No replacement for displacement. Have yet to run in to anyone that bought an 800 and said they wished they'd have gotten something smaller-lol

 

For $300 and a lot shorter drive, hell you'll probably spend the same ammount after you drive 5 hours!(well maybe not but you see my point). I would go big that way you will never wonder if you should have. I mean it's not like should I get a Geo Metro or a monster truck, it's always better to have it and not need it than that the one time you need it and don't have it.

 

A 500 will take you any where you ever want to go. That being said, once you ride an 800 you will never be satisfied with anything less.

 

For the price difference I'd go with the 800 without hesitating.

 

My 2010 500 HO does 56mph flat out.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me though.........800.

JF

 

My 2010 500HO does 56mph flat out.

Seems like a no-brainer to me though.............800!

JF

 

well i'll throw my in. having owned both the 500(02' about 60 mph) and 2 800's(06,08' 68-70 mph on the 08' HO) there is a big differnce in power as there is more displacement, but if you want any kind of fuel milage then go w/ the 500. big differnce in the 2 bikes and the 800's run hotter then the 500 as well. i loved my 800's but the 500 would go pretty much any where the big cc bikes went and in low range will do as much work. imo

 

I feel that the biggest thing to look at in this scenario is fuel consumption. From what I've read, the 800 gets around 12mpg and the 500 gets around 18mpg (these may not be exact, but it is fact that the 500 gets better milage). So the 800 might be a good deal, but in the long run, you will be refueling a lot more often and spend much more on gas.
However, if money is not an issue, then you might as well go with the 800.

 

ahh... gas mileage....REALLY??? I mean come on, it's not like gas is going to get expensive... ohh wait......

 

ya really, read my gas post. gas isn't getting expensive lol