I really like the Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI model but want to know a couple of things.

1. Is there a big performance difference between the 1 up 500EFI and the 2up 500EFI touring? I would like to be able to ride 2 up sometimes, but want to know the "cost" (I know the touring is a little heavier and longer with the same engine.

2. Anyone haul these in a short bed silverado? Looks like it would be tight to get the tail gate up.

3. Is 2 up on a 500EFI going to be a real dog? I'm not really into going fast, but dont want to "max" out the engine/suspension. I'm ~220 wife ~140

Thanks!

 

Mornin jam53142
I have the 500 X-2 06 model and my buddy has the 700 sportsman. He flipped his and I had to tow him home up out of a holler Bout 1/4 mile up and 1 mile home. He is over 200 and his Lady is about the same weight. Their both over 6 ft tall. It was me !50 and my Wife 104 lbs. My 500 did work but no strain. I get bout 2 tanks of gas to his one. But then My Wife gets bout 2 to my 1 and she has the 300 sportsman.

 

I road both the 500 and 500 Touring before deciding that the Touring was what I wanted. I am very happy with the decision to get the 500 Touring.

2. I haul it in a short bed F-150 and the tailgate is not going up. The tires don't sit on the tailgate but it won't go up.

3. It has a ton of power both by myself and with the wife on the back. To give you an idea of the power and speed it has, we were cruising along maybe 10mph following a creek and a jack rabbit popped up. I kept up with it for almost 1/2 mile before it zigged and I zagged and it lost me. I'm 225 wife is 125.

On a side note the mileage is incredible. On my first tank I got 88 miles and still had more than 1/4 tank left. I'm guessing that the mileage will even get better with more time on the engine. 90% of that riding was done 2 up also.

Hope this helps.

 

I forgot to mention that the back seat will pop out easily when you want to ride by yourself without it.

 

The 500 EFI should do you fine. It should do 55 mph without a problem, plenty fast if you're not really into going fast like you said. And you shouldn't have to worry about maxing out the suspension or engine when going two-up.

My buddy has an AC 500 single seat and he cannot shut his tailgate in his 2001 Silverado. Not sure if the Sportsman is shorter or longer.

You should test ride the 500 with your wife on it if you can. Any decent dealer should let you take it for a test ride, especially if you tell them that you'll buy something from them afterward.

 

I have an 07 X2 500 and it has plenty of power and speed, one up or two up, for this 250 pound rider. As others have indicated, fuel mileage is great, too. Mine goes in an eight foot pickup bed, but it wouldn't fit in a short bed, at least with the tailgate up.

 

Thanks for all the comments. I'm now even more sold on the touring . What is the difference between the X2 and the Touring? is it all "extras" or is there a mechanical different. I compared the spec sheets and couldnt see a difference.

 

The difference is basically the rear seat. The Touring rear seat is very comfortable.

 

BUT the X2 has a "pickup" bed if it's used one up. It's a matter of how you figure you'll use it. Other differences I'm unaware of, since the touring wasn't available in 07.

 

The X2 is also a little longer in the body. I bought two 500 EFI touring and I'm very happy. It has plenty of power, the longer wheelbase for a better more stable ride, and a much more comfortable rear seat then the X2. The X2 of course has more room for hauling if that's an issue. We rode all day last week with one on one machine and two on the other, really didn't matter much in riding the trails it handeled well with two up or one. You can see some shots on my page. I'm 6' about 235 lbs mt wife is about 130 lbs. the only comment from her on the back is she had to hold on tight when I was throwing it into turns :>. She got even when I was on the back.