I just bought a sportsman 600, Ithe didn't come with a registration buto I checked the vin. And it wasn't reported stolen or salvage. He said it was a 2004 but I think it's a 2005. 10th number in vinew I 5 and it says production date is 9/10/2004. It has same front end as 05 it doesn't have square headlights. My question is: I need to order a used left side panel, but it looks like 2005 panels don't use the same as any other year.
is the only difference between the 06 and up models the hole cutout for the gas petcock? They look the same on the efi model minus the hole. I'm just trying to find a used one rather than spend $80+ for new one. If they are the same it will open up a lot more options for used on ebay. Thanks for any input

 

Other machines used the same black metallic left side cover other than the 600,that is if the Polaris Parts list is accurate. May help tracking one down easier.Listed as the front cab when you scroll over to usage of this panel,but is the panel part number.

Usage : 5435353-177

Year Product Model Assembly
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 400 FRONT CAB - A05MH42AB/AG/AH (4994139413A05)
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 500 HO/INTL FRONT CAB - A05MH50AB/AC/AG/AH/AL/AT/FB (4994169416A05)
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 600 FRONT CAB - A05MH59AK/AN (4994199419A05)
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 700 FRONT CAB - A05MH68AK/AN/AD (4994229422A05)

 

Ya I found that info earlier, but what I'm trying to determine is if the carburetor model and efi use the same side panel and the difference is the carburetor model has the fuel petcock cut out in the panel. They look the same other than the hole for the petcock

 

No sure way to tell unless you have one in hand to try out as the part numbers do change. As far as the mounting tabs,etc,yes the carb and efi panels do look similar to one another,but this still won't answer your question as to where they can interchange or not with some modifications to an efi panel to allow its use on the carb model if that's what you're trying to do.Easier to just look for one of the models I posted that would absolutely fit.

 

Ya I'm not looking to pay $90 after shipping for a piece of plastic lol. When I zoom in on the 06 side panel , you can see a circle outline where the petcock cutout would be. I guess I'll have to take a chance and order the used on ebay for $30

 

Then that's a good sign that the panel would probably fit since it showed the outline for the fuel valve hole that could be punched out. Good luck..

 

My '08 500 EFI has a circle on the left side panel that looks like it's the right size for a petcock. Without seeing them side by side I couldn't say the location is exactly the same but don't know why else it would be there. I'd give it a try.