Ihave been beating myself up on what to do, which one to buy, Ifinally got past the hawkeye4x4 or the sp 500 debate.
now its between a used 2004 sp500le with a plow in good condition, adult rider, or a new bike, just with the camo upgrade.
Any pros and cons that i havent thought about yet? i can swing the cost difference but is it worth it?..... efi, warrenty, and
I o like the looks of the 05's and up...this is where the should be a pic of me banging my head
... dont really care about the limited edition package, athough the winch would be nice and having the plow wouldnt hurt.
either way I still get to think about it till after January, he doesnt want to sell his untill the snow is over with (if we get any)
I am in NJ. in my opinion we dont get enough snow!
most of my riding would be trail riding, some trips outof state to ride in the mountains ( up and down the east coast), hunting, basically
giving my truck a break.
any and all opinions will be highly apreciated [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
thanks

 

Okay, well my dad has the 06 500 EFI and if you ride in winter EFI is nice, just fires right up, also the new body style have some upgrades. Better lights, backup lights, more storage room, better suspension calibre, standard hitch, better clutch,probably a few more. The early 06's seemed to have some EFI issue's but they seem to be worked out. Polaris also has the nicest camo out there. Go for the new one, they even have don't pay till 2008 right now on.
Myself I just picked up a 07 800 Stealth and its just wild, but the 500 is the same but with less power and cheaper.
Just my 02 cents.

 

cableguy657, go for the SP500EFI. You won't regret it. We have a 500HO ATP that is carbeurated and a 500EFI X2. There isn't really any noticeable difference in torque but the EFI is better with a smoother acceleration and definetly starts better when it is cold. I know we don't have mountains like out in the West but if you will be doing any high elevations EFI doesn't require you to rejet the carb. to enjoy the heights. All in all, EFI is smoother, just as torquey, starts easier (no choke), and silkier in acceleration. And the storage box on the front of the Sportsman EFI is great. I have a ton of stuff in mine: First aid kit, two tow straps, tree saver strap, toilet paper (better to have and not need, than to need and....), owner's manual, binoculars, cargo nets, leatherman tool, owner's tool kit, and more as needed on each ride. You Won't regret the front tool box and CAMO is nice.......... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I think the 06 has a few things over the 04, these 2 are not 500's that I owned, but are sprtsmn specific. Camo is great, doesn't show scratches. Storage is a lot better, more and easier access. Suspension travel on front is greater. I like the EFI over my carbureted 500, easier starts, barely hit key and is running. 26" tires on 06. PLow would be nice, but if you really don't need it?

 

i am kindof leaning towards the new efi, new would be really nice.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

i think the big diff. is that you can get an 06 hold over faily cheap w/ a warranty and the efi is a big factor in starting. i beleave you can get a winch thrown in fairly cheap as well. piece of mind having new.

 

cableguy, for what you plan to use your ride for you should consider a 05 and up, based on the advantange of the accessory system, and the efi, you'll not be completely happy with an 04. the quick attach windshield and storage box go on and off in seconds, standard front storage is a plus, the newer body keeps more of the mud off the rider. the pluses are many but so are the benjamins.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

What everyone has said is right on the money. But the big advantage of EFI is that when you do go riding in the mountains, you won't have a loss in performance or have to worry about re-jetting. EFI will give you better gas mileage as well as improved performance. All this said, go with the new one and enjoy!!

 

Buy the new one for the reasons stated. Mountains=EFI. Plus you have the sastifaction knowing you are the only one ever to abuse your ride. Brian

 

the EFI is the way to go.. and if you ever drown it, it is very easy to 'clean' the intake out because there is no carb... just another reason.