Hi! 50yo lifelong dirtbike guy here, newbie to ATV’s.
I have a chance to buy a 2005 Sportsman with under 500 miles& super clean. I have 3 questions.
1). I don’t have the VIN, but I see there is also a 2004 1/2.Any major diff’s between 04 & 05 that I should be aware of?
2). The seller says it has active decent control & itsure felt like it when I took it on a downhill test drive (tranny makes a whirringsound). I searched the specs & can’t see if this was standard oroptional. Could this have been added at the dealer or am I just imagineing it!?
3). I’m buying this for my 15 y/o son & want him to behappy with it. Is there any history of problems/issues or quirks on the 04/05model years?
Thanks much in advance…

 

Might as well say it's a 2005 model. The main thing on this and 2004 models is that the ecm has been changed out on the safety recall. Up under the front panel should have a silver finned module if the recall has been done. If it still has a black finned Chinese module any local dealer will replace it free of charge.Plenty of them still running around that haven't been changed. You do have to have the vin # Here's the recall. Polaris Industries Expands Recall of ATVs Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov Plus a cheap service manual can get you acquainted with what major fluids to use. Oil and filter is your choice. Most people run 0w40(Mobil1,Amsoil) 5w40 Rotella or if you prefer to stay with Polaris oil,5w50. Choice is yours on this,same for filters. Here's a cross reference you can use.POLARIS 3084963 - Alternative oil filters And here's a good manual for 5 bucks that can help on service and repairs.2005 Polaris Sportsman 500 Service Manual PDF Download Even though it's low mileage I'd do a fluid change on the tranny and front diff. On the tranny I'd stay with Polaris AGL and Demand Drive Plus fluid for the front diff.May quieten the noise.