Pet peeve about gator performance.

[welder.rob]

I purchased a 625i just shortly after they came out. I did as much research as I could and knew what I was getting before I made my purchase. I was and still am pleased with my gator but am aggravated about one problem. My friend has a Yamaha Rhino, 2009 I believe, and it is quite similar to my 625 in many ways. Size, suspension, and engine displacement, his is slightly larger with 686cc, but its not too far off. With a few bolt on accessories and some plug and play ECM goodies, his rhino will run 57mph and has quick acceleration. I'm not saying that I want to turn my gator into a mud slinging speed demon, but I love aftermarket performance parts. I was hoping that a year or so after my purchase I could get my hands on an ignition module, clutch and a decent exhaust...and the same applies for the 825i...there are no performance parts for it. My friend has tried to talk me in to selling my gator, but I bleed green and yellow. So, I am planning on upgrading in the near future (850i), unless some goodies soon hit the market...(not holding my breath). I don't think I am the only one who feels this way, I guess I am just venting a little.

[DIXIEDOG]

You might have been better served buying the 825i instead of the 625i...you would have started off with more power than a pile of add ons would give your 625i. There are a few add ons to get more power from the JD but I would rather have longevity over an extra few hp any day of the week.

[welder.rob]

I have come to the same realization, but even if I purchased the 825 I would still have the same desire for more power. That is my aggravation....when I upgrade to the 850 I know I will want added power. It's like a sickness I have. Everything I own is tuned up and modified, except for the gator. I just know there is a potential for more juice in all the models, and a way for it to be done without sacrificing longevity or reliability.

[sidebite]

Sounds like the start of a great business...???...

[jakerator]

Tim the Tool Man. lol

[purplewg]

Rob, the 825i and 625 are what I call a happy medium between a hot rod and work truck. I don't believe they were designed to go heads up with the Rhino or the other brands. When I bought mine I had to look at what I would use it for most of the time and that turned out to be 90% work, 10% play. If you really wanna play go get the new CanAm. I decided the other brands were designed for 90% play and 10% work.

[MBDiagMan]

I agree with purple! I feel that my 825i is a great balance. I've had to do some hauling azz on some rough dirt roads to get somewhere in a hurry and it came through well. I've also had to do some dragging, pulling and hauling, and it has performed that quite well also.

I've been a hot rodding, soup it up kind of guy since I was a teenager. It's fun to make more power and speed, but it's rarely without a price down the road, not talking about the initial cost.

Since I went to town that day with 620 Mule on my mind and ended up with my 825i, I have been of the opinion that the extra money was well spent. The smaller mule goes 25MPH instead of 44 and is a good bit smaller. I think I made the right choice and as much as I like to soup things up, I expect it will remain stone stock as long as I own it.