If you decide to go with the 500HO Or Efi then be sure to check this place out http://go-polaris.com/lakelandpower/. When buying your new atv you have to think about more than just the cheapest price!!! These guys will take really good care of you after the sa;e, and they are offering up to $1000.00 or more off of the list prices on some models right now!!! And polaris's new deal is a free winch also! It's only about a 40 minute drive for you, and you won't be sorry! Tell Kevin Dan sent you!

 

When comparing cost of the 500HO carb to the 500EFI, note that in addition to the EFI, the EFI also comes standard with the 26" radial PXT tires and EBS. The carb version has 25" 489s (I think) and no EBS. So the $300 (MSRP) difference is really not that much. Of course the OTD difference may be greater. I just wanted to point this out in case you hadn't noticed. Good luck and either one will be a good choice.

 

The new Sportsman 450 is dangerously close in power to the 500 HO now.

Regardless.....the Sportsman 450 is essentially the very same machine as the 500HO just a few cc's shy.

Both are better than the Kodiak.

 

I have owned a kodiak, and now i have a polaris. Far as EFI, from what i have gathered that is the best way to go.

 

Have you had any problems thus far? Creeping, stalling, etc.?

Bubba

 

What Dano38 says about a dealer makes sense also. A good dealer can go a long way. I don't have that problem as my Polaris dealer in town, we have bought a New Holland skid loader, a rotary broom for the atv to assist in flood cleanups, and heavy equiptment rentals from them so regardless they'll take care of me. Something to think about. Brian

 

the 450 is actually the replacement for the 500 ho carb. model. there so close in power that theres no reason to have the carb. one anymore. i dont think it has ebs though. i was looking at one for the wife and thought i was told that the engine was actually a 425 magum engine so it should be a good tested one.

 

The Polaris 400 (actually is 425cc), the 425, the new this year 450 (actually 455cc) and the 500 (actually 499cc) are all variants of the very same Fuji Heavy Industries manufactured engine they have been using for many years. It's a proven bullet-proof unit. Many believe it's the best engine in the Polaris ATV line.....and given its track record it's hard to argue the point.

The new "450" has been increased in displacement but also massaged and tweeked to get a considerable power increase. I recall somebody mentioning some porting work but I don't know if it's fact. If so I'd also bet some cam specs were changed too. I'd love to ride one to see how much of a power increase there is over my 2004 400......hmmmm......then again I think I'll be smart and NOT do that because then I'll just want to go out and buy one or maybe even get a camo 800 or some such foolishness that will almost certainly result in castration at the hands of my wonderful Wifey.

 

ya thats right i was thionking of the 400 as well my dealer told me that it was a 455 cc and the front end was redun to make it steer easyier as well.