[davidmaynard]

Hey all,

I was trying to get some information on the 500 SS vs the 550 F engines on the REV models. I was thinking about shopping for some sleds for next year for my gf and I was more than likely thinking about the 550 for her, does anyone have a 550, and if so what is the top speed? I think I read somewhere that the 500 SS has almost a 600 cc engine, but why do they call it a 500 SS and not a 600 SS, is it because of the weight of the engine/and or sled? Any information will be helpful.

Thanks,

DAve

 

[XCR583]

The 500SS is the old 600 motor that was in the ZX chassis. So yes it is a 600 motor. Have heard they called it a 500 for insurance reasons, and plus they introduced the 600 HO and probably didnt want to have 2 600 motors confusing people.

I've rode a 550 briefly, really light weight and pretty peppy. Have thought about one for my wife also. Top speed is around 80-85 mph I'm guessing.

500 SS is great. Probably best motor Doo has going right now. Great on gas and very little problems. Will run out of the hole, right with a 600 HO Ive been told. Never got to run one against my 600 HO. Almost wish I would have got a 500 SS instead of my 600 HO.

If she has rode some and the little bit extra $ isnt an issue, I would get the 500 SS. You wont regret it, not that the 550 is bad though.

 

[CORY9]

The 500SS is the old 600 motor that was in the ZX chassis. So yes it is a 600 motor. Have heard they called it a 500 for insurance reasons, and plus they introduced the 600 HO and probably didnt want to have 2 600 motors confusing people.

I've rode a 550 briefly, really light weight and pretty peppy. Have thought about one for my wife also. Top speed is around 80-85 mph I'm guessing.

500 SS is great. Probably best motor Doo has going right now. Great on gas and very little problems. Will run out of the hole, right with a 600 HO Ive been told. Never got to run one against my 600 HO. Almost wish I would have got a 500 SS instead of my 600 HO.

If she has rode some and the little bit extra $ isnt an issue, I would get the 500 SS. You wont regret it, not that the 550 is bad though.[/b]

Very well put. I've got both, each great in it's own way. Fan is lighter, both 06 models with the lower ride height and Pilot ski's handle great!

It's the old 600cc engine but it's clutched/tuned or whatever from the factory much better than it used to be. Had the same engine in my 99 MXZ and 02 Legend but this model has better throttle response and much better fuel economy. It actually gets better gas mileage than the 550f!

Either way you won't be sorry.

 

[davidmaynard]

thanks everyone,

i will probably go with the 550 f, as it is significantly cheaper and lighter, which will be perfect for her. I don't want her to keep up with my 800 either

 

[davidmaynard]

Very well put. I've got both, each great in it's own way. Fan is lighter, both 06 models with the lower ride height and Pilot ski's handle great!

It's the old 600cc engine but it's clutched/tuned or whatever from the factory much better than it used to be. Had the same engine in my 99 MXZ and 02 Legend but this model has better throttle response and much better fuel economy. It actually gets better gas mileage than the 550f!

Either way you won't be sorry.[/b]

how fast will that 550 gsx go?

 

[CORY9]

To be honest I've never help it wide open for a long lake run, just brief spurts. Seems to climb to 120kph and tapers off.

Great sled, very lightweight. Strange thing about the fans, no DESS system, have a key instead. I also don't like the fact the hand/thumb warmer switch doesn't light up, makes it hard for my wife to control temps when night riding. I mean really, what's the cost of a bulb? Same control as my 500SS but no light??

Anyways, being really picky here, overall great sled for the money :thumbsup:

 

[Ill Ride Anything]

We own both 500ss for me and 550f for her. Love both sleds, on a twisty trail its a toss up which is quicker. That fan really handles well must be the weight. Top end is 80-85 mph although thin after 70-75. The 500SS gets 1/3 better gas mileage than the fan, its $20 bux for me and 30 for the fan regardless of how fast we travel. Left me puzzled when I go 95 across the lake and she does 75 and still the mileage diff.

 

[snow4mydooplz]

Hi David,

I can't speak personally about the 550f however, anyone I know who has one says great things about it.

