I know the area. Can't imagine why you need an 800, except to drive like a nut like your buddy does... not a good reason. When we ride, we ride as a "group"... nobody leaves anybody behind. Of course, everyone in our group is a grown up, seasoned rider.

So, it sound like you "want" the 800, but don't really need it. However, if that's what you want, you might as well get it, or you'll just be second guessing yourself later.

 

"Man", my feelings are hurt! Come to find out I drive like a nut and I have not grown up yet. Not only that, but I have a machine I really don't "need'.

I guess I can look at the bright side, I won't be second guessing myself. Sorry I just couldn't help myself seeing I haven't grown up yet. And yes, this post is proof.

I'm just happy my Packers won.

 

Just get the 800 and buy some fuel packs and you'll be all set.

 

Just figured I'd let everyone know my end choice. I ended up going with the 2010 500HO. I was thinking that my friend bought his wheeler in 2010 and that it was an 09 holdover...but he actually bought it in 09 as an 07 holdover. Even with the low miles and what not I figured that for an extra $800 or so I could get a brand new wheeler.

Went to the dealership this morning and bought the 2010 500HO...rear cargo box and winch came to $6600 after tax. Not a great deal I don't think but at the same time not bad at all.

Now I just need the snow to go away so we can ride!

 

Congratulations SledRacer. I don't think you'll ever look back on this choice. It's a good machine, and it's nice to hear that you got a winch and box in the deal. But why wait for the snow to go away? I used to love snowy, wintry rides when I lived up in the Midwest.

 

There aren't a lot of trails to ride around here. Most of the riding we do is railbeds and otherplaces that are only open to sleds right now. Unfortunately there really isn't enough good snow around right now to do any snowmobiling...its kind of an in between time right now...

 

Congrats, and good move. The '07 800 has depreciated a lot, and with your new bike, at least you get 6 months warranty... not great, but it's better than nothing.

Have fun.

 

Both the 500HO and the 800EFI are great bikes.

Both the 500 & 800 need a decent battery to run.
Adding a pull starter to a 500 will not make it a foolproof starter, you need a 400 2- stroke for that.
On the other hand both 500 & 800 will prompt a battery warning on the display long before your battery gives up.
They apparently thought of that

 

Is the 500 ho a good reliable machine?

 

About as reliable as it gets with regular maintenance.We sold more of these than any other machine. Plus plenty of them out there and had a good 17 year run from 96-2013. Same basic machine still lived on in the 2014 Sportsman 400.