i prefer the efi hands down. if you use it in the winter to me theres no comparrison between the carb and the efi for easier starting and staying running w/ out messing w/ the choke. im guesing there isnt a huge differnce in power between the 2 bikes. imo.

 

I just bought an '08 EFI 500 (blue) and it certainly does look SHARP. The EFI is great...as a few other guys have said, the HP isn't all that much more than on the HO. However, EFI is great in the winter. One other thing to keep in mind is that along with nicer looking wheels, you get MUCH beefier tires on the EFI version. I wouldn't trust the stock ones on the HO model for anything but the stock ones on the EFI have gotten me through some NASTY mud/water (creeks, ponds)/sand without a problem and without using the AWD all that often. I ride with a bunch of guys with big 'ole swamp foxes and that's what I had on my 2000 Sportsman and I figured I'd automatically upgrade...no need to...those stock tires on the EFI are great. Another bonus is that they handle much better than a fatter tire...much sharper handling. Oh, and if you use a pickup for getting your wheeler around, those tires are a perfect fit.

Just my opinion...

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Rickeyparker

Ive looked at All the others and read every article on the net about the Polaris 500 HO Im okay with it but the EFI blue model with Aluminum wheels sure looks sweet , I can get the HO for 5199.00 and the EFI for 5999.00, My main concern is Looks and Power, IS the Power difference really that noticable between the 2 machines. I need some advise from the Polaris Brothers on which they would buy . But I still have the hawkeye and still am a polaris Man. Thanks RP</end quote></div>


For only $800 more you get EFI, ADC, alum wheels/PXT tires. That alone is worth more than $800!!!
The EFI is the better deal.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>For only $800 more you get EFI, ADC, alum wheels/PXT tires. That alone is worth more than $800!!! </end quote></div> I couldn't say it better. I have an X2 with EFI and an ATP with the HO. EFI provides easier starts, especially in cold weather. A little bit faster and little bit more power. Smoother acceleration too. I can't speak to elevation differences. Haven't been above 2000' yet. The 489s are fair as far as stock tires go. The PXTs that come with the higher models are much better looking to me as far as traction goes.

 

cant speak for atv's yet, but in 1989 i bought my dakota with throttle body fuel injection, still have the origional plugs in it. couldnt imagine buying a vehicle with a carb system, why an atv. i remember tuning up carbs, i dont want to do that anymore.

 

Odd Polaris only uses this performance enhancing EFI only on the Utility work horses ATVs ,put does not put it on there competitive Outlaws,Predators and even the Scramblers you would think Sport ATVs would benefit more from it.

Does the 500 H.O give you a out if you do not want the ECM thing?

I do like the gas mileage thing about the EFI on the 500s ,its not just a small improvement but very noticable,something like 3-5 mpg. that may sound small but on 5 gallons of gas thats a extra 15-20 miles of riding over the H.O.

Especially nice with these newer little 4.1 tanks Polaris uses now.

 

Just some proof about our easy carbs start up while cold.

You can t feel it from the pic but it was cold. The Scrambler was carberated, the Blue 2007 Polaris RMK 120hp 600 H.O was carberated and the 500 Ski-Doo Touring was carberated.

They ALL started hassle free at any time.



Why would Polaris put Carbs on a NEW high performance Snowmobile,if cold start up would be a issue?

 

I don't think that its a matter of starting in the cold that is issue as mutch as it is the ease of starting in the cold with EFI that helps. There is no messing w/ a choke and all you need to do is start it and forget about like your car[if it has EFI]. The computer takes care of the rest!

 

Here is my start up procedure in cold winter. I pull the chock full and hit button ,the AVT starts right ,immediately I have to go half choke and let it run for 30 seconds then I shut off the choke and go inside untill the cold thick oil warms up.

I,m sure it would ride right off if need be on half choke, but running a 4 stoke with cold thick oil is not good for the 500s already "notorious cold start "oil staved cam lobs.

Like I said the H.O starts "easy" in the cold but the EFI starts "easier" is more like it.

 

I hear ya exact procedure I use. But it does take at lest 20 min to get warm then you must still dink arount w/ the choke to keep it running or it will fall flat on its face. Like I said before I just want to start it and forget it this is where your starts "easier" comes into play!

I do own one of each and I think I messed up w/ the one that needs EFI the most!