I own a 2001 Scrambler 500 4x4 and find the suspension to be very rough. I enjoy the speed and the power to slide it around. The fenders don't offer much protection from the elements. I was looking into buying a 500 Sportsman but I'm not sure how it will handle when I ride it hard. Can you slide a sportsman? Do you think that I would regret buying a Sportsman? Thanks

 

You can slide an SP but it's more difficult with the IRS.....and the ride is completely different than what you're used to.....when I rode a buddy's SP500 I felt like I was going to roll it over on me.....the IRS is just something you have to get used to and from watching him on rough stuff it's a great system.

They have lots of ground clearance as well.

 

I am thinking about going from my Sportsman to a Scrambler, I used to have a 2000 400 4x4, and I miss the sporty ride of the Scrambler. The Sportsman has great ground clearance and is great in the mud, but I think the Scrambler is a great compromise between sport and utility. just my $.02!!!!!

 

You can get some Fox or Works struts with HSP duel rate springs and have your rear shock PEP revalved and you will be happier with the ride. You can also get some fender extensions to protect you more