sportsman 500 worst year model ??
Nov 3, 2002 | 07:52 PM
#1
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Weekend Warrior
Joined: Oct 2002
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sportsman 500 worst year model ??
i am looking at a few used 500 sportsmans, what year seems to have the most problems. looking at a 98 thru 00.
what year is best ( other than 02-03 ) for power, duriblity, etc. any advise is greatly appreciated.
anyone have a used 500ho, griz, or kodiak for sale in ARK,OK.TX, area.
thank you much
wood
what year is best ( other than 02-03 ) for power, duriblity, etc. any advise is greatly appreciated.
anyone have a used 500ho, griz, or kodiak for sale in ARK,OK.TX, area.
thank you much
wood
Nov 4, 2002 | 01:43 PM
#2
Trailblazer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 44
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sportsman 500 worst year model ??
Woodroe-
My friend owns a 00' SP500 (non-HO). He has around 1500 miles on it so far. He has not had a single problem with it. He performs routine maintainence such as greasing and oil changes. We thought he had a problem with the Electronic Throttle control, but it was just an adjustment. He uses it mostly for farm work and trail riding. Overall he is pretty easy on his equipment - always uses Low when towing or climbing - not much mudding.
He also owns a 96' SP500 - this one was bought used and has had many more problems than his 00'. Mostly due to lack of maintainence from the previous owner who used it for plowing - and probably never changed the oil. He (my friend) had to have the entire top end rebuilt - everyting was badly varnished when the motor was disassembled. Brakes replaced as well (normal wear & tear). Despite the lack of attention the 96' has had in the past, it still runs well and is ridden often - it's the "let my friends" ride mule and takes it very well.
To sum it up - you really can't go wrong with a SP500 of any year between 98' and 00' (as you mentioned) - just be aware of the previous owner and what he used the machine for. Try to get an idea of what kind of care he/she took to maintain the machine. It can be tough to find a GOOD used 500 - Why? people hang on to em' once they buy them they are DAMN good machines.
Hope this helps.
Kevlar1
-02' SP700
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
My friend owns a 00' SP500 (non-HO). He has around 1500 miles on it so far. He has not had a single problem with it. He performs routine maintainence such as greasing and oil changes. We thought he had a problem with the Electronic Throttle control, but it was just an adjustment. He uses it mostly for farm work and trail riding. Overall he is pretty easy on his equipment - always uses Low when towing or climbing - not much mudding.
He also owns a 96' SP500 - this one was bought used and has had many more problems than his 00'. Mostly due to lack of maintainence from the previous owner who used it for plowing - and probably never changed the oil. He (my friend) had to have the entire top end rebuilt - everyting was badly varnished when the motor was disassembled. Brakes replaced as well (normal wear & tear). Despite the lack of attention the 96' has had in the past, it still runs well and is ridden often - it's the "let my friends" ride mule and takes it very well.
To sum it up - you really can't go wrong with a SP500 of any year between 98' and 00' (as you mentioned) - just be aware of the previous owner and what he used the machine for. Try to get an idea of what kind of care he/she took to maintain the machine. It can be tough to find a GOOD used 500 - Why? people hang on to em' once they buy them they are DAMN good machines.
Hope this helps.
Kevlar1
-02' SP700
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Nov 5, 2002 | 06:25 PM
#3
Trailblazer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59
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sportsman 500 worst year model ??
I had a '00 sp500 before I bought my 700. The only thing I would complain about is that it is quite a bit slower than the HO. The older sportsmans also have a different steering mechanism making it a little more difficult to steer. Other than that it was a great machine. NEVER had a break down with it.
Good luck
Good luck
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