Hey guys I am buying an atv in a couple of weeks. I am trying to decide between a sportsman 700EFI or a 500EFI Im very conserned about the 500 and how the EFI dosen't work right. And is the 700EFI worth the price? Please tell me the goods and bads on these atvs Thanks

 

I have the X2 500EFI and had some stalling issues, but it was easily fixed with a throttle cable adjustment right on the handlebars. By the sounds of it, very few 500EFI's are having stalling issues due to the ECU. Other than that the EFI is great. Excellent throttle response and power.

If the extra money is not an issue then I would recommend the 700EFI. The extra power is always nice and the resale value will probably be better. The 2 cylinder engine will be smoother as well. Other than that they are the same quad...as far as I know.

Good luck shopping.

 

All I know is my 04 400 Sportsman felt very underpowered to me...the Sportsmans weigh ALOT so you should definitely get the biggest engine if your wanting much speed. I don't know if the 700 is worth the price because I don't know how much it costs, but after I bought my 400 I always wished I'd gotten the 700, it simply had no thrill factor when you get on the gas. I can't imagine the 500 having a significant increase in power over the 400 since it's only ~75cc difference. GET THE 700!!!

 

So if I buy a sportsman 500EFI will I have to look at the throttle cable and adjust it or don't look at it. Or the stalling issuses are just on the modles that came out first. And where is the throttle cable located on the handle bar and what is the top speed?

 

Toyeboy, actually the SP500 is a lot faster than its little brother. Besides the 75cc difference, the 500 also has a higher compression piston (10.2:1 vs 9.2:1), a hotter cam, and a much larger carburetor (40mm vs. 34mm). These things allow the 500 to easily outrun the SP400. The 400 and 500 are close to each other in terms of bottom end power, but the larger carb and more powerful cam give the 500 a much stronger mid range and top end power. Ask just about anyone on this forum about the power difference between the 400 and 500. It is no secret that the 400 is underpowered, but that has been fixed with the arrival of the SP450. The 500 shares some of its engine parts with the new 450. Sorry to pirate the post. I would stay away from the SP500efi because it has had some 1st year glitches that are not a concern with the carbureted 500. I would pick the 700efi since it has been out for a couple of years and its bugs have been worked out. For the pros of these machines they do very well in the mud and pulling trailers or what not and they are also able to clear many trail obstacles with their massive ground clearance. They are very easy to operate and have one of the smoothest rides in the business. Their storage space and aggressive PXT tires are also a plus. As for the cons they are heavy as toyeboy has mentioned. They handle fairly well, but many lighter quads are easier to throw around on the trails and the SPs are about average when it comes to their acceleration. Their tall ground clearance can come back to haunt you if you come to a scary off-camber situation where tipping over is a possibility because of their top heavy feeling. My .02

 

Oh wow I didn't know the 500 had all those better parts...thanks for clearing that up. I just didn't want him be disappointed with the power like I was with my 400, but it sounds like I should've gotten the 500 instead!!

 

you could also consider the sp 450 if you dont mind the carb. it has pretty good power for what it is. it is real close to my 02 500. of course the efi is a little more power and reponsive, my 800 throttle is right their when i call for it. if price is a big issue and efi isnt i would recommend the 450. if not get the 700 w/ out the problems of the 500 efi. (side note) if fuel milage is a main concern beware of the twins like the gas when you play hard where the 450 and 500 are way better.

 

Toyeboy, yes, the 500 has a very noticeable difference in power over the 400. It is a High Output machine (as im sure u already knew that). And i honestly think, that if you would've gotten the 500H.O. or 700, you would not have a Suzuki Kingquad right now. I've driven the 400, and it also left a sour taste in my mouth in the power department. Then when i got my 500 i was overwhelmed, and fell in love. And the 700 blows the 500 away, so yeah its all a cycle. Anyway rtboy, get the 700. If you throw EFI out the window, the 700 has been in the works for 5 to 6 years now. EFI for 3 years. Its a very solid big bore performer, and is one of the best all around. You will not regret getting the 700, and the gas isint soo bad after its completely broke in, but i wont lie, the 500 is a bit better..
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Sold

 

Yeah your probably right b/c after the first week I got the 400 I was ready to upgrade...of course I kept it for 2 years and 2300 miles though so it was okay!! I know I'd have been happy with the 700 for sure (I'd probably still have it) because the Sportsman's have a unique style and plush ride superior to my KQ's...the main reason I needed more power was for plowing snow...I definitely could use the 700's extra weight now that I have the lighter KQ!! Who knows after I've put my KQ through it's paces I could check out Polaris again---but get the 800 this time not a 400!!!

 

I have an 03 500HO. And i have heard that the 500HO is more powerful than the 500EFI...Is that true?