hi i found a 98 sportsman for sale and im thinking about buying it.can someone tell me if it exactly like the new 2002 and if not what exactly are the changes??? what should i look for?? the guy told me it needs a new clutch how much will that run?? is it hard to put in??
please answer and help me out
thank you for all the help given

 

mudman... the main difference between the '98 and the '02 is that the '02 is a 500HO (high output) Otherwise they are the same basic machine. I had a 2000 sp500 and I loved it. I just sold it yesterday and I told the guy he will be extremely happy with it. The reason that I sold it was that I couldn't stand not to have the sp700. I never should have drove one a month ago, because I got hooked.

Good luck on your decision

 

There were a lot of upgrades to the 01 500. Such as, better tie rod ends, steering stem bushing, higher intake and more water proof PVT, stainless steel brake lines, life time belt warrenty and mostly making it a HO motor. So it all depends how much the 98 is and what kind of shape it's in. But I'm not much into buying a used atv that needs work right from the start. But thats me.

 

come on i know theres more people with sp500's thatwant to help me out.
thanks

 

I have a 97 sportsman 500, only put on 10 miles so far so a little new to the machine to comment but I think a new clutch could run you 700 or more (that's canadian dollars so you will have to convert to real dollars)clutch with EBS could cost more. I would get a little more info on what needs to be replaced, the whole clutch or can it be rebuilt.
For the short time I've road mine I like it.

 

I had a '98, Traded it for a '01 last spring. My '98 was an early one with no EBS the latter ones that year had EBS. There have been many upgrades to the newer models tierods(better quality), stearing(redisigned), clutch cover(better sealed and more heat resistant),lifetime belt warrenty, High Output engine, and some other odds and ends. That said I loved the '98 almost as much as the '01, but HO engine really makes the new one snap, if you don't need that extra snap the '98 might be right for you.
The clutch problem is a different story, HAVE A QUALIFIED TECH LOOK AT IT and tell you what it will cost, so you know for sure.

 

I think it depends on the overall condition and what they are asking for it, mine has the EBS and it's a great feature, and is a great all around machine, based on what you have said it's worth about $3500 or so, mine is for sale with 287 miles, I hope to get just over five for it, good luck.

 

The major change happened in the 2001 year. The brakes were updated with new style rotors and pads, braded steel brake lines and the engine was changed to the High Output (HO) which has 25% more power than the 2000 and older Sportsmans. We own four as a family (1-2002, 2 -2001s, 1-2000) and the 2001s (and 2002) are much faster and have much better brakes than the 2000. All four Sportsmans have been excellent machines.

Be VERY careful buying a used 4X4! Make sure it was properly taken care of.

 

I don't know much about the changes, since my 2002 SP 500 is my first Polaris, but I do know that I am thrilled with it. The ride and power is awesome. It would climb a tree in 2wd if you can hold on to it, I think.
Last time I went riding, it was going through mud holes in 2wd where my friends Big Bear and Foreman were struggling in 4wd, the AWD is awesome. I sold my Honda 300 2wd, and was planning on replacing it with the new Foreman w/ Traxlock 4wd, but I just happened to stop at a Polaris dealer one day, and in 5 minutes I was sold, hadn't even really considered a Polaris, and really can't explain why I stopped in the first place, but I'm glad I did. They were the nicest of all dealers, even let me ride one in the parking lot, something others wouldn't even offer. I hjave just had it since Oct.1, 2001, but am so greatful I got it. I don't have any doubts that it is just as good, if not better than any other brand out there. It is the HO, and like I said, it's the first Polaris I've ever rode, so I don't know about changes and power differences, but I do know it is an awesome machine, and would put it up against any other manuf. I was thinking of buying a used one before I bought my last Honda before my SP, and went to try one out while looking. The guy said it was well-kept, never been wrecked, but everytime I turned to the left side, the handle bar hit me in the leg. I asked him about it, and he said it came like that new. I asked if I could take it to a delaer and have them look at it for probs., he said no, it was fine and didn't need to be looked at. Maybe this guy will let you take it, it's worth asking, if he doesn't, I'd be careful about it. Needless to say, I didn't buy it, or any used one, mainly the interest rates were more than double for a used one, and they are almost a high as a new one.Hope this helps, good luck in your decision.

Andy S.

 

There is an ebs clutch on ebay for 99.00 right now... or you can buy it now for 145.00

Here is the link:
ebs clutch