P500 2017 vs 2016. From a 2017 owner

[Mudder]

Just some thoughts after several months. Using the manual shift more than AT, but really like the auto downshifts in MT when slowing down, so I only have to shift up unless I want to select a lower gear on demand. After 200 miles and synthetic oil in differentials, AT shifts still a little harsh on slow acceleration, but smooth on fast acceleration. Will go to synthetic engine oil next change. Like the repositioned side body bars. Have not changed the front shock settings. Question...Does the 2016 or earlier do the auto downshift when slowing down? If so, I would have been happy with a 2016 and saved some bucks. Best adds ons for peace of mind are the Stongmade front bumper/winch and Ricochet rock sliders/floor board protectors. Best comfort add ons are the windshield and rear panel. IMO.

 

[Admin]

 

[doolin64]

My 15 does not auto down shift.

I agree, the ricochet rock sliders are really nice!

 

[Montecresto]

Just some thoughts after several months. Using the manual shift more than AT, but really like the auto downshifts in MT when slowing down, so I only have to shift up unless I want to select a lower gear on demand. After 200 miles and synthetic oil in differentials, AT shifts still a little harsh on slow acceleration, but smooth on fast acceleration. Will go to synthetic engine oil next change. Like the repositioned side body bars. Have not changed the front shock settings. Question...Does the 2016 or earlier do the auto downshift when slowing down? If so, I would have been happy with a 2016 and saved some bucks. Best adds ons for peace of mind are the Stongmade front bumper/winch and Ricochet rock sliders/floor board protectors. Best comfort add ons are the windshield and rear panel. IMO.

View attachment 29043

No auto downshift in the early models.

 

[rlutech]

Mudder, what would you say you like most about your P500, as well as dislike the most?

 

[Fitzgerald]

I bought a 17 because of the auto option. Now having owning and rode, I should have bought a used one and saved the money. It likes to up shift going up hills a lot, and for some reason the auto shift so much harder. I love the Manuel mode.

 

[rlutech]

I bought a 17 because of the auto option. Now having owning and rode, I should have bought a used one and saved the money. It likes to up shift going up hills a lot, and for some reason the auto shift so much harder. I love the Manuel mode.

Do you mean in "auto shift" mode, that the transmission shifts hard?

 

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, in auto mode it shifts harder. I think it's smoothing out(unless I'm getting use to it). In Manuel it shift very smooth. I use the auto when I'm running down the road, but any trail riding is Manuel mode.

 

[rlutech]

Yes, in auto mode it shifts harder. I think it's smoothing out(unless I'm getting use to it). In Manuel it shift very smooth. I use the auto when I'm running down the road, but any trail riding is Manuel mode.

That's how I used auto shift on my Rincon. It was fine for roads and rail beds. Any kind of technical or sportier riding, and the switch went to manual.

 

[Buford]

The '17 has a much better first and reverse gear ratio, at least with stock size tires. And the new shocks/springs ride noticeably better.

 

[AlR]

When I was shopping for mine there weren't any 2016s so that was not an option. I do like the auto, but in the snow it shifted way too much. I kept it in manual. It is nice to have the choice. I haven't seen the need for floor board plates... yet. I'm loving that the rig is truck bed transportable. And this is the first machine I've had that momma will actually sit in. That's a major deal.

 

[Mudder]

Mudder, what would you say you like most about your P500, as well as dislike the most?

I do mostly slow wooded trail riding and like the auto downshifts while still in Manual Trans mode and the paddle shifting the most, rarely use true AT mode. Dislike the stock plastic floorboards with no protection. On the wooded trails sticks would bang up under your feet and break the plastic plugs, fixed now with the Ricochet rock sliders. Understand they tried to keep the price down, and adding accessories is half the fun. Wife and I still have separate ATVs, but SxS is a totally new joy. Reminds me of my old FJ40.

 

[Little_g]

I like the auto but its not what I was hoping for like the 1000. Its nice for just riding around, but any technical stuff I always switch to manual. I really like the fact that it downshifts automatically when in manual so you don't have to worry about that. Just did my first oil change and I think the auto is getting a little smoother each time. Shifts like a dream in manual in which there is no jerking at all. Still getting use to it. Kinda wishing I would have kept my 15 but I wanted a new one so bad so I had to go out and buy one lol. Still love the machine tho. One thing is with the 17 we kinda have the best of both worlds. Mine is in manual most of the time but auto is there for when I don't feel like shifting. To each their own and still a GREAT machine!