This may be a stupid question, and I have both models, but what is the difference between a Sportsman and an Xplorer in the 97-99 era?

Thanks.

JB

 

is the xplorer a irs like the sportsman?

 

the headlight pod is on the sportsman and the explorer doesnt have it

 

I think the main differences were that the Xplorer was a solid axle with a chain drive. Similar in the front end with Mcpherson struts. The Sportsman has independent rear with a gear box instead of a chain. I don't think the Sportsman ever had a 2 stroke??? Anyone??? The Xplorer had either a 250cc-2 stroke, a 400cc-2 stroke, or a 300cc- 4stroke. Not sure if it had any other engines or not. Not sure what the Sportsman of the era had.

 

our xplorer was irs and 500cc, identical to the sportsman cept the headlight pod

 

I guess I learn something new everytime I come on here!