I'm new to ATVing, can you guys give me some detailed info on the most cost effective ways to make my 500 H.O. lighter (besides me going on a diet) and without having to get a second mortgage?

As of now everything is stock except for the chrome wheels and the spydertrak 26x12's. It also has a Warn 2K lb winch.

Will I be able to increase the ponies this beast has also? I think it's about 38hp.....not sure though. I just know it's stock and I don't have a stinkin' clue about all these specs. I'm just a rookie, hoping someday that I could hang with the big dogs.
Thanks,
Nuzbe

 

You have to face it the quad is heavy heavy and even if you could lose 100lbs it will not be noticable.My dads 500 Suzuki weighs 100lbs less than my bike and you can not throw it around a corner or lift it out of hole any easier than mine.Be thankful the Sportsman engine does not seem to notice the extra weight also.You can spend lots on lighter pipes and rims but the bike will still feel the same.

 

i agree with Tim1 theres not much to do and u wouldent notice it anyway. u could put on ITP magnums cause there lighter. a different pipe might loose u a little too. but overall the machine is going to seem heavy, because its a huge machine that is heavy.

seems kinda like buying a Hummer then wanting to know ways u could lighten it up. LOL

later
jon

 

Weight played a very important role in me getting rid of my 99 500cc Sportsman [697lbs].I now ride the lighter,more nimble Xplorer [588lbs].So I dont really totally agree that you would'nt feel something that weighs 110lbs less.There's not a differance like night and day in the weight,but it certainly is noticable!
Bill

 

If my passenger falls off I can't tell until I look back and see nobody is there anymore.I think even if it was possible to make a 400lb 500cc utility I would not want it because the weight helps in a lot of situations. When I break trails I run over small trees that will cause our 500 Suzuki to try and climb them and almost fall backwards, also the the SP pulls harder and I think it may be due to more weight on the wheels gives it more traction.When we go on our fishing trips and load both bikes up heavy for a 4 day camping the SP stays more stable and seems to not be effected by the load as much as the Suzuki.