Ok guys. I'm only 14, but I know my ATV stuff. My dad and I are definatly going to by a Polaris...Problem is, which one? We both like the SP500, but after taking a look at the Magnum and seeing it's basically the same thing, only cheaper, we're not sure what to do. I know the SP500 has better suspension, but how often will that affect the ride? I need some help, and any will be appriciated. Thanks!

-Kojack

 

The ride of the Sportsman is only noticeably better over rought terrain such as rocks and logs and even more noticeable better if you go over rough terrain quickly.You also get the advantages of more rear ground clearance and longer rear suspension travel.One thing about the Sportsman is you have to get filmier with the use of a gease gun though.

 

Kojack, these 2 quads are only very basically the same (500cc). The Sportsman is clearly the superior quad, and cleary the premium offering in the utility class, as the price suggests. My advice to you is (1)Go to--www.polarisindustries.com--they just redone the sight. Go to Prem. Rec/Utility, click on one of the quads, then click comparison shop, then choose the other. Then you will see they are almost the same, except DRIVE SYSTEM & REAR SUSPENSION (SP500 will go better & ride better w/independent sus.)After that click on how to buy and see the MSRP and payments. (2)Call up Articat or visit there web sight and let them tell you why independent suspension is better. (3) Consider the Scrambler 4x4's if you are not going to be working the quad and you want 4x4. (4)Pick out what suits you needs, then if the $ is right, buy or save a little longer. I think the SP500's ride and ability to keep all 4 on the ground taking you where nobody else can go will win you over, especilly if you want a Caddilac and you ride real rough trails.

 

Have you considered the Explorer 400. 9 inches of rear suspension and the 400 2 stroke is much faster.

 

YO YO im only 14 too but i sujest you get a sportman because much beter ride and you can hit big jumps because long suspension travel and a ton of ground clearence the only thing is the magnum is like 2mph faster i would get the sportman 500

expedtion 425
no hill to steep no mud hole to deep for my expedtion 425

 

It may just come down to price... It seems that the Magnums around here are sold so quickly that dealerships don't keep too many in stock... With them selling like that... Dealers won't have to bargain on price. I have been in two Polaris dealerships and one had (1) Magnum 500.. but it was in the process of being sold.. the other didn't have any in stock... Both had plenty of Sportsmans to be bought.. I don't know if they are really selling THAT fast.. or Polaris has noticed the interest in this particular quad so they are slowing production to keep the price up??...
I was told by a friend at the parts counter that the Sportsman and the Magnum were within $200 of each other..
I personaaly think they are both great machines.. but I am not an IRS fan on ANY machine.. I like the more conventional solid rear axle.. I can predict how its going to act on rough terrain.. So I own a Magnum... And I can tell you that its one AWESOME machine.. Throw 27" tires on that bad boy, re-wire the override and the headlights, snorkel the exhaust.. And go have some fun!!!..

 

Thanks for all the replies. Both quads seem great, but there is a $600 difference in price. Plus, where I live, the prices aren't dropped that much during a sale. I see guys on this list that got their SP500s for $6,000 w/ a plow!! That's like saving $1,400!! I'm still split between the two. I'm not sure if we're going to be on rocky trails that much to feel the effects of the independant suspension. Oh, and buy the way...A two stroke is out of the question. But thanks for the suggestion about the Xplorer 400...

 

Hey mudmachine how did yo rewire the headlights and snorkle the exhaust?

 

On the headlights.. I simply ran a "jumper hot" wire from the low beam wiring up to the Highbeam "hot" and soldered everything together.. Works GREAT!!.. (I disconnected the original HighBeam "hot"..)
On the exhaust.. I closed off the factory exhaust outlet by simply welding a piece of metal over it.. You can opt to squeeze the end flat and weld the flattened end shut... Whichever you prefer..
I Cut a 2" hole right in the back end of the muffler and bent the little baffle "wings" back... Took 1 3/4 inch exhaust pipe... had a friend at the muffler shop put the proper bends in it, then we slid it up in the rear of the muffler and welded it in place.. Its braced at the back by a muffler clamp around the pipe and rear rack support pipe.. .. NO MORE SPUTTERING when I'm in a deep, muddy hole..!!!...

 

mudmachine why didnt you just come off of the original opening of the exaust and run a piece of pipe off of it? Was there a problem you ran into or you just prefered doing it the way you did. I want to snorkel mine but Im thinking about doing it off of the original hole. I also have the dual tube bumper and thats going to make it hard for me to do it. Id like any comments about how I could snorkle it. Thanks