I would like to know what to expect. If you have had no trouble let me know that also. Maybe we can help each other by fixing a potential problem before it happens.

Greg

 

Greg,

BTW, if you don't mind me asking, what did you have to give for your new sp500?

 

gregsims....i have a 2000 sportsman 500 with 28in vamps on front...27x12x12 on back,liftkit front and rear...highlifter h.p. kit...1.5in spacers front and back...steering dampner...skid plate...clutch kit... and some other small mods...i have about 600 hard miles on it and no problems with it at all...one thing i did notice different from my 99 is that the radiator fan likes to come on quite a bit more...but my friends 2000 does the same thing he hasn't had any problems with his but he is completle stock.i suppose after saying this i'll start having problems this weekend ...maintenance is the key and from your other post you don't sound like you have a problem with that.

 

700 miles and zero troubles. Mine is bone stock but bigger beefier tires are in my VERY near future. Had a 500 miles service and everything is still in great condition.

 

I am asking this question because I hear so much talk from Honda riders about the reliability factor of the SP500. This happens to be the only come-back to a humiliating defeat. I know the older models would occasionally go through rear u-joints, fans, water pumps, and some had belt leakage problems. All of which is managable, and not a decision making factor when buying a machine as awesome as the SP500. But the new SP500 has corrected most of these problems with a fully sealed fan, composite belt cover on late 2000 models, and CVs on the rear, and we now know why the water pumps were going out and solved that problem. The motor and transmissions have always been solid. So what is the reliability problems now. I havn't heard of one broken rear CV joint. I haven't heard of one of the new seal fans go out. And people that have taken precautions with their water pumps aren't likely to have problems with it either.

So if you have problems with a late Model 2000 SP500, lets hear it.

Greg

 

I think any problems have been corrected, mine is awesome, so far it has been a perfect atv. My dealer is excited about them, lots of good feedback from owners. The Honda guys might not be the best source for other brands reliability. From what i hear from owners of older Sportsmans the break downs are way over blown.

 

Greg I have two 00 500SP and no troubles here.I think you put your finger on the main POLARIS problem when you said That HONDA riders where complaining about problems.It's not the Polaris guys that ride them that complain but as you said the HONDA guy's.I had a 96/2-98's that were stolen.and a 99 with no trouble and we ride them hard.CM