I have a 1999 Sportsman 500 1200 miles and a 2002 Sportsman 500HO 3700 miles. The HO feels like it has more power but in a drag race they are dead even. Whats up with this? I really thought the HO would blow it away.

 

it should... rider error/weight maybe?

 

I am 185 riding th HO and my son is 130 on the non HO. We have raced many times and we come out even everytime.

 

55 pounds isnt much of a difference... who knows...
i dont think its that much faster anyway... maybe its just has more power... but not the speed.

 

Is there a difference in gearing? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

No they are both stock except the 500HO has a 700 belt.

 

Is the STOCK gearing identical though? It should be in the specs in each manual.

 

55lbs is quite a difference. I had a '99 Magnum and raced a buddy with a '01 500HO and the HO pulled on me pretty good from start to top end. I weigh 230 lbs he weighs 150lbs.

 

Does the HO have EBS? If so you may have a limiting nut on the primary that is not letting it close up all the way on the shaft. It is part number 8 on this partsland diagram. If it is still there you can remove it. Also is the 700 belt much different in terms of width and circumfrance?

 

draging on a dirt road my buds ho beats me by about 2 quads up to about 50 then he slowly pulls
away,has a little more top speed. im 225lbs he's 180.