Guys I need some pros and cons on what to buy. After recently ridding my sons Xplorer 400 I am hooked and have to have a 4 wheeler but I cant decied between the 400 Xplorer or the 500 Mag.
I like the speed and acceleration of the 400 and have heard that the 500's are much slower although speed will not be a huge factor in my decision making. On the other hand I had rather have a 4 stroke for longivity.
Most of my riding will be in mountain trails most of which are steep and twisity but there also will be a lot of wide open fire trails too.
Any input will be welcomed.
Thanks
Andy G's Dad ..No 4 wheeler yet

 

I can tell you that I have ridden them both. The Xplorer does have more acceleration, and a pinch more speed but not that much. The good thing about the Xplorer is there is no oil changing. The bad thing is that there is still one chain in the rear and it has no EBS.
The Mag on the other hand has a quieter noise level and lots of low end torque. You do have to change the oil but not that often. It also has shaft drive so there is no oiling chains or replaceing them. And lastly, it has EBS which should help you in the hilly trails and steep drops. I think the Mag would suit you better in maintence and performence. These are the reasons I have a Mag ordered at the local dealer and not another Xplorer.

Mudman '96 Xplorer 300 4x4 Vamped and a Warn
Soon to have Magnum 500

 

I would definatly take the Magnum 500 Mainly for the EBS you can get EBS on the 400 as an option but with the 500 you get EBS plus some substantial compression braking which the 2 stroke lacks in the hilly terrain you describe the EBS would be worth its money in saved brakes pads plus I feel that the Magnum 500 will be an ultra reliable machine. Don,t fret to much over the oil changing its a snap on the Magnum. I have a Magnum 500 and really like it. But if its performance you want the 400 may suit you better . Ride them both and pick one but for me I,d take the 500.

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Kevin Gowdy aka Kagey 1999 Polaris Magnum 500



[This message has been edited by Kagey (edited 09-26-1999).]

 

There are trade offs for both two and four stroke engines. With your choice narrowed down to those two machines, I don't think you can really go wrong either way. Both are excellent. I think the 400 is going to be less expensive, if cost is a factor. You do get shaft rear drive with the Magnum, but I already have 1200 miles on my '00 Explorer 400 and havent had a single problem with it, or the chain rear drive on it. I ride hard and fast through the mud, mountains and desert of Idaho....still have meat on the original brakes! Whichever you choose, you'll have a blast on it.

Chris

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I ride the 500 sportsman,also ride the mtns,love the independant suspention.Would not be with out the EBS!!!!Have had 2 stroke ya!! they are snappy,but you have to make sure you add oil,also you will find the gas mileage sucks.Get around 20-22 on my 500,no way near that on 2 stroke.Plus had smaller tank,no range.If your riding the rocks try to ride a sportsman first,the stability is hard to beat.LATER COB

 

Thanks for all of the insight and suggestions Guys. Im leaning toward the 500 and may even get one this weekend. Ill keep you posted.
Thanks Again

 

My choice would be the Magnum 500. Keep in mind that the 2000 Magnum 500 model no longer gives you the EBS as a standard feature. It is an option at $399.75 (list), unless you can get it with a discount. I alway negotiate a discount % on future parts at time of my purchase of a quad. Currently at 1 dealer I get 10% and at another 15%.

Welcome to the "World of Quads" !

 

The Magnum will supply you with all the power you'll ever need for your type of riding,without the added headaches one often gets from 2 stroker engines.My choice would definatly be the Magnum.Good Luck on either 4x4.----BILL

 

Muddn, where did you find out that Polaris removed EBS from the '00 Magnum 500? I personaly prefer not to have it, but it seems everyone else does, so I am suprised they dropped it.

 

Quadman- question just courious why it is that you wouldn't want EBS?

Later COB