#2 Polaris Predator 500
In last year's shootout, the Polaris finished dead last ... and by dead last, we mean the gap between it and the other machines was an insurmountable one. Things change. While this 2005 Troy Lee Edition Predator may resemble the '04 model, it's not fair to compare the two. Major mods have transformed the quad, the most notable being the addition of reverse gear and a significant tweak in the ergonomic department. Most of our pro riders were quick to throw us that surprised look of "Wow, this machine's pretty good" after getting off the Polaris.
The most-striking revelation about the Predator was that in years past testers would always comment about how the front end seemed stuck to the ground and the rear end would want to spin out, whereas this year all the pros talked about the Pred's "light front end." The revised suspension geometry negated some of the quad's anti-wheelie characteristics, while the new grippy Maxxis radials did the rest. They might be our favorite stock sport tires, with killer flat resistance and good performance.
The Predator's main enemy is still weight, but some of those heavy-duty components may have saved it from the abuse we dished out at Rausch.
What's changed from last year: The Predator has seen the most-radical changes and now comes with reverse, revised ergo-nomics, a better-shifting tranny and enhanced shock damping. The riding position has been improved through a seat redesign, a relocation of the handlebar and an extension of the steering post. The seat has more foam padding than last year's and is configured so riders are positioned farther back with the ability to slide ahead more easily.
The Troy Lee Edition, which we tested, has an increased rev-limiter; aluminum-body Fox shocks with remote reservoirs (the fronts); Maxxis radial tires; an LED taillight; and improved gear ratios that better match the new rev-limiter.
What broke: Technical Editor Todd Canavan managed to introduce the Predator's front end to a couple of trees along the rugged Rausch course (at speed each time). The first time, the bumper/frame cracked, and we had to weld it back into shape. The second time, we had to weld Canavan back into shape ... Other than the "Todd Tax," there were no major breakdowns on this unit. The Maxxis radials gave us the smallest number of headaches during our test, and the Douglas wheels showed only one dent.
+ Very plush ride
+ Now has reverse
- Twitchy front end
- A little heavy
= Rugged, sporty, but heavy
| Polaris Predator 500 |
| Retail price: | $6199; Troy Lee Edition (as tested), $6499 |
| Engine |
| Type: | Four-stroke DOHC |
| Displacement: | 499cc |
| Cooling: | Liquid-cooled |
| Carburetion: | Mikuni BSR 42mm |
| Lubrication: | Dry sump |
| Starting: | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Drive system: | Chain, 2x4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual (with reverse) |
| Suspension (Type/Travel) |
| Front: | Dual A-arms/10.0 in. |
| Rear: | Swingarm/11.0 in. |
| Tires |
| Front: | 21x7-10; rear: 20x11-9 |
| Brakes |
| Front: | Dual hydraulic discs; rear: hydraulic disc |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase: | 50.5 in. |
| Claimed dry weight: | 415 lb |
| Ground clearance: | 4.5 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 71.5/47.5/45.0 in. |
| Seat height: | 32.0 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 3.25 gal. |
| Electrical |
| Taillight: | Yes |
| Headlight: | Two single-beam, 27-watt low quartz halogen |
| Instrumentation: | Neutral/reverse, high-temperature indicators |
| Colors: | Red/black; Troy Lee orange/black |