I am as you know, looking to buy a new ATV. I am interested in the SP 500 but noticed that the Magnum 500 seems relatively close to the Sporstman 500. My needs are plowing snow and trail riding. What are the benefits of each and the downsides of each. Is the Sportsman worth the extra couple hundred? Just curious what the major differences are and which one you would rather have. Thanks!

 

Eaaicf,

There are not alot of diff. between the SP500 and the Magnum 500 other then the IRS that is on the SP500. The other thing is the amount of ground clearence that you get from the SP500 compared to the Magnum 500.
As for the ride of teh SP500 compared to the Magnum 500 ther is no comparison the Sp500 for trail riding, mudding, ect. is the best. They are both good bikes, but the Sp500 would be my first choise.

 

Also the Sportsman has a larger carburator and higher duration cam that gives it 20% more power than the Magnum.The Magnum has a 3.7 gallon gas tank vs the Sportman 5.25 tank if that matters to you.

 

I own both the Sportsman 500 and the Magnum 500 and they are both real good machines but the Sportsman is my choice of the two mainly for the ride. It does have better ground clearance and goes better in the snow because of it. As far as uneven terrain it takes the trails and cow paths tons smoother than the Magnum. As far as performance with the Sportsman being heavier it is really pretty much equal as far as top end speeds. I like to ride both but the Sportsman is so much easier on the back after a long day of riding there is a real difference. Mine are not completely broke in yet but the Magnum looks like it might be a little quicker but I think it is just because of the weight difference.I hope this is of some help to you and have fun with whatever you get.

 

I looked at the Magnum 500, as well. I think that if you are looking at a quad as a primary work, secondary play situation, the Magnum would be better suited. I am guessing that the reason for the solid rear axle is the advantages in hauling, pulling, and towing. What you are really paying the extra for is the ride on the Sportsman. Both are great machines, but if you are going to be working more, get the Magnum, and if you are playing more, get the Sportsman. I suspect, though that you will be happy with either, whether you are working or playing. Of course the same can be said about other quads, too.

 

The size of the gas tank further supports my theory that the Magnum is the work version of the Sportsman. Typically, when you trail ride you go much farther from your source of gasoline... hence the need for a larger tank and increased range.

 

I own the SP 500 and I chose it because of the IRS, not the main reason, but the ride is AWESOME. I have never ridden another quad that even comes close to the cadillac ride of the SP 500.

 

Don't let the gas tank sizes fool you. The magnum that I have consistently delivers 25 MPG. 3.75 times 25 equals 93.75 miles per tank. I think it would be safe to say that the Magnum will deliver 84 to 85 miles per tankful.

A HO should deliver 75-95 miles per tank depending on the load and the jetting. Just my humble experience.