I have a few questions.

First, why did Polaris take off the back rack extender on the HO?

How does the steering geometry of the H.O. compare to the older Sportsman 500's? Is it noticeably better?

How are the new brakes, are they a big improvement?

Do the HO's turn easier with the lower steering stem bearing?

Thanks to all that reply.

 

My guess is that they took the rack extenders off to be able to keep the MSRP the same as 2000, and not cut into the profit margin. Plus, they'll get to sell 'em as an adder.

The steering is better. Though it still is alot harder to steer than other quads. Even a Grizz steers alot easier.

Dave

 

The MSRP stayed the same but the dealer’s cost went up $200-$250. Only Polaris knows why they eliminated the rack extenders. I’m still trying to figure out why they put EBS on the ’99 Mag, took it off for ’00, and put it back on for ’01 (?!?!). Is the person who decides theses things a female? (uh oh, I’ve stepped in it now!)

The new steering geometry is noticeably better. No Easy-Steer Kit needed for the HOs. The specs indicate it has a tighter turning radius as well as easier steering. Bottom line is it turns easier and the parts are stronger with less flex and potential breakage.

The brakes are much improved too. The steel braided lines don’t expand like the old “rubber” ones giving the brakes far better response and feel. Don’t know about the claimed improved pad life yet. We only have about 800 miles on our HOs since September.

We noticed the increased fuel consumption right away, as you’d have to expect from a bigger carb and “hungrier” motor. We often put on 80+ miles in a day’s ride. With our old SPs we’d return to camp without ever being on reserve. Can’t do that with the new ones, even after the break-in period. A 20% increase in power seems to have resulted in a 20% decrease in range. No big surprise there. Life is a compromise. We sure like the extra power though!