Boner, all I can say is that if the 2wd option is worth it to you, then go ahead with it. Other than that, I would rather keep my 99 model. I don't believe that there is any difference in the differential personally, and I think the graphics are better. The things I do prefer on the newer ones is that the drain plug for the rear end sits up higher where it can't get smacked as easy, the wheels are not bolt on (I have 2 stripped bolts), and the muffler has a turned down thing on the end of it. My exhaust hits the kimpex and makes mines sound like it has glass packs on it going down the road.

 

Andy,

The 2wd feature will only be a big thing when I get my Tri claws mounted up. My main thing is all of the small features combined. Let me list what I like about the 2001 compared to the 1999 model.

1. 2wd/4wd
2. foam filter
4. Wheels studs(not bolts like you mentioned)
5. Fuel petcock
6. 1/2 gallon more fuel
7. better gas guage
8. better graphics
9. better electics (I like the location of the fuse box and other stuff, not near the right rear wheel)
10. Red
11. Like the dash set up better
12. Steel brake resovior
13. Foot brake that actually works
14. brand new tires (smaller but they don't have about a dozen holes in them either)
15. I like the racks better(front I mean)


BTW: I almost didn't make it home one time because of those bolt on wheels. I had put wd40 on the threads and they had lossend up on me. Lucky my freind's house was on the way home and I was able to tighten the bolts there

 

I like the old 99 graphics better for some reason, but the 01 are much better than the 00. Just about everything you said is a plus though. I like the old front rack better, especially with the rack extension I have on mine. The dash setup is ok, but I think somebody said you can't replace the LED lights when they go out. Not sure about that. I would think you could replace anything. The gas tank is a big improvement. No more noisy guage.

 

Boner:
Meant to tell you, great site! You guys have definately got some nice machines!

 

The funny thing about my site is that both the HOnda 300 owners were looking into Arctic Cat 500's them selves.

Mud was suposed to get a 2001 monday, but his mother decided last minite that she would not co-sign for him(he's 17).

The_law looked at the Cat, but decided that he wants the Sportsman 500 HO.

Andy you might want to talk to The_law, since you are both looking at the same bike. The_law has been talking to about 7 people that are also looking into the Sportsman 500 HO.

 

I called 10 dealerships today about the Sportsman. Everywhere from Mena, AR to Neosho, MO. Half had them in and half didn't. Best price was a weekend deal in Neosho, $6250 but I'm not buying one that soon. Worst was like $7000. There were two close ones that have it for $6500 and thats probably about it. I then went to the screw you dealership and sat there while a guy tried to tell me that none of the improvements to the 2001 models were noticeable. He hadn't even ordered any HO's yet. I hate that guy. About as big a jerk as they come. He had his closeout 2000's for $6100 but that was after the $200 off or a winch thing. The other salesman probably would have quoted me $6100 and a winch. Nothing like a loser trying to talk you out of something that he has never even seen.

 

Sorry to ruin your day, but my new 2001 500 gas guage is noisy as hell. I don't have a '99 to compare it with, but I guarantee yours can't be much worse. Other than that I can't see much wrong with my new ride.