I just recently bought an 02 700 Sportsman, this is my first machine, although I have ridden sporadically since I was a kid. What major or minor issues does this machine have? I've put about 100 miles on it in the last 3 weeks and just love the way it chews through the mud and climbs the hills.

 

There were a few issues that can cause major problems if not corrected. The water pump cover was a recall. The ignition sytem is pretty much junk compared to the 04 up. Exhaust manifolds tend to crack on the bottom side. I'm not trashing your machine but the first year of the 700 has a few things that were improved. Great machine and the issues they had can be updated to a new design if need be. Have fun riding!!!

 

No problem, how would I know if the water pump cover was changed?

 

It would have a metal cover plate on top of the plastic plate or an aluminum cover plate

 

Sup Bsan! Yea i gotta 02 700 also. mine has 145 miles on it an so far all i ve replaced or fixed is a Radiator hose, CV boots on rear. Front CV axle an just bought new carb for it. But thats only because i had a dumb A** install a jet kit in it. Oh an i had too put a new Exhaust doughnut in the front where the header pipe comes off the engine. Other than that man i put a pipe on it an K&N an it runs great. LOTS OF POWER! Ejoy tour new ride man. There sweet. Does yours have the chrome wheels? Yea mine started to rust so painted them black. LOOKS AWESOME!

 

Sorry i ment 145 hrs. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]