I bought a new 4x4 500 Magnum in Dec 00', making it a 2000 model. Additionally, my dad bouth a 4x4 325 Magnum. We both love em'.
To say that I am very satisfied is an understatement!
I added the twin tube front bumper in order to mount the 2000lb Warn winch. I also added front rack extenders, Moose Brush guards for the hand grips, a K&N filter and Moose front shock covers.
Even with the extra weight of the bumper, rack extenders and winch I can hit roughly 60 mph on a straight run. That is pretty serious power as I think the machine alone weighs roughly 600 lbs., along with my 200 and what I would estimate to be another 75 lbs for the added gear.
The electronic 4x4 shift is ultra smooth and is true 4x4.........if running in all wheel drive the front will not engage though until the machine senses roughly a 20% slippage in the rear.
Power is there to spare and the machine can be quite nimble once you learn it. I do a lot of advanced trail riding in some very serious terrain and my 500 has never ever let me down.
The only thing I would change would be to make it the new 700 Sportsman but that would require giving my other arm and leg to be able to afford it.
The only other mod I am going to make is to add a SuperTrapp ISD II exhaust system to boost power even more.
As a testament to the power, speed and agility of the 500 Mag, I ran down a coyote across a freshly disked field. The coyote had about a 500 yard head start. My Glock 27 finished the chase.
Polaris makes a superior machine.