I did it. I bought a 00 SP 500 in yellow today. got a good deal. $5800. Considerd a 01 but best I could find was $600 more. It was hard enough to get wife to let me get one I was'nt going to push my luck.

I got a rear cargo bag, front tube bumper and a waren winch for it. I am going to install everything myself. I have two friends with one so I should be able to get a good idea how the winch is mounted. If anybody has any sugestion, feel free to offer. I'll take all the help I can get.

 

me being one of your friends with the same machine, just thought i will let you know that it is a warn winch not a waren. lol, feel free to look at mine to get any ideas. cant wait to ride together.

 

what is rltw?

 

Careful when you install the winch along with the front tubular bumper... I got the winch included with mine and bought the bumper later. It turns out that if you want to mount both, there is a special steel plate you have to use in order for the winch to fit with the bumper properly. You may be in for a little more headache than you bargained for. It looks GREAT when you get it installed though, I can e-mail you a pic if you like...

 

i looked at that 500 at town & country when i got mine. sharp quad, great price. have fun.

 

Suggestions? ………… Yep, have fun and don’t over drive it. You can take a Sportsman just about anywhere and I have tried. It is truly a 4 season fun machine (even though I told the wife it was a utility vehicle for work). As for the winch I never thought I would need one until my brother in-law pulled me out of headlight deep mud with his winch equipped Sportsman!

I also have the Yellow (2001) with front and back double tube bumpers. I still don’t have the winch but I did get the front bumper made for it. I have also put on the Polaris giant rear cargo box, Black Hand guards and a mirror. After turning 40 (a few years ago) and a lifetime of dirt/street bikes, Banshees and Scramblers I tried a Sportsman and I have never been happier.

I am sure there will be those who will tell you about how their type of ATV is faster, quicker or can jump higher. Believe me once you spend time on the Sportsman you will know you made the right choice.

Have fun and ride Safe

Mark

 

Do you 2 NH boys ride the rockingham county trails?

 

My friend does. He can ride to the trail from his house in kingston. He rides with his brother alot who also has a sportsman. I will proberly go there tommorow as it is only a few minuets ride.