I know that this has been asked before but it has been a while, so I'm curious about newer feedback.

After a year of learning to ride on a smaller machine, I've sold my first quad (2002 Magnum 325) on Craigs list and am ready to move up to something bigger. I've narrowed it down to a choice between these two models. The price difference between the two is pretty small, so it comes down to the fuel economy versus power tradeoff.

Most of the time it is going to be just me (250#), but passengers will include my kids (80# max - for now) or the occasional buddy (say 220#). On multiday trips into the Nevada Wilderness I'll probably have 100-150# of gear and supplies.

I did a short test ride on an 800 single and a 500 X2 and the power difference is significant off the line on asphalt in fact the 800 scared me a little (the power comes on very quick), but a more experienced buddy of mine loved it. I don't want to make this purchase and want to get a bigger machine in a couple of years (although they may have the XP touring by then).

I'm guessing the longer wheelbase of the 800 touring makes it less likely to lift the nose?
Do any of you know what kind of fuel economy percentage difference between the two? We do a lot of miles and gas stations aren't an option, so you have to carry all you can.
Do any of you who bought the 500 or 800 regret it and wish you bought the other model?
Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I had a similar debate before I bought mine. I had friends with 500's and they said it is all the bike you will ever need. But every time I crack the throttle of my 800 it brings a smile to my face. Both the 800 and 500 have the same towing/luggage capacity. If ya like power like I do then its a no brainer, but if its not huge deal to you then stick with the 500. The 500 will tow, haul, carry and go any place the 800 will, but the 800 will put a bigger smile on your face.

 

GAS what kind of range do you get per tank? I know it's different from rider to rider and trip to trip, but I'm trying to get a feel for it.

 

Mickjp, wait for the XP's to come out in those lines it will be worth it. Now matter which of thes two you'd buy, you would yern for the XP version. Yes, they are that good. The 500 one less cylinder to feed so I would imagine the 500 gets significantly better mileage just riding. Working it hard I would say that the 800 would be more efficient. Kind of depends what you are going to do. I your ***** to the wall get the 800, if you casually cruise get the 500. I though the 500 was underpowered in the sportsman with my 270 and gear on it. The 550 XP has that mouch more power and more efficient drivetrain that it feels more like 700 class machine I have ridden.

 

Wish I could give you an answer but i have never really paid attention. I ride pretty agressive on the throttle and do a fair bit of playing in the mud. I can usually get atleast 6-7 hours out of a tank.

 

My 550 will get 19-21 on the trail, my buddies 800 on the same trail will get 14- 18. I have a neighbor with a 2008 500 ho efi says he get 20 riding hard. IDK know if this helps?

 

I get about 20mpg on my X2 and have gone over 100 miles on my 6 gal. tank. I've had my 350lb. and a passenger's 200lb. on it and it went everywhere I've gone with just me on it.

 

Thanks for the info guys.

Mega, I can't wait for the XP version - it's nowhere in sight, I just sold my old quad and it's a bitch trying to keep up with my buddies on foot [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I think I'll do 500 touring now and upgrade when the XP version is out in a couple of years.

 

500 or 800, your still getting one awesome machine.

 

Go for the Poo 800 X2, I have a '07, and my wife and I, along with the dog, 2 sleeves of fuel, refreshments, and a days ride with the boys on their dirtbikes, is just a blast. Oh yah, clutch kit, and it blows away my buddies '08 X2 800 and '06 800 twin exhaust with both me and the wife on it!!!. Stock tires for now, but definitely will go bigger, the motor has an awesome powerband, and guessing about 100-120 mile range on a tank. Just make sure to change the oil every 500 miles, gets thin, with all the rev'ing the motor makes. Believe me, you will not look back on the 800 mill, and I'm sure there will be a few deals out there this Summer.