I just bought a 2001 sportsman 500 just wondering if its a 500ho or not how do i tell i have had a few before most had ho on the tank

 

If its a 2001 its a H.O., Thats the first year the 500 Sportsman got the 500 Scrambler's high duration cam and larger 40mm carb vs the older 34mm carb.

Mine is a 2001 also but it says "H.O" right on the tank. Really no way of tell a 500 H.O from a regular SP500 by just looking at it.

Here are some owner reviews on that year of Sportsman,great machine. http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/en...e.asp?veh=2172

Here are the side by side specs of a 2001 H.O and 2000 NON H.O http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/en...e.asp?veh=2172