my opinion it's just too big. i think i should have just waited a couple of months and gone with the 06.

 

OK Jeff, fill us in on the details of adjusting the EFI for altitude, what has your dealer told you....
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Everything I know about EFI...it takes care of altitude compensation