The local Polaris dealer near me has a '00 Sportsman 500 non H.0. for sale and I was wondering if it would be worth it to find one with an H.O. engine. I know that the obvious differences are that the H.O. has a bigger carb and a different cam.
So, has anyone ridden them both? What are the characteristics of both? I plan on doing light farm work and quite a bit of ditch and gravel road riding. Any replies are appreciated.

 

I had each of them. The HO is more powerful but not to the extent that you would go WOW! I use to sell an HO kit, carb, cam and the stuff to make them work for less than $400 so if you can buy a non HO for a good price you can always up grade it.

 

ive got a 2000 sportsman 500 and a 2001 sportsman 500 HO. chopperbill is right there isnt a big wow factor between the two. the HO is noticibly faster on top end and a little more torquey. i slipped an AAEN HO update cam in my 2000. it made a noticible diffrence on throttle response and a little on top end the ho is still a bit faster but not by much. Next im going to do a carb, K&N and rejet. All in all im happy with both if you could find a 500 HO for a couple hundred more i would say get it but their is nothing wrong with the non ho's either.

 

I have a 2000 non and 2003 HO.
The non has started first time and every time. I use it hard, pulling , used to snow polw with it and polw gravel.

The 2003 HO starts harder fouls plugs and needs to be road fast to keep it clean.

They are both great machines but my 2000 would be my choice , 2003 is faster at top end.

I not sure but I think the 2000 is geared lower too.

 

Wow factor................? The 2001 and up HO has a heck of a lot more then a motor upgrade!!!!! Look up some of the reviews on the first HO.s and what was upgraded. I know when I bought mine (500 HO) back in October 2000 I had both to look at and like I said its more then motor. Like better brakes and rotors, new steering post and bushing (not plastic and rivot!) braided break lines not rubber, side cover sealed better and more. The short of it, its faster, turns better and stops better. Other then that the plactic is the same! As for making a non HO motor into a HO for under $400? I seem to remember this coming up when they first came out. I think it is more then just a cam and carb maybe someone else can chime in with that.

As for my HO it had 3700 miles on it when I upgraded it to the 04.5 700 I have now. After 1700 mile I can say as for the WOW Factor the 700 is not that big of a deal over the 500 Ho. I plan on going back to the 500 on the next round. Note my ATV's are stock except for the K&N air filters they both have shared! I trail ride so I dont buy or need pro race parts!

Hope this can help

MARK

 

than not then