Hey Folks,

I'm seriously thinking about selling my 96 Xplorer 400 and considering either the SP400 or SP500HO. My riding partner (wife) has developed chemical alergies (actually she has had them for some time, but we just found out what it was) and the 2-stroke fumes really bother her. NO . . . not getting rid of the wife!! Don't even bother to ask! :-)

Anyhoo, Judie wants to get a yellow SP500HO ($8450) while I'm looking at the SP400 ($7250). I have searched the other posts and there seems to be very little on comparison between these two machines.

When I got the X400 there was only a $500 difference between her and the X300. There is a $1200 difference between the HO and the SP400. My question is it WORTH the extra money. Can I hop up the SP400 or is it better to spring for the extra $ on the HO?

Any comments would be welcomed and appreciated.

Oh . . . Merry Christmas to you all.

 

I just checked specs on both. The only differences with the exception of engine are, a 50 watt smaller alternator on the 400, a 400 pound lighter tow rating, and of course, EBS.

The EBS is the only thing I would be concerned about.

Dave

 

I recently compared spec's on the SP400, 500ho, and Magnum 500 before purchasing my 2000 model Xpedition 425. I am very pleased with the low end torque and climbing performance of the manual 425. Slow top end speed would be my only real complaint thus far.

I wonder- How much will a pipe and filter affect top speeds?

I would also seriously consider the 500 Magnum in the mix on your search. They seem to be priced quite a bit more reasonably than the sportsman models, and are very similar. The SP's have a bigger fuel tank, independant rear, higher output alternator, and a few other features that seem kind of minor in my eyes. I would think the bigger motor would be more pleasing, depending on what kind of riding you do.

$ Price is always a factor. :-)
They seem to be a lot cheaper here in oregon.

couple of quick q's- what is the top speed on the new HO's, and can a person upgrade to the bigger alternator for spotlighting?

 

I forgot about the Magnum - have to see if they make it in Yellow.

Actually I dont have EBS on my ride now so I dont' think I'll be missing much. 50watts on the alternator would not make that much of a difference - I suppose. 400lbs on a tow rating . .. hey I think we have all pulled a wee little bit more than we were supposed to.

Thanks for the input guys. I would like to hear from more 425 owners or any SP400 owners.

 

I have had a SP400 since October and am very happy with it. Paid $5800 delivered. The wife preferred it over the HO and I didn't mind spending less. (Thank god they don't make them in purple.) It has surprising power and the 4wd is flawless. Good luck whatever you choose.

 

Up here in the Great White North (Canada . . . Newfoundland to be exact) things are a little more expensive.

 

I bought an XP425 this past summer, and have been very satisfied with it. The only complaint I have so far is the front springs. I just ordered a set of heavy duty springs for it this week.

 

If the 400 is $1,000 less what is the Magnum $600 less?

Consider this, you have an Xplorer with some speed parts on it. Therefore you like the thrill of speed. You won't get that on a 400 Sportsman.

You will not be able to powerslide a Sportsman like you can an Xplorer or Magnum.

The Expeditions have good low end power but lack power on the top end. You will be eating dust if you buy one of these and ride in a pack of Sportsman or Xplorers.

335 Sportsman and 400 models make very nice quads for non agressive riders who do not care about horsepower and speed and may put on 400 miles in 4 years. (no flames please) Just my humble opinion.

For the occasional ride down to the mailbox or out to the deer post (2 weeks out of the year) horsepower means nothing.

 

I have a '00 Sportsman 500. It has enough power, but i would prefer the power of the H.O. like my scrambler 500 has. Also, i bought my sportsman brand new last year and paid 6200 for it. Also, down here in Alabama and Georgia, I have not seen a 2001 sportsman 500 h.o. for over 7200. So if money is not that big of an issue, i would go for the H.O.

 

Thor ... you make a good point. I have those "speed parts" on the X400 not that I love speed, but I like to have it there just-in-case it is ever needed. I know that she will out pull a 98 X400 with no mods.

Never thought about the power sliding, IRS would put a damper on that with the SP.

I ride with a mixed pack of machines. The only one that can give my machine a run for its $ is a 96 Scrambler. I never bothered to get a winch as they always let me go first (although I think I have been suckered in sometimes) through mud 'n water. I just have a tow strap hooked to my trailer hitch. I would hate to lose that edge with going with a "lesser" machine (SP400) as I plan to run 26 or 27 tires for the more aggressive approach.

The Magnum does not have the HO engine ... or does it? This puppy may be the best of both worlds?