Finally got a Predator!
Dec 4, 2002 | 10:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
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Range Rover
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Finally got a Predator!
I gave up on trying to get the Troy Lee Designs model that I had reserved back in August. It appears that Polaris is screwing dealers that carry more than one line of ATV (meaning more than just Polaris) and they keep delaying shipment of products to them. Since the dealer I chose carries damn near every brand on the planet, the ship date on my machine kept changing.
What got me was that the woman at Polaris told me flat out that my machine would ship NO LATER than this past Monday and would certainly arrive by Thurs or Fri. Well my dealer found out today that it DIDN'T ship Monday and wouldn't be here until Saturday at the earliest. It was at that point that I'd had enough and said KEEP IT. I found out earlier in the day that a silver one had become available at the local dealer because somebody's financing didn't go through, so I called him up and said hold it for me, I'll be right over.
And that's just what I did. I now have in my garage a silver Predator 500. And here are photos!
I got home with just enough daylight left to go for a ride that lasted 30-40 minutes. I did my best to vary the RPMs and do a lot of shifting and whatever else.
Impressions:
First, the suspension is waaaaay nicer than on my old 400EX. The shocks are an order of magnitude better. The trails I rode on today beat the crap out of me on the Honda. Heck, the first time I rode the Honda out there, I nearly came home to sell the machine it was so bad. And this was with the Honda's shocks set on full soft.
Handling is outstanding. It's set VERY neutral. You can powerslide all you want, but it will turn just as well without it. You can even slide the back end around wtihout throttle if you want to just backing off the throttle and leaning with it. And the result isn't a snap-slide, but rather a very slow, controlled one.
I don't see how anybody can complain that the shocks are too stiff. I do think the fronts could stand just a little bit of softening, but I wouldn't want them much softer.
This thing has virtually no brake dive and it also doesn't squat under hard acceleration. I did get on it a few times, but I never did "floor" it. I swear the thing felt nearly as strong as the 370cc built Banshee I rode back on the 29th (the day I rolled my Arctic Cat 400i down a steep hill, pretty much destroying it -- no, not intentionally). Note that I said NEARLY. As in not as strong, but close.
The power this thing has is unreal. It has as much low end as my 400EX did (probably more) and my 400EX had a 14-tooth front sprocket. As for whether or not this needs a 13-tooth front sprocket, I don't know yet. I have one new in the package waiting for it (fits the Honda XR650L dirt bike for those who haven't yet seen that thread), but I won't try it until this weekend sometime.
Now, quality and stuff. It's not as refined as the Honda... it has a very distinct "domestic" feel to it. It's easy to describe that way because that's how my Arctic Cat felt compared to my Grizzly. The Japanese machines have a very different look & feel compared to the US-designed machines. But I'd hardly call it poor quality or "crap" as some have tried to say. Fit and finish is just fine as far as I'm concerned. And unlike any other sport quad I've seen, this one has illuminated switches on the left handlebar -- the run/stop switch and the headlight switch both light up at night, and there's a high beam indicator.
Speaking of the headlights, these babies are HALOGEN and holy cow do they WORK!! The high beams are excellent. I was out in the dark for a while before coming home so I really got to see how well they work.
The motor does sound like a stock Grizzly, but it definitely needs a pipe. When you're on it, there's too much engine noise and not enough exhaust noise. Can't wait for that pipe to show up (the White Brothers one with the Polaris name on it). Like all the other accessories, it's on backorder.
The steering is very light and very precise. I don't see how anyone can say it needs a damper. It did everything just right and I detected absolutely NO bump steer, and I did go over a lot of bumps. Kudos to Polaris for the "PRO" steering system!
I really like how you can reach the rear shock adjustment from the seat. Just reach down with your left hand and set it where you want. Very handy.
About the only thing I don't like is the choke lever. It's a push/pull design that I think belongs more on a lawn tractor than a sport quad. I'd much prefer the one Arctic Cat uses. It's also very hard to get this thing into Neutral. I thought my 400EX was fickle, but this is ridiculous. I end up just shutting it off because after 3-4 tires I give up. Maybe in time as the tranny loosens up it'll get easier.
Oh, I do agree that the shifter could be a touch lower. Rather than try to adjust it like others have done and discover the same thing (that it hits the frame), I'll just wait for an aftermarket piece.
That's it for now! If you have questions, ask away and I'll do my best to answer. My plan now is to finish peeling off those stupid safety stickers tonight and then tomorrow I'll try to get at least five or six hours on it before I get ready to head to Sand Mountain.
Rob
What got me was that the woman at Polaris told me flat out that my machine would ship NO LATER than this past Monday and would certainly arrive by Thurs or Fri. Well my dealer found out today that it DIDN'T ship Monday and wouldn't be here until Saturday at the earliest. It was at that point that I'd had enough and said KEEP IT. I found out earlier in the day that a silver one had become available at the local dealer because somebody's financing didn't go through, so I called him up and said hold it for me, I'll be right over.
And that's just what I did. I now have in my garage a silver Predator 500. And here are photos!
