Hi all, just a question from someone in a quandry. I have a 2000 sportsman with close to 2000 miles on it that I payed $4000 for on Ebay 3 yrs ago. It is starting to show a little wear and needing to start replacing little parts hear and there. I have found a used 2005 Sportsman 400 with 86 miles on it for $4600 due to the guy traided it in on a new 800. I don't run mine hard or fly around alot, only wife and myself due a little hill climbing and mostly mild trail riding. Do you think it would be smart to step backward in size and have a new one fairly cheap or hang in with ol reliable ????

 

Based on the information you provided, I would get the 2005 SP400. Even though the SP500 has a slightly stronger motor, both machines should be virtually the same. And, since the sp400 is a 2005 model, it probably does not have any mechanical problems. Just my two cents worth.

 

I would update... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

lets do the math:
the '05 SP is $4600
sell yours for $2000

difference is $2600. you can trade up 5 years for only $2600? OF COURSE it's a GREAT deal! have you read the improvements on the 2005 models?

it's a no brainer.....

 

The 400 will get you around but just not as quick and peppy. The 2000 model was the pre HO era so the power loss won't be as significant as it would if you were coming from the 500HO. However, the ride and steering difference between the 2000 and 2005 is like night and day. The 2005 will steer easier and ride so much smoother that you wont go back. Plus the enlarged rear storage compartment is awesome, the reworked headlights, and the front storage boxes are all well worth the slight reduction of power.

 

4600 is a great price. The motor is the same as my 03 and I have 1300 miles and no complaints.

 

I would say to get the SP 400! I purchased the 2005 model and love it. I also have a quick review of the bike on this forum. Just do a search. I love my bike and have not had any issues or concerns with power. I took it in the mud this past weekend and with me and the nephew on the bike (approx 275 lbs or more) power was not an issue. We also did technical riding through the woods as well as some open (& rough) pasture riding and never once thought I needed a bigger, more powerful machine. Take a look at my review it hits a lot of what I like about my 2005 sportsman 400.

 

For what its worth, I also have a 2000, but mine is a 425 expedition. Same motor as the 400. I have put 3300 miles on the machine to date. And it still runs like brand new. It has never suffered any non self-inflicted wounds. I have ridden with just about every machine on the market with no regrets. As far as power goes, I've yet to see another machine go somewhere I couldnt. Its not a drag racer, but neither am I, but its still quick enough through the trails and general playing around.

 

The 400 and 500HO are the very same machine with the very same motor. The difference is the motor on the "400" is actually 425cc while the motor on the "500" is actually 499cc. They simply use a smaller bore and shorter stroke on the "400" to end up with 74cc less. The 500HO also has a larger carb. The power on the "400" is perfectly good. I ride with several Yamaha Grizzly 660cc machines all the time.......yes they have more power and can accelerate a bit faster........but I go everywhere they go and power is a non-issue.

That's an EXCELLENT price......POUNCE on it!

Good Luck, Bob

 

backinthesaddle-Well put. I don't ride too much with other machines, but when I'm out it sure is alot of fun. Should I get the urge to go very fast, I'll buy a predator or z400. I think I'd be in a lot more trouble with more horsepower on a 700+ pound machine.