I see in some post that the year models are 4.5 or 5.5 what gives how do you tell if it is a .5 model
Are there factory changes in a .5 ?

Thanks, in advance

 

there were changes to the sportsman line up in 2004 2004.5 and 2005those are the only half year models i know of..

 

The 04.5 4-500's have a park position on the gearshift. My understanding is the their drive train is more closely related to the '05's than the '04's. The '05's ride is much better than any before it.

 

2004.5 updates include the inboard hubs ( a front gearcase rather than the wheel-mounted hubs)
electronic gas guage
A few minor other changes, including wiring and the like.

2004 was the only model year that had a late-model revision that I know of (recently)