BMS Ranch Pony 500

If you’re new to the world of off-roading, you’ve probably heard of ATVs and UTVs, but maybe you’re still not sure what they both mean. An all-terrain vehicle, commonly referred to as an ATV, is a four-wheeled off-road vehicle with a straddle seating position and traditional handlebars. A utility task vehicle also called a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), is a larger four-wheeled vehicle which has car-like seating and normal steering (steering wheel).

The UTV market is oversaturated with both good and bad offerings from over a dozen different manufacturers, but if you’re looking for one of the most affordable options that doesn’t sacrifice quality, then look no further than the BMS Ranch Pony 500.

What Is A Ranch Pony?

The BMS Ranch Pony 500 is an all-purpose UTV, but lots of people refer to it more commonly as a side-by-side as well. Typically, UTVs like the Ranch Pony 500 make for better workhorses than an off-roading toy, as they’re purpose-built to be more practical and capable rather than fast or adrenaline-inducing.

UTVs bridge the gap between quads and full-size off-road vehicles. They’re much more comfortable and practical than quads, but they’re not as capable or as expensive as full-size trucks. What these UTV’s bring to the table is flexibility. These bad boys can get into tight spaces fit down trails or just flat out get to places other full size vehicles can’t. They’re great for farmers, hunters, and generally anyone who needs to get around in the great outdoors, but they don’t make for bad leisure vehicles either.

What Makes This BMS’ UTV So Special?

Well, in addition to being extremely affordable, it’s available with an astonishing amount of features, which we’ll get to in a bit. For starters, let’s go over its specs and describe what it’s like to drive.

The Ranch Pony 500 is powered by a 493cc single-cylinder engine producing a respectable 34 horsepower. The engine is water-cooled to prevent any kind of overheating issues, and it’s extremely torquey from low down in the rev range. Single-cylinder motors are amazing when it comes to usable torque from virtually idle, and this one is no exception. It’s also got Delphi electronic fuel injection (EFI), so it’s as economical as it is modern.

There’s a switchable 4-wheel-drive system, so you can easily disconnect two of the driven wheels in case you want to have fun or squeeze out extra mpg. There’s an automatic CVT sending power to the wheels, with both high and low gearing. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is something you’d find on most 50cc scooters or almost every city car Honda makes.

Although CVTs aren’t amazing if you want to change gears yourself, on something like a UTV, they’re brilliant. CVTs are notoriously smooth and robust. Because there’s a belt driving the transmission and sending power to the wheels, you won’t have any issues with sprockets or any kind of linkages. A CVT is arguably the easiest transmission to service because it doesn’t have a lot of moving components.

You’ll probably be shocked to learn this, but the Ranch Pony 500 has fully independent suspension on all four corners. This means each individual wheel can travel up and down independent from the other wheels, so traction is remarkable. Despite its relatively small wheels (12-inch wheels wrapped around 25-inch CST tires), it’s got hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Even though it’s not particularly fast in a straight line (BMS Motorsports claims a top speed of 40mph), it’s got drilled rotors so you can always come to a safe stop.

What About Practicality?

Here’s where the BMS Ranch Pony 500 shines and really gets into its stride. The rear cargo box can tilt down and it opens from both sides, so you can load up items however you want to. It has a 1,200 lb. towing capacity with a 400 lbs capacity limit for the rear bed. The rear cargo box is big and deep enough for most bulky items though. The included front electric winch can pull up to 2,500 lbs. without breaking a sweat.

Unlike most UTVs in its price range, the Ranch Pony 500 comes with a windshield and a roof canopy as standard. Optional equipment includes a snow plow, LED lights (Iron Bar), a full-size enclosure, a rear electric winch, and a spare tire. If we had to pick just one must-have option, it would be the snow plow. It transforms the BMS Ranch Pony 500 into an all-weather monster. It’s great for clearing snow, especially if you’ve got a narrow driveway or the entrance to the backyard isn’t that wide.

The cabin is simple and utilitarian, but that makes it extremely robust. Features include a digital speedometer and a CD player with speakers, an SD card slot, and a USB port. The pony’s even got a dual cup holder with an accompanying miscellaneous holder for all your stuff (like phone and keys).

What Else Should I Know?

Despite having ‘only’ 34 horsepower, because it weighs just 800 lbs., it’s really nippy. It gets to its top speed faster than you expect it to, and it’s agile and easy to maneuver. It’ll climb hills steeper than 30 degrees and it’s got an engine kill switch in case of an emergency.

It’s by no means an off-road buggy or something that will tear an off-road track at insane speeds, but you can genuinely have fun in it. It’s a lot better than most of its rivals because of how well it is at everything it does. It’s an excellent workhorse but you can use it as a weekend toy if you want to go out and just explore. It’s available in Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, and a few Camo shades.

Conclusion

BMS has been selling high-quality dune buggies, side by sides, quads and scooters for a long time. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, they have got a huge warehouse with tons of replacement parts and accessories. Everything they sell is EPA approved and most of their products are CARB approved too.

The BMS Ranch Pony 500 is arguably the best bang-for-buck value proposition currently on the market. It does have some competition from Massimo Motors, they have a few models that have similarities. But the BMS Ranch Pony 500 is well-built, practical, robust, and most importantly, it’s really enjoyable. You won’t find many brands comparable in this price bracket.

Where Can I Buy A BMS Ranch Pony 500

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Everyone when looking to purchase an item like this wants to find the best deal. Ordering online though is convenient, negotiating a great price can be difficult. Safer Wholesale offers wide selection of UTV’s, ATV’s, golf carts, scooters you name it they probably have it. Here you can make your own offer on the Ranch Pony, and ask for the best deal.

Maybe that’s asking for free shipping or an extended warranty or just a discount on an accessory you would like. Make sure you hit the “Make An Offer” button on the product page and submit your offer. A representative of Safer Wholesale will get back to you and work out the deal from there.