Hi, I'm going to be getting a new Polaris('05) for my wife this year and I was just wondering about power issues. For the last couple of years she has been riding a '97 XCR 600. I would like to get her a 500 this year. Will those be comparable in power at the lower speeds? I know the XCR will be faster on the lakes but she doesn't need top end. I was thinking of the Classic or XC SP. What do you guys think? Thanks

The 500 XC SP and the 500 Classic have different engines. The XC SP has the Liberty 500 twin with VES, and the Classic has the Fuji built 500 twin without VES. The 500 XC SP performs very well for a 500. At lower speeds, the XC SP will be as good and possibly quicker than the XCR 600. The Classic is a good performer, but just is not nearly as snappy as the XC SP. The XC SP is probably your better choice if performance is the main concern. If she needs electric start, it could be added to the XC SP, but is kind of expensive. The XC SP already has reverse. The Classic has electric start and reverse on it already.

Either on is a good choice, but the XC SP will be closer in performance to her XCR 600. It will probably still push close to 100 mph or over depending on the weight of the rider too. :div20:

rtoner....the classic and the xc sp both have the same 500 w/ ves engine. My unlce's owned both and they are both practically the same sled instead of different shocks and graphics. Either choice will be good. The 500 will do just over 100 ( on the speedo). They are pretty quick light sleds.

The only year the Classic 500 had the Liberty VES engine was 2003. I have that sled. All other years, before and after, the Classic 500 had the Fuji 500 (non VES) engine.

The 2003 Classic 500 has a different color and graphics, electric start, PERC reverse, electronic gas gauge, 12V accessory adaptor. Other than that it is identical to the XCSP 500 - even the same shocks, roller clutch, etc. All the Fugi powered 500 Classics have mechanical reverse.

My bad sorry bout that. My unlce must have the 2003 than. Its black and grey and i know it has the ves becuase its kinda obivous what the liberty and the fuji looks like lol. SO I would go for the xc sp with the VES. It will be much quicker. My step mom has a 2002 indy 500 with the fuji and theres a big difference!

No biggie! If it is gray/black, your uncle probably does have the 2003. I wish they would have just kept putting the VES motor in the Classic. Was a really nice package! All the goodies, and nice power! :div20:

confirmed, my buddy has an 03 classic 500. liberty,reverse,electric,exhaust valves. also quick as hell. i own and ride an xcr 600 triple. the liberty 500 will run with it, believe me. don't know about liberty 500's in years to follow though.

My VES Liberty 500 Classic (or XCSP) will run 90 on the lakes without much problem (speed limit is only 50-65 - depending on the lake), so I didn't see much need for a 600. It's pretty good on gas. I'll have nearly half a tank left when my friends 700's are near empty. They will be ahead on the lakes but no problem keeping up in the trails.

Lumpy, to answer your question (yes they will be very comparible). 500 will be a bit lighter and offer a better ride then her XCR. VES or non VES, both motors are very similiar in performance (seat of the pants), horse power goes to the VES motor but only by a couple of ponies. No valves to clean or no need to run expensive synthetic oil is a plus for the non VES of course. The sled is pretty bullet proof and really unchanged since it's introduction, so you might want to consider shopping for a low mileage used one? My daughters currently driving a 04 super sport and I will more then likely move her up to a 500 edge when she's ready...

Happy shopping,

XCR5

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. I ended up getting an 05 XCSP 600. I wanted the 500 but the 600 was only $150 more at another dealer. I think the 600 will help with resale also. Well, thanks for the help!!

Lumpy:

Great Choice!!! I am sure she will love it!!

Sounds like you made a great deal! That 600 is a great machine! She will love it. :div20: