I think the best setup would be an slip differential that would automatically lock up when it lost traction, preferably without using electricity. I think I read a review on a Bombardier or something like that, that used a system similar to that. That new Magnum looks like a really impressive machine to me.

 

Ok nevermind I feel dumb now just read the review and looks like it already has the feature I was talking about

 

>>>>Would you really want lower gearing and stiffer springs all the way around for where we ride?

* Not unless I gained 100 pounds, but I have seen riders who are too heavy for the standard Sportsman 500 suspension.

*I can see where these would be good in very hilly riding areas.

>>>>My dealer says he won't be ordering one. Not enough mountains around here I guess.

*It would make a good vehicle for pulling plows around small farming plots

Better yet, it has the gearing to pull tall tires!

If I were a dealer I would put one of these on the showroom floor with the biggest tires that would fit under the plastic.

I think that Polaris is sending up a "trial balloon" to test the (U.S.) market for this vehicle. It appears that they are commited to the European market with this model.

 

Hmmm, you make some very good points Thor. Points I hadn’t considered, nor apparently has my dealer. Because agricultural equipment is his bread & butter I think he just looked at the RMK hype on this machine and decided against it. But its lower gearing and stiffer suspension would actually be advantages for someone wanting to use it as a rider/tractor/sprayer/etc. He was just faxed the spec sheet on it two days ago. I’ll mention this to him today and find out if it’s an HO.

BTW, I agree with you on the durability of the current Magnums. The Shaft Ride drive train and suspension is the most bulletproof design Polaris has produced to date. The increased power of an HO motor, a mechanically “locking” front end and stiffer springs would only enhance its durability. It needs better skid protection to be a true rock hopper though, another thing the article made no mention of.

 

Hmmm, No disrespect intended, but according to the published Polaris Parts Manuals, the gearing for the 500 and 325 are the same. Somebody please illumine us.


Magnum 500 Sportsman 500 325 Magnum

Gear Reduction - Low 7.46 6.69 7.46
Gear Reduction - Reverse 5.12 5.17 5.12
Gear Reduction - High 3.3 3.34 3.3
Front Drive Ratio 3.7 2.1 3.7
Final Drive Ratio 3.1 3.16 3.1

Total Magnum Sportsman
Gear Reduction - High 10.23 10.55 10.23
Gear Reduction - Low 23.13 21.14 23.13
Gear Reduction - Reverse 15.87 16.34 15.87
Front Ratio/Rear Ratio 1.19 0.66 1.19

 

Yesterday afternoon I had a look at the fax my dealer was sent introducing the three new limited edition models. In the description of the RMK it said nothing about it having an HO motor. I guess that doesn’t mean it doesn’t, but the rest of the description was fairly detailed.

 

Does it have Switchable 2wd/4wd???

SP500 in NS

 

Non HO? That's okay, because according to "Dirt Wheels" that will give it more low rpm power than the HO LOL, hehehe!

Where did Dirt Wheels come up with that misinformation anyway?

 

Thor, here are the part numbers for the gears between the Magnum 325 and the Magnum 500.

Magnum 325: Upper Output P/N 3233600 30 tooth
Lower Output P/N 3233709 48 tooth

Magnum 500 Upper Output P/N 3233601 40 tooth
Lower Output P/N 3233612 44 tooth

So there is a difference in the final drive ratio. The gears listed above for the Magnum 325 are what I put in my Magnum 500. They fit right in, no other mod's necessary. And they made a significant low end difference in making hill climbing much more comfortable and controlable.

As for Polaris' published spec's that you found? I think the correct word is ...typo!

 

Just bringing this back up top. Although we don't have mountains here in NF I would be interested in a machine with lower gearing right off the floor.