In the front page review it states "...the wheel wells have been changed offering better protection. Also, the air outlet direction has been altered and now faces to the side instead of forward."

I've looked closely and asked my dealer.....the wheel wells are the same as before (if you're talking about the plastic) Some metal splash guards were added underneath thou.

The air outlet direction never faced forward did it? I thought it faced down.

And isn't that a 400 in the sand picture? Trying to fool us huh

Maybe someone can give me more details on this.

 

You know, I was wondering the same thing And that snad pic, on the front it says 400. I can't wait ot see the whole 2001 line up

 

Yes, that does say 400 on it. And in the other photos in the review, there was no sticker in that positin on the machines. I know that the 500cc machines have the "500" sticker right there below the pod. I think the stickers were removed to hide that fact that it was a 400, and they forgot to remove the one in that sand photo.
I could be wrong, though I hope not.
And if this is a 400, is it the tried and true 2 stroke, or a new 4 stroke? If it is the 2 stroke, then this will be the first 400 with shaft drive.

 

Just checked an "00" and a "01" HO. The outlet duct are the same. Can't see any differance in the fenders or any added plates, unless I missed something minor.

 

I agree with you not that many changes to sportsman. I was supprised to see Dirt Wheels give the sportsman a higher rating over the Rubicon. I've been visiting the foum lately and all the problems for the sportsman were addressed in the 2001 model. Steering redesign, brakes upgraded, high output engine, PVT case improved, and different choke lever. The question is can you take the 2001 upgrades and add to a 2000 or 1999 model?

 

Chopper,
The latter half of 2000's got the new duct work I think. Maybe you were looking at an early 2000 model. Anyway, the Connection didn't seem too reliable on the facts. I don't believe the air duct ever pointed forward.

 

I called a dealer.....Clutch cover and backplate can be updated.

 

There is going to be a 400 4 stroke SP for 2001, i guess it uses to 425 Mag motor

 

If it were a 2-stroke...that would make my choice even harder. The 400L motor in the Sportsman chassis! That would be too good to be true!

 

You are correct. It is a 425 4stroke.

Greg