I was looking at old issues of the magazines to see what they said about the design upgrades in the 700 over the 500. They said:

1. The frame was redesigned to be stronger.

2. The hubs were larger.

3. The transmission was different to accomodate the extra power.

4. The shafts coming from the trans were thicker.

The magazines didn't say if it was a larger frame, whether the tubing was thicker, or whether there were additional reinforcements.

I'm wondering if any of you have done a close inspection of the two frames to see the difference. If so, what differences did you see?

Also, the mags said that the clutch engagement of the 700 was at a higher rpm compared to the 500, and that they didn't like it. Has this been changed, or does it still engage at a higher rpm than the 500?

Thanks for the info.

 

The 600 has a lower and more favorable engagement according to the mags. In 04 and later years and with the EFI, I believe it to be a different engagement and a Team clutch in the efi.
The 600/700 frame is different but not sure what. The wheelbase is actually about a half inch shorter.
02' started the first year with the 700 front diff housing the hub locking instead of being at the wheels. The 02' 700 was a completely new machine, not just a 500 Sportsman with a 700 motor. Of course they interchanged some components like the struts and A-arms.