There is an old cereal advertisement that said “those who don’t like it have never tried it.” The same is true about the Polaris Ace—the single seat ATV with cockpit and roll cage. For those who have driven the Ace, we can’t get enough of it.
Last fall the editors of Dirt Toys Magazine spent a lot of time riding the Ace 900. This spring we’ve been pounding the mountain on the Ace 900 XC. This past week we’ve switched over to the Ace 500 and have found that it doesn’t take a lot of horsepower to enjoy western trails.
Although the Ace 900 XC is the Rolls Royce of ATV performance, the 500 still manages to shatter expectations when it comes to ripping the trails. But just so you understand the difference, the 900 has 78 horsepower and requires a wider, beefier suspension since you’re going to be smashing the bumps harder.
The 500 comes with the basic MacPherson Strut suspension with stabilizer bar that is more than adequate for its 32 horsepower. And the 32 ponies get you down the trail remarkable fast.
The 500 gets down the mountain trail at a fast enough pace to make you stay on your toes in the corners. And the 48-inch wheel stance stays remarkably level. But if you hit the bumps hard, you can feel it. It handles well. But on the rocks you can get bounced around. It has a low center of gravity to make you feel safe and secure in the cockpit when going through turns. But the seat could stand to be a little softer to take some of the edge off the bumps.
This is an entry level unit so you don’t have a lot of the performance parts to improve the ride as found on the 900 XC. But you are also nearly have the price ($6,999 compared to $12,999) of the 900.
The tires on the 500 are quite affective. They hooked to the trail well, yet didn’t throw up a lot of mud when you went through puddles. The 500 is fun to ride. It is good on your back.
While out testing, we were bouncing back and forth from the Ace to a conventional ATV. We found the comfort of the 500 much better on the back, yet not quite as good on the butt. The Ace offers a lot more protection from the elements … although on the hot summer day it was nice to get on a four wheeler and cool down. The Ace does allow good air flow but not to the level as a four wheeler. However, when the temperatures are a little cooler, it’s great to be able to duck out of most of the cold in the cockpit of an Ace.
The Ace doesn’t suffocate you. There is sufficient air flow. Yet you do have the options of putting on windshields, hoods and door that offer much more protection from the elements during the colder months.
The 500cc liquid-cooled with Electronic Fuel Injection engine runs smoothly in varied temperatures and altitude. The engine features vibration free power with internal counter balance shaft, overhead cam and electronic fuel injection to precisely deliver the fuel charge for instant, predictable throttle response.
With an integrated front storage compartment, dual dash storage trays and high-capacity cargo box, the Ace can carry up to 360 pounds of gear for any off-road adventure.
We found the Ace 500 is a great economical choice, or perfect for those riders who may not be as aggressive and won’t appreciate the power of the 900. Either way, it’s a winning hand that will make you want to go all in.
For more information contact www.polaris.com.
