![polaris predator 500 polaris predator 500](https://s3.amazonaws.com/bikepics.com/Pics-Web/2007/10/31/bikepics-1072507-full.jpg)
The Predator uses aftermarket quality suspension components on the Predator 500. These components are available from Rath Racing.
#Polaris predator 500 install#
Before you take your Predator home from the dealer, have them install a different filter and mounting assembly. Obviously this filter setup is inadequate and this is something we’ve griped about for years. After our test ride, we found a light coating of dust on the inside of the air-box. Polaris, for whatever reason, uses a paper air filter similar to what you would find on a lawnmower or automobile. Where the problem lies is in the air box. There’s a massive intake, which runs from the rear-mounted air-box to the carburetor, which is mounted conventionally, directly behind the cylinder. On the intake side, the Predator isn’t quite perfect. It’s a well designed no-brainer operation.įeeding the Predator’s engine is a 42-millimeter Mikuni BSR carburetor, which features a pulse fuel pump to help keep fuel flowing consistently at all RPM levels. To take it out of reverse, simply shift back up into first. From first, depress the right thumb lever and shift down. Shifting into reverse is super easy thanks to the lever on the right handlebar directly left of the thumb throttle. Polaris further updated the transmssion by adding a much-appreciated reverse gear. Earlier models were known for sticky shifting, however Polaris updated the transmission in 2004, greatly improving its feel.
#Polaris predator 500 manual#
Transferring the Predator’s power from the top end is a five-speed manual shift transmission. While most test riders felt the machine was extremely comfortable, Pro-Am racer Aaron Meyer thought the seat was hard to move front to back on due to its shape. The Predator’s ergonomics are spacious and well laid out. The water-cooled 499cc four-stroke engine features a four-valve, double-overhead-cam design. While it has proven to be very reliable, it is heavy by modern four-stroke engine standards. The Predator 500’s power plant is built by Japanese manufacturer Fuji, a subsidiary of Suzuki. Who knows? We may even change a few more opinions before it’s all over. With so much to offer, we thought it was time to bring the Predator 500 back for a solo test so we can once again discover what made this machine such a hit in our 2006 12 Hours of ATV America Sport Quad Shootout. While it didn’t prove to be the ultimate high-performance machine, the Predator proved to be a strong sport machine with favorable performance and excellent reliability. Reliability is another of its strong attributes.Besides winning a favorable opinion from all of our test riders, the Predator proved to be bullet proof, never requiring maintenance. While it is a bit weak off the bottom, it makes up for it with a smooth midrange rush and plenty of top end power. The Predator’s engine is built by Fuji, a subsidiary of Suzuki. The Predator’s chromoly rear axle is covered by a limited lifetime warranty, saving you $400 on an aftermarket unit. Sitting at 47.5 inches wide the Predator is narrow enough for most trails, yet wide enough for plenty of stability on the track or dunes. Before the shootout began, most of the riders seemed to have the same bleak expectations for the machine as Earlywine, but by the end of the day, when they were tired and fatigued, each rider looked forward to his chance to ride the very plush and smooth-running Predator 500. While the Predator didn’t win the shootout, it was definitely the surprise of the day. Judging the shootout was a group of riders and racers varying in age from 18 to forty something.
![polaris predator 500 polaris predator 500](https://cdn.static.nexway.com/images/products/sony/nxw57f4b623ca955.jpg)
“Have you ever ridden a Predator 500?” He replied: “Once, but I just rode it around for a second outside the shop.” I informed him that he was about to have the chance to become more familiar with the machine and while he didn’t complain, he really wasn’t excited.Ī few years back, we put the Predator 500 head to head against a 2006 Yamaha YFZ450 and a Honda TRX450R. “You don’t sound very excited,” I queried. “Oh, OK,” he replied with a less-than-enthusiastic sound in his voice. Take a ride and you will see how well this carnivore adapts to any environment.Ī few weeks ago, I placed a call to test rider Chris Earlywine informing him of our upcoming test on the 2007 Polaris Predator 500. Lurking in the Ocala National Forest, the Predator 500 looks a bit monstrous from the front.