Polaris dropped the price of the 500 ho by 400 bucks.Id like to snap one up but i have a few questions.I rode a 1999 model and loved it except for the lazy hole shot.The clutch seemed to engage real softly and took a bit of the snap im accustomed to w/ my 450es and arctic cat 300 manuals.I also keep hearing that the 500 driven clutch cant take water and I do use the machines to launch boats into the water.Is the new 500 ho water proof and have good snap off the line???Is the electricly operated 4wd ok in deep water???

 

first off i would definatly go for a 2003 HO, the 03's PVT intake has been raised to where the gas tank cap is, so for sure u can do pretty deep before slipping, if there is a gasket(and no damage) then no water will get into the Hubs. for launching boats the HO can take it, the HO will probly cross water up to the seat easily, but pushing it at the gas cap, unless snorkled. i have taken my 01 HO in seat deep water, a few times never slipped and 4wd has been worken since. though i do about 4 - 7 mins of maintainence before each ride but my HO has been running strong, with over 6500 miles on and hasnt broken a piece yet.

 

in all honesty, if none of your friends have a 700 get the 500HO. If you do get it, and you then have an oppurtunity to ride the 700, dont.

I had a 01 500HO, loved it. rode amazing, tons of power good top speed, pretty low maintenance. then my cousin bought a 700 and i saw him ride it. the next week i traded the 500HO in on the new 700. the major things that i liked better about the 500 are the tires (they are 2 ply and softer than the 6 ply on the 700, makes for a better ride) and the weight, and the lack of maintenance.

the 500HO is a amazing bike, youll be happy with it.

 

The 'lazy' holeshot can be improved upon greatly with a little $15 spring that you change in the front pulley. My dealer will swap it out for you if you buy the machine new from them (takes like 15 mins if you know what you are doing) and best of all will still honor all warranties!
After warranty runs out, you can get a full clutch kit, and will be amazed at how much more zip it can have. I personally would wait until warranty runs out, but since only the clutches are modified, as far as I know the warranty on the rest of the machine shouldn't be affected (but be sure to ask the dealer FIRST, just to be sure).

I would go with the 03 if you could. The Rawhide tires alone are worth a couple hundred bucks over the Trackers on the older ones.

 

I have owned two and they are very waterproof. I have run both in deep water and never had a problem. They are INCREDIBLE mudding machines! I like mine!

 

I don't think EPI clutch kits will void the warranty. I may be wrong.

 

what color is this $15.00 spring and is it a Polaris or aftermarket ?

 

I should have been clearer. A clutch kit may void the warranty on the clutch pulleys, as well as the 'lifetime' belt warranty. The rest of the machine shouldn't matter. Either way, I would ask first.
Some dealers consider big tires and a clutch kit 'excessive modification' and others really don't.