Anyone out there have both? Is there much of a performance difference? Seems that the 700 is so darn heavy, is it a pain to ride compared to the 500ho? For the money, whats better?

 

the 500 has a better clutch set-up, but over all the 700 is bigger and looks better. a guy i know had a sp500, and he traded it in on a sp700, he said that the 700 doesn't handle the same as the 500, but you have to get used to it. the stock tire and wheel combo looks awesome on the 700, and those tires will last forever

 

SlyFox,
what do you ride now?
-MT

 

Traded my '01 500 HO for a 700 Twin about a month and half ago. I love this 700! Gear selector is much better, no more front hubs is a big plus, suspension is a little stiffer (doesnt bottom the front with a winch out there). The Polaris 2500# winch mounts much nicer and is more accesible. No more valve adjustment or brake adjustment. Rear brake is easier to get to. Oil is easier to change. Stock tires are more agressive. Power is right there all the time, great when coming up long steep hils. The battery and stator are both bigger to handle more accesories. You get rack extenders. The extra weight is great when pulling. Plus it only costs $700 more. I have 900 miles on mine already and not a hint of a problem. Best quad I've ever owned.

 

Sig is now correct!

 

The 700 is a heavy beast, that worries me. I am a good sized guy, 6'2" about 230lbs and I am sure I can muscle the thing around just fine, but does it "Feel" heavy to ride? How about compared to the 500ho?
How does it compare to a Grizzly 600? I am also wondering about the new Honda Rincon.

 

Hey Slyfox,

I got to ride a 700 around a track in the snow behind a dealership when I was considering this beast. I even jumped it. It was smooth riding and does not feel heavy at all. I ended up choosing the Prairie 650 for personal riding reasons over the 700. But the SP700 is a great ride.

However, I ride a 500HO a lot and I really like that ride. I also feel its a more proven ATV right now than a SP700 is. The 500HO offers a very smooth ride and is sporty enough for my tastes. I would chose it over a SP700. I am considering a second ride for my wife and the 500HO is a strong option along with a Cat. Just my opinion though.

 

the sp700 is basically the same. notice i said BASICALLY

 

I would agree. With their weight I did not feel it as the engines have more than ample power. I would hate to have to push a 750 plus pound SP700 out of the woods without a ripcord backup though.

Also, 500HO's have a running modification for 2002. The oil dipstick is now on the left hand side right above the floor board. If you acquire a 2002 500HO, make sure you get this mod as its easy as heck to check oil.

Have a nice day!

Daryn

 

ive had both,,,had my 700 for 4 months,,kept leaking coolant,,had it fixed twice,,kept on leaking,,,700 really throws the heat out on your legs,,,700 clanks and clunks alot going down steep grades,,700 eats gas like there is no tommorow,,,its big and powerful ill give it that,,,
traded mine in for a sp500HO and i have no regrets,,the 500 handles better and its really not that much smaller,,just alittle less power..

i will wait 2 yrs and get another 700 when they have the reputation that the 500 has ...

biggest isnt always best,,,think what you need and what you dont need,,