I got home with just enough daylight left to go for a ride that lasted 30-40 minutes. I did my best to vary the RPMs and do a lot of shifting and whatever else.
Impressions:
First, the suspension is waaaaay nicer than on my old 400EX. The shocks are an order of magnitude better. The trails I rode on today beat the crap out of me on the Honda. Heck, the first time I rode the Honda out there, I nearly came home to sell the machine it was so bad. And this was with the Honda's shocks set on full soft.
Handling is outstanding. It's set VERY neutral. You can powerslide all you want, but it will turn just as well without it. You can even slide the back end around wtihout throttle if you want to just backing off the throttle and leaning with it. And the result isn't a snap-slide, but rather a very slow, controlled one.
I don't see how anybody can complain that the shocks are too stiff. I do think the fronts could stand just a little bit of softening, but I wouldn't want them much softer.
This thing has virtually no brake dive and it also doesn't squat under hard acceleration. I did get on it a few times, but I never did "floor" it. I swear the thing felt nearly as strong as the 370cc built Banshee I rode back on the 29th (the day I rolled my Arctic Cat 400i down a steep hill, pretty much destroying it -- no, not intentionally). Note that I said NEARLY. As in not as strong, but close.
The power this thing has is unreal. It has as much low end as my 400EX did (probably more) and my 400EX had a 14-tooth front sprocket. As for whether or not this needs a 13-tooth front sprocket, I don't know yet. I have one new in the package waiting for it (fits the Honda XR650L dirt bike for those who haven't yet seen that thread), but I won't try it until this weekend sometime.
Now, quality and stuff. It's not as refined as the Honda... it has a very distinct "domestic" feel to it. It's easy to describe that way because that's how my Arctic Cat felt compared to my Grizzly. The Japanese machines have a very different look & feel compared to the US-designed machines. But I'd hardly call it poor quality or "crap" as some have tried to say. Fit and finish is just fine as far as I'm concerned. And unlike any other sport quad I've seen, this one has illuminated switches on the left handlebar -- the run/stop switch and the headlight switch both light up at night, and there's a high beam indicator.
Speaking of the headlights, these babies are HALOGEN and holy cow do they WORK!! The high beams are excellent. I was out in the dark for a while before coming home so I really got to see how well they work.
The motor does sound like a stock Grizzly, but it definitely needs a pipe. When you're on it, there's too much engine noise and not enough exhaust noise. Can't wait for that pipe to show up (the White Brothers one with the Polaris name on it). Like all the other accessories, it's on backorder.
The steering is very light and very precise. I don't see how anyone can say it needs a damper. It did everything just right and I detected absolutely NO bump steer, and I did go over a lot of bumps. Kudos to Polaris for the "PRO" steering system!
I really like how you can reach the rear shock adjustment from the seat. Just reach down with your left hand and set it where you want. Very handy.
About the only thing I don't like is the choke lever. It's a push/pull design that I think belongs more on a lawn tractor than a sport quad. I'd much prefer the one Arctic Cat uses. It's also very hard to get this thing into Neutral. I thought my 400EX was fickle, but this is ridiculous. I end up just shutting it off because after 3-4 tires I give up. Maybe in time as the tranny loosens up it'll get easier.
Oh, I do agree that the shifter could be a touch lower. Rather than try to adjust it like others have done and discover the same thing (that it hits the frame), I'll just wait for an aftermarket piece.
That's it for now! If you have questions, ask away and I'll do my best to answer. My plan now is to finish peeling off those stupid safety stickers tonight and then tomorrow I'll try to get at least five or six hours on it before I get ready to head to Sand Mountain.
Rob
Dec 4, 2002 | 11:51 PM
#4
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Finally got a Predator!
Sounds like you have the exact ride report as me! I love this quad!! Make sure you get plenty of break-in time on it, because I am sure it will make it perform better. I noticed that after I let mine get hot then cool off, then get hot, then cool off about 5 times it really started to run GOOD!!
I had the same neutral problem as you. Give it a few days to break in, and it will shift just fine.
I took mine to the dealer the other day and they did an intial break-in tune up on it, and now this thing runs incredible!!
I can definitely say that the nicer you are to your machine during break in, the nicer it will be to you once its broken in.
Hopefully my problem with my rear shock is that its just not broken in yet. I noticed everything was stiff, and it takes time to losen up.
Glad you like your bike. Wait till you go out and spank some modded bikes, then you will LOVE it.
TireFryer
I had the same neutral problem as you. Give it a few days to break in, and it will shift just fine.
I took mine to the dealer the other day and they did an intial break-in tune up on it, and now this thing runs incredible!!
I can definitely say that the nicer you are to your machine during break in, the nicer it will be to you once its broken in.
Hopefully my problem with my rear shock is that its just not broken in yet. I noticed everything was stiff, and it takes time to losen up.
Glad you like your bike. Wait till you go out and spank some modded bikes, then you will LOVE it.
TireFryer
Dec 5, 2002 | 12:44 AM
#5
Pro Rider
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
Finally got a Predator!
The neutral thing is the same on my buddy's predator, I finally reached down with my hand to put it in neutral. I told him it will probably get easier once it works in some.
