Looking at a 2003 Sportsman 700. Has 91 hours, 600 miles. Price is good, and bike looks clean, origional owner.

Anything special to look for? How have these things been holding up? What kind of life can I look for on the engine/trans/driveline, etc.?

Thanks for the help in advance.

KEG

 

No opinions or any problems???

Any replys appreciated.

KEG

 

Great machines and they hold up very well. They have great power and the best ride in the utility quad class. We have 2 '04 SP 700s with just slightly over a 1000 miles on each and they both run and drive like new still.

The one problem they seem to have that was more widespread and mostly isolated to the 02 model was a leaky waterpump cover. In '03 all the 700s should have the updated cover. The other problem that some people experience is with the mechanical seal that goes around the shaft of the impeller in the waterpump. They also upgraded this mechanical seal in the later models. So, inspect the bottom of the waterpump cover for leaks. If the leak is coming from the weep hole it will be the mechanical seal.

Inspect the CV boots, tires, breaks, all bushings, check the cleanliness of the engine oil, and the overall condition of the machine.

 

with that many hours and that little miles i would say the quad has been ridden rather slowely, so it probablly hasnt been abused. if the owner doesnt mind ask him to take off the clutch cover and inspect the primary clutch and belt for wear spots.. listen to the engine run for any perticualar noises. remember sportsman engines knock rather loudly.