Okay, what I did was wind out the 500 SP (2000 model) in low range, 2 wd, to see how high of an rpm I could get out of the engine. I maxed out at 29 mph, actually seemed like I was hitting a rev limiter. Assuming that the gear ratio between high and low is 2:1, that would give me a max speed of around 58 mph in high. I lost the desire for high speed after lifting it and putting on 27" claws, but got the itch again after winding it out. Anybody broke the 60 mph limit yet? That would be kinda scary with the lift and 27" tires I would think.

 

Opps!!! it was late...about 64 yes the speedo goes to 60..it was past that. It took some time..like a mile...!
I have a 97 Xplorer 500...it can do 64mph ..that's the machines speedo. The new one's with EBS are at least 15mph slower.
But I have slowed down too...mud is better...you don't brake anything!

97 Xplorer 500 Supertrapp-K&N,Dyno jet******

 

So you are saying that the Explorer 500's speedo actually has a reading of over 70mph? I thought that they only showed up to 60. You are going to be questioned pretty hard on this figure by other 500 owners I figure because the highest figures I have even heard for scrambler 500's are in the mid to high 60's.

 

I'm too lazy to go out and check for sure, but I believe that my Explorer 500's speed-O only goes to 60mph. It might be 65, but definately not 70 or higher. Did you install a brand other than a Polaris model? 'Cause the Explorer's didn't come from the factory with a speed-O, and maybe the off brand doesn't have the right ratio gears or something. If it is stock and on flat ground, I would be amazed if it went much more than 60, unless of course the 74mph was in the back of a truck! I clocked my friends Explorer 500 with my Mustang and it would only go about 58mph and another friends Sport 400 would do between 60-65mph. As for the 15mph loss because of EBS, I don't think that is right either. My friend has a Sportsman 500 with EBS and it will run right there with 3 Explorer 500's. All are stock and all were equal in top speed. This is just my experience. Later,

 

Hey SWAC1,

I'm a Kawi man so hold back the lions! But anyway, a guy that I work with has a SP500 and the most he has gotten out of his so far is between 52 to 54. He is bone stock with a 2500lb Warn winch.

 

Ok, I've not been a part of the forum for a while, I do appologize & I will explain later. I see a lot of new names, so hello to all & hello to any veterans still contributing. For all that do not know, my wife rides a '99 400 Scrambler. I sold my '99 500 Scrambler & bought a mint '99 Sportsman. I am much happier than I thought I would be!! To anyone one the trail I ever give a hard time about riding a tractor, I was so wrong and I am so sorry. I was afraid that my aggressive riding style would be a little much for the 700lb goliath, but so far I have been nothing short of amazed. I bought it a few weeks ago with 210 miles, 36 hours. It looks brand new. The guy I purchased it from put a BigFoot Kit on it & 27" x 12" wide Vampires all around with offset rims!! It was too wide for the trailor!! Not to mention our trails. Paid $5290, so I am very satisfied. First thing I did was go to the dealer & trade the tires & rims for 27" Vampires on Chrome rims that were not offset, & used the narrow tires & rims in front like you are supposed to. Added a few goodies already & this machine is a monster! But I can still carry it down a trail like the scrambler!! Very impressive! It doesn't have the responsiveness of the scrambler, but I'll work on that in a month or so. Anyway, I ride with a friend that has a '99 Sportsman. It tops out at 55. A few nights ago, we were riding in Wilson Co, NC where new 64 is being put in. At one point we hit a new unopened 4 lane interstate for about 1-1/2 miles. We both hit full throttle. He jumped out to about a 3 quad lead (because of my tires). Just as he peaked out at 55, I passed him by at least 5 mph!! At the end of the 1-1/2 miles, I was 1/8 of a mile ahead of him, and my speedo never reached 50mph! Its the tires I'm sure. But anyway, the question posted was has anyone breached 55 with a stock Sportsman? If I haven't, I've come damn close.

Jerome Coker
'99 500 Sportsman

 

So you traded in a 500 Scrambler and bought a Sportsman? I was about to do the reverse! I truly love the ride of the Sportsman, starting to like that more than high speed. It is too comfortable to compare, but after ridin at above average speeds across some really bumpy ground, and listening to a guy complain about pain and loss of control riding a different quad with single shock rear suspension, I started to think a little differently. I am leaning more to the cadillac ride than the speed barrier. Thanks for your feedback.

 

My best top speed ever and that's on pavement is 54 mph at an elevation of 3000 ft. The elevation plays a big part in your top speed. So be sure when comparing your machine to other machines you are comparing apples to apples. As I understand it you can expect to loose about 3% for every 1000 ft above sea level.
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Well mine is bare stock with the winch on it and it will do exactly 55 maxed out and will do 53 mph with my wife on the back I weigh 240 and she weighs 110 I can't understand why there are so many variations on top speed on these machines...didn't remember the name when I wrote this post but sounds like you got a h#ll of a deal on that sportsman, have you had it up any steep climbs with those tires on and do you think the weight of the tires offset the weight needed to keep the front down in really steep stuff...

 

Hey Jerome I also have a 2000 sportsman sounds like you love your machine as much as I do mine. How do you like the 27" tires on it I am going to get rid of the dam p tires on mine and get a good rock or hard pack tire...do you think the height and tire size will effect going up really steep stuff, also what other goodies have you added that you didn't mention. I am thinking on adding a 40 mm carb and some better clutch springs is that what you had in mind for your bike...