P700 I need some info...

[500]

My intent isn't to open a can of worms or to beat a dead horse.
I am strongly considering a step up to a 700 from my 500. The main reason is for a smoother ride and roomier cabin.
Can anyone who has experience driving both models attest to the 700 riding smoother? I am not a fan of the terrible rebound on the 500.
In reference to my opening statement, can anyone confirm the 700 has the power to climb steep powerline trails?
If you stop does it have the power to start again?
I am asking due to the barrage of differing opinions with some saying it has no power and others saying it has more than plenty.
I don't want to rooster tail up hills. I simply want to be able to crawl up them and have the power to stop and start again.
Any input would be invaluable for my potentially large financial investment.
Thanks!

 

[Admin]

 

[Plumber32]

The only place you could have a real world power issue is at higher elevations.like 6000' and up. There's been some discussion that the 15 and up are better. They ride good. However I upgraded the shocks because I ride Alot at 30-40. I was at windrock mountain a couple weeks back and had no issues crawling up some pretty insane stuff. Hope this helps. I would bet it rides Alot better than the 500, because of travel #s and wheel base.

 

[500]

The only place you could have a real world power issue is at higher elevations.like 6000' and up. There's been some discussion that the 15 and up are better. They ride good. However I upgraded the shocks because I ride Alot at 30-40. I was at windrock mountain a couple weeks back and had no issues crawling up some pretty insane stuff. Hope this helps. I would bet it rides Alot better than the 500, because of travel #s and wheel base.

Thanks for the response. Very well stated. I ride in Alabama so elevation will not be a factor.

 

[Plumber32]

Thanks for the response. Very well stated. I ride in Alabama so elevation will not be a factor.

I love my 700-4. Its been fantastic. I ride with all sorts of atv/sxs, number one thing is there's very little heat, guys I rode with have a miserable time in their cats/commanders/popos. The heat bakes them out. Not the 700. Also it's Alot quieter, I cruise and enjoy my trip.

 

[Tflynn]

If you're not in high altitude, I wouldn't even worry about power one bit. I've never been in a 500 so I can't really say for the ride quality but something to remember is there is a lot more aftermarket support for the 700- suspension, motor, etc.

 

[TimmyBoy84]

I took my 700 out to a trail with all types of terrain, took one steep rock crawling hill no problem with 4 people in it and a mutt lol and even had to stop halfway up cuz my father in law flipped his quad and still had plenty of power from a dead stop to trek back up. I upgraded my shocks because I had a problem keeping up with friends in their rhinos and was bottoming out on whoops and not necessarily a power issue.

 

[scott]

heres a good video showing 700 vs 500 Suspension was at windrock. With the 700 you could even add fox shocks.

 

[500]

I appreciate all of your valued feedback.

 

[jawquin]

I appreciate all of your valued feedback.

Hi. I have a 700-4 and 500. They are very different machines. I can't say a lot about the 500 because I haven't had it long and only have 95 miles on it and it's great in the woods and trail. The ride is smoother on the 700 and it's much roomier and the front shocks are a bit soft. The 500 is much peppier but I've never had a problem in the 700 with power. I have had in under a load a few times and it's pretty good and has plenty of torque when I've hooked it to some loads with a log chain, some big loads. I haven't done much hill climbing but it has been A-1 and trouble free in performance for what it is and over 3600 miles of fun. Nothing better than hearing the grand kids and nieces and nephews say "Honda Ride" We pile in and go and make memories.