What are the major differences between these model years besides the color of the plastic? Is the motor and tranny essentially unchanged?

Thanks!

 

You probably knew this, but the 97 is non-concentric, and the 03 is concentric. Not sure if that rear brake being mounted by the trans output makes for a different trans case or not. Maybe do some Partsland.com comparisons of part numbers.

 

And the floorboards are steel too?

 

The 03 comes with decent sport tires, not the tractor tread utility tires earlier models came stock with.

 

Like modquad said, the 97 is non concetric drive. The front and rear suspensions are longer travel on the 03's as well. The 03 does have the rear brake on the axle unlike the 97's output shaft rear brake.

 

Thanks. The longer travel suspension has me thinking of buying new.

 

Barely Legal,

The front suspension on the 1997 was 6.25" and the rear was 8.5". On my old Sport I had a longer swingarm and wider A-arms with long travel struts. It measured out to 9.25" in front and 10.5" in the rear. I don't suggest you doing this as it costs a ton of money just to do. It probably would be best to buy new.

 

The 03's have steel braded brake lines, Longer travel, Better tires, new disk brakes, Better brake lever, Spliceless belt, concentric drive, sealed grease fittings, better tie rod ends, Just built a little better and maintenance friendly.

 

The 03 also has ball bearing steering stem bushings instead of the old plastic bushing design, much better steering.

 

Oh ya, the 03 also has a better radiator and fan, the ignition system has been changed, and the suspension isn't just longer travel it has variable rate springs, which make for a much improved ride.