I have the 500ss adrenaline. Adrenaline meaning there is an upgrade in the shock dept for aggressive riding. We also put on a 136x1.25 track extension for the powder. I can't say enuogh about the 500ss as it has all the power I would need for the trails ect... Gas milage, like the others have said, is fantastic ! Yes the 500ss is for all purposes a 600cc engine and BRP helped us out in the insurance dept.

I hope your g/f will like her new sled whichever one you go with..

Snow4

 

[dooman]

I hate the 550's they suck fuel for their small cc engine. 500 ss is the small block 600 that was out before the 600 ho came to market. I really doubt you see much in savings from the insurance company as they know its a 600 as well.

 

[CORY9]

I hate the 550's they suck fuel for their small cc engine.[/b]

Guess it depends how there ridden, wife is a realitively legal speed trail driver and the machine regularly returns 14-15mpg. Can't complain about that.

 

[crnsuperduty]

Another vote for the 500ss. My wife has an 06 500ss trail. EXCELENT sled!! It has been trouble free so far. It is fantastic on fuel, starts easy, and plenty of power. I didn't think the price was that different. We got a pretty sweet deal on hers, end of season last year. I like the reliability of liquid cooled. Plus with the addition of power valves on the ss vs. the fan, seems like power would be quite better. I know hers is every bit as fast as my 600 cat.

 

[dpaige]

if you're looking to save money in the long run.

spend a tiny bit extra and buy 2 used 600SDI's

you'll thank yourself when you get to the fuel pumps.

The group i ride with regularly is composed of 4 600SDI's 2 04, and 05 and an 06

2 500ss's and a standard carb 600HO.

The SDI's are getting SIGNIFICANTLY better mileage than the carb sleds, regardless of who rides them(we switch back and forth quite a bit).

as mentioned above, the 500ss is getting around 15mph, my long track 1.75 paddle 600SDI has been getting 21-22 since new.

04 SDI's can be found VERY cheap these days.

 

[crnsuperduty]

I'm still scared of SDI.


No battery, no go.

I saw a MachZ with 7 miles on it with that problem. His battery died, when he shifted into reverse, it stalled and there it sat.

I love my Cat EFI for that reason alone. (not bashing brands, I have 1 of each). We just opted for the carb model doo, until they go batteryless on the EFI.

 

[dpaige]

I'm still scared of SDI.
No battery, no go.

I saw a MachZ with 7 miles on it with that problem. His battery died, when he shifted into reverse, it stalled and there it sat.

I love my Cat EFI for that reason alone. (not bashing brands, I have 1 of each). We just opted for the carb model doo, until they go batteryless on the EFI.[/b]

I guess that could be a concern.

I've got 18000 miles on my 04 with the original battery and its started every time.

Mine will start event with a nearly dead battery, as long as there is enough power to arm the fuel system, it'll start.

 

[7c Wanna Be]

I love my 550x it's a 2006 and is much more fun than my friends 500ss trail, I just realize with a top speed of 83 it's not going to impresss anybody on the lakes. On a skidoo it's all about the shocks, good shocks make for a great sled.

 

[skid00luver482]

I have the 550f GSX de-badged with 4 inch block and hand guard jhooks what not and its SOO light love it. Hits about 75.4 on the lake had it pinned. I guess because I dont hvae much of windshield since someone STOLE that cobra one i had. I love it wouldnt trade it for -- well maybe i would for a adrenaline or x package. The track seems to bottom out and shes as tight as she can go.

 

[edgex8]

Just bought a 05 500ss. I've only put about 100 miles on it but love it. I have no complaints so far!! Wasn't sure if i'd like the rev but now I'm convinced. Might have to get rid of the cat and get another rev!!! lol

 

[snow4mydooplz]

Just bought a 05 500ss. I've only put about 100 miles on it but love it. I have no complaints so far!! Wasn't sure if i'd like the rev but now I'm convinced. Might have to get rid of the cat and get another rev!!! lol[/b]

There ya go......I love my 05 500ss Adrenaline too......and with my136x1.25 track extension it is exactly what I wanted.

Snow4

 

[7c Wanna Be]

I was just checking out the new TNT , if the price is right they are going to clean house with this sled.

 

[test-reg]

Guess it depends how there ridden, wife is a realitively legal speed trail driver and the machine regularly returns 14-15mpg. Can't complain about that.[/b]

thats the same fuel milage as my gmc jimmy