I've narrowed down my selection to Polaris, now it's between two models.
The Magnum 500 & the Sportsman 500 HO.
Any opinions/reviews on either model?

 

At a glance these two quads look very simular put are very different. For starters, the Magnum has the solid axle which gives it a somewhat "sportier" feel than the IRS of the Sportsman. The SP will have a much better ride but doesn't have the sporty feel when riden hard because of slight body roll. Do you want the nicer ride or would you be happy with the more sporty feel of the Magnum. The ride isn't as nice as the SP but it still has a very good ride for a utility quad. One other thing about these rear end differences is the ground clearance. You have stated that you wanted a "play" quad. Well, the SP gives you alot more ground clearance which is really nice for the deep mud holes and a few other things you will encounter.

Secondly, the engines may both be 500's but the the Magnum doesn't have the HO motor. If you have riden the Magnum and are satisfied with the power verses the SP than this wouldn't matter. If somewhere down the road you would like the extra power of the HO motor you can indeed change the necessary parts to make the Magnum a HO.

Now the only major thing left is the weight and price differences. The SP being the bigger in both these areas.

Which one will be best for you? It depends on what you want out of your ATV. I don't think that either machines will have more problems than the other so no difference in that area. I guess my best advice to you now is think about which one you would suit you and your pockets best. Don't rush your decision and do your homework, you'll get the best one for you.

 

Sportsman

-smoother ride
-more horsepower
-more ground clearance
-choice of color


Magnum

-Cheaper
-Fewer zerks to grease


Ride both and see which you prefer. I liked the Sportsman the best

 

Is the Magnum the one that is chain driven???? I ride with a guy who has one, three chain all together, front, back and in the middle, too many chains for me, go for the Sportsman, I'm in the market for one as well.

 

The Magnum is SHAFT driven.

 

elroy has pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one.

I own a 00 Mag and my brother owns a 01 SP500 HO. We have travelled many miles together and there is a world of differences between the two. We found the mag to handle the corners much better (less body roll)and it does have a sporter feel at times. However, the SP 500 HO shines best in the whoops and the rough trails. I really enjoy the SP's power, light steering and the way it feels at high speeds on the trails. It will out run the Mag on the trails but not because it has 20% more power but because of it's suspension. The extra power only compliments the SP HO. It truly is a superior machine in that respect. I beleive that my next machine will be a SP 500 HO.
However, and just recently, I've been eyeballing Yamaha's 660 Griss. My brother test drove the Griss and was truly impressed with it.
Hope I didn't complicate matters regarding the Griss.
Good luck![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

here's a Mag for sale, I'm not selling it but it's a good deal. Maybe worth the dive to Ma to get it.

click here

 

Hey Muder I think your Polaris and your Brothers are both P.O.S. and my Ruby will be kicking both your a*%es next trip to the North Country!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]
Plunker Out

 

Hey Junker....I mean Plunker.....How many beers have you had today?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Hey there!
Well I'd have to go w/ the SP, just comparing it to MUDER's Magnum though and his has alot of experience compared to my new 2001 HO.
But I'd have to agree w/ most everyone (except that PLUNKER character) that it's a riders choice. Both are excellent machines just depends on the application you'll use it for.

Enjoy your new Polaris