Hey there I'm looking at getting a new Sportsman 500 and had some questions. I am unsure of exactly what I should go with. I live in the Vancouver, BC area and was quoted $7000 (CAD) for a 500 HO (After taxes etc, total of $8400) and $8000 for 500 EFI (total = $9500) Are those both good deals or can I find better? My main concern though is if I should go for the EFI for the extra $1100? I was told that Polaris' EFI does not improve the fuel mileage like they claim, and in some cases make it worse. Also, what does maintenence usually run you guys? Extended warranty good/bad?

On another note, does anyone know or have an opinion on if I can forklift the machine from the bottom? I have no storage at my place but should be able to store it at my warehouse if I can put it onto the racks.

Thanks very much for your help.

 

Welcome to the forum, Louche. You get more than just EFI for the extra money. You get taller tires and they're radials. You also get Engine Braking System with Active Decent Control. In other words, 4-wheel engine braking, instead of none. As for lifting it I think it should be parked on a big pallet and the pallet lifted, instead of lifting on the frame.

 

I guess most will say the two most significant reasons to buy EFI would be cold weather and elevation change.
Personally, here in Iowa, USA. where we encounter temps from 100+ in the summer to -40 occasionally in the winter, we haven't had a bit of problem with either of our carbed machines starting OR running in the wide variety of weather we get here!
Weather aside, elevation is another matter! Carbed machines just can't adapt to wide elevation changes like EFI machines and if you plan to do any mountain riding, the extra cash for the EFI may well be worth the price of admission!

 

I would go with the efi and it does improve your mileage a bit..Have you considered the new 550xp? It is by far a better bike than the 500 Just my opinion

 

Usually I would say $1100 is not worth the larger 26" radial tires since the H.O's 25" 6 plys are great any ways, but since you live in Vancouver the EFI would be good for all your different altitude riding in those mountains.

I would look into it more if all EFI have the ADC and if the 500 H.O has no EBS any longer. Even my 2001 has EBS hard to believe a 09 does not.

Go on Ebay and you can get some bad as# rims and Tire for well under $1100.