One thing I noticed about the quad was, I went to the back to lift it and the thing felt very heavy. But while riding it, it felt pretty nimble. I really liked the steering. I thought it felt like it did not have alot of bottom end and my buddy who traded his Raptor for it felt the same way. But once you revved it out some it really moved. Good luck man hope you enjoy.
Nocando
One thing I noticed about the quad was, I went to the back to lift it and the thing felt very heavy. But while riding it, it felt pretty nimble. I really liked the steering. I thought it felt like it did not have alot of bottom end and my buddy who traded his Raptor for it felt the same way. But once you revved it out some it really moved. Good luck man hope you enjoy.
Nocando
Dec 5, 2002 | 01:13 AM
#7
Thread Starter
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Range Rover
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Finally got a Predator!
I will be getting some video of it this weekend, as I'm bringing my camcorder and I will properly TRAIN anyone operating it on HOW to properly shoot video with it. Very tired of having people shoot video only to see myself (or whoever) as a tiny spec because they don't bother to use ZOOM. Sheesh.
Just came in from the garage where I got rid of three of the idiot safety stickers... man what a PITA. I don't recommend this unless you have extreme patience. I still have two to go...
I also installed my thumb throttle extension and Tiny Tach/Hourmeter. You really do have to pull the front plastic and gas tank to get to the spark plug. It's not that bad, really, except for also having to remove the two black plastic side panels as well. Four screws on each of those, three for the front plastic and it just pops off, and then one holding the gas tank down.
I agree about being easy on it during break-in. Part of my planned ride tomorrow is an 18-mile loop that doesn't give a whole lot of chances for speed. It's doable on a sport quad but better done on a utility quad. But this'll do it just fine.... I'll just be careful over the couple of rocky sections. BTW, the stock swingarm guard on this thing is HUGE. I swear it's a half inch thick!!! Not quite sure what the point of the optional one is.
BTW, I really like how the seat comes off (and goes back on). Finally a machine where it's easy both ways.
Can't wait for tomorrow to come so I can go ride some more!
Rob
Just came in from the garage where I got rid of three of the idiot safety stickers... man what a PITA. I don't recommend this unless you have extreme patience. I still have two to go...
I also installed my thumb throttle extension and Tiny Tach/Hourmeter. You really do have to pull the front plastic and gas tank to get to the spark plug. It's not that bad, really, except for also having to remove the two black plastic side panels as well. Four screws on each of those, three for the front plastic and it just pops off, and then one holding the gas tank down.
I agree about being easy on it during break-in. Part of my planned ride tomorrow is an 18-mile loop that doesn't give a whole lot of chances for speed. It's doable on a sport quad but better done on a utility quad. But this'll do it just fine.... I'll just be careful over the couple of rocky sections. BTW, the stock swingarm guard on this thing is HUGE. I swear it's a half inch thick!!! Not quite sure what the point of the optional one is.
BTW, I really like how the seat comes off (and goes back on). Finally a machine where it's easy both ways.
Can't wait for tomorrow to come so I can go ride some more!
Rob
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Dec 5, 2002 | 02:39 AM
#8
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Finally got a Predator!
Hey I am kinda interested in your tach/hourmeter setup?? Can you describe it a little more?
I am gonna do the same thing as you tomorrow...RIDE!!! I made a few hot laps tonight and man does this thing feel MEAN and FAST!!
Those damn saftey stickers are no joke!! I had to soak mine in Goo Gone, then use a razr, and I still couldnt get 2 of them off!! They look like they have been picked at with a thumbnail. I guess I need to get a heat gun to finish the job.
Have fun on your ride. I am betting you will put that smaller sprocket on, as low end on these machines is indeed a little on the "low end".
I will be stopping by the Honda dealer to pick up the sprocket for my bike, and have it on tomorrow night and see how much of a difference it makes.
TireFryer
I am gonna do the same thing as you tomorrow...RIDE!!! I made a few hot laps tonight and man does this thing feel MEAN and FAST!!
Those damn saftey stickers are no joke!! I had to soak mine in Goo Gone, then use a razr, and I still couldnt get 2 of them off!! They look like they have been picked at with a thumbnail. I guess I need to get a heat gun to finish the job.
Have fun on your ride. I am betting you will put that smaller sprocket on, as low end on these machines is indeed a little on the "low end".
I will be stopping by the Honda dealer to pick up the sprocket for my bike, and have it on tomorrow night and see how much of a difference it makes.
TireFryer
Dec 5, 2002 | 02:42 AM
#9
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Finally got a Predator!
To remove the safety sticker on mine oly took 30 seconds!! I did cheat a little using the steam cleaner [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Took them right off. You can do the same thing with the coin-op car wash but if the water is cold it usually will leave the adheasive residue. I think that part of the problem with getting the bike into neutral is the shift lever being so high. After a few tries with my foot I can reach down and pop it right into neutral with no problem.
Have fun riding tomorrow, I cant go till this weekend [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]
Have fun riding tomorrow, I cant go till this weekend [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]
