I am looking to buy a used Sportsman. My question is, what is the first year that they put the 500 HO motor into a sportsman??

I want a 500, but I want the HO motor.

Also, how can you tell by looking if the motor is an HO?

Thanks

 

I think it was 2002 models, but be sure you check before because some were regular 500's and others were the HO's that year. After that year they all went to the HO motor.

 

It will say 500 HO on the side. I believe that it was an optionid 01 (dont quote me) and that they were all HO's in 02

 

2001 was the first year for the HO....I owned one and totaled it. It will have 500 H.O. on the emblem on the gas tank. Great machine! The 2002 and the 2001s are identical and the 2003 had Rawhide tires.