RTV 500 Initial thoughts: Demo from dealer

[General Lee]

I have a recent thread asking about RTV's, my local dealer let me demo a RTV500 for the weekend. I've drove it around so far for a whopping 30 mins. My initial thoughts: Underpowered, just like members have mentioned. I don't care about speed, just seems flat out underpowered. So far I am not experiencing motor lag from climbing up steep hills like previously mentioned from other members. It will climb the steep hills on my property which are well over 30, pushing 40 degree inclines. It has the worksite tires on it and I am experiencing quite a bit of slippage on leaves. That is to be expected I guess. I would love to see how the machine performs with ATV tires.
I am also hearing some grinding when moving forward in 4wd and when letting off the gas coming from cruising speed at near open throttle,I hear grinding/clicking coming from the rear. I believe I have read all of these issues at some point reported by others.
I am very thankful my dealer is letting me test the unit, although I don't really want to put it through to much because it isn't mine. I would like to try and cross a shallow creek with steep embankments but not sure if I'm going to try it or not. This machine is a HUGE difference from a ATV quad which is what I'm used to.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I wouldn't think twice about giving it a work out, that's what they dropped it off for. Make sure when you are giving the unit it's tryout you let it warm up so you can get a good feel for it. The hydro unit does start feeling a bit better after it warms up.


This is good info, hopefully manufacturers are watching a few of the boards to get real world feedback...It can really help them make a better product.:thumbsup:

 

[timswi]

UTV's are nothing like ATV's unless you buy a RZR. the 500 could use some more power, but it will run out of traction before it runs out of power..Takes some getting used to for sure.

As Dixie said make sure it's warmed up

 

[General Lee]

Addtional: Took it for a spin while dark out..... Headlights are equal to most other ATV, etc, but it needs some dash lighting. I couldn't verify what gear I was in while navigating around. It would be nice if the symbols and such would at least illuminate.

For the long time 500 owners: Is it still normal for grinding/rubbing to come from the axles while diff. is locked and in 4wd? Kinda sounds bad to me, but if everyones elses has been doing this since day one with no adverse effects I'd feel better. Got 2 more days to mess around with it until I decide.

 

[timswi]

Had mine for a year and a half I think and I heard the clicking noise the some of the time. Dealer said it is the HST and normal. It's a little noisy in 4wd. Normal I'd say. Given that the 500 is so quiet, I think the HST noise is just more noticable.

I put a small LED light under the dash overhang to see the gear selector. They should be backlit, the 1100 isn't either. This would be a cheap upgrade I'd think.

Get the machine up to full operating temperature and run it around. There is a massive difference between cold and operating temp in terms of performance.

ATV tires are the only way to go unless you're running on paved surfaces all the time. My previous 500 and current 1100 have atv tires.

The 500 is a very nice machine and has more power than it seems.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Addtional: Took it for a spin while dark out..... Headlights are equal to most other ATV, etc, but it needs some dash lighting. I couldn't verify what gear I was in while navigating around. It would be nice if the symbols and such would at least illuminate.

For the long time 500 owners: Is it still normal for grinding/rubbing to come from the axles while diff. is locked and in 4wd? Kinda sounds bad to me, but if everyones elses has been doing this since day one with no adverse effects I'd feel better. Got 2 more days to mess around with it until I decide.

Here's what I did about the lighting issue on my RTV 500
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/182176-buggy-bling-my-rtv-500-a.html

I've also gotten some white Bluewater LEDs that I'm planning on installing just under the bed later on for back up lighting. The LEDs lighting up the shift gate was a great addition to my night time operating, when you consider that I'm also using mine for snow removal it will be seeing alot of night time operation throughout the winter.

 

[xterra]

I loved the 500 when I drove it. Nice little machine. It came down to this..Have a brand new underpowered machine golf cart for 9500.00 or buy a used rtv900 for 6800.00 with a power dump and twice the weight and twice the power. Choice was easy for me. Glad I didn't buy a new one...I don't have to worry about scratches here and there.

 

[General Lee]

Thanks for the replies guys. Right now the biggest appeal to me is its size. Very manueverable in the woods. Thats what I need/want. Would I want more power from a 900? sure, but it may be to big. I would like to see if it will cross my creek but its muddy and based on its performance so far, I don't think it will make it. I don't have time to dig it out this afternoon. I guess Monday I'll talk price with my dealer and go from there.

 

[xterra]

I will agree.. the 500 will go through the woods a lot easier, I found that out. I always carry a pair of limb cutters with me now.

 

[timswi]

Thanks for the replies guys. Right now the biggest appeal to me is its size. Very manueverable in the woods. Thats what I need/want. Would I want more power from a 900? sure, but it may be to big. I would like to see if it will cross my creek but its muddy and based on its performance so far, I don't think it will make it. I don't have time to dig it out this afternoon. I guess Monday I'll talk price with my dealer and go from there.

It'll make it through a creek with no probem...Ground clearance is the only issue. power isn't...Ran mine through them and never had a problem.

A 900 is enough bigger to give you problems on ATV trails. This from experience.