Does anyone know if the 2001 sportsman (500 HO) recoil starter interchange with the 2006 sportsman (500 HO)??????

I've verified the part numbers but they don't seem to match up. I've seen both bikes and they seem almost identical though.

I'm looking to replace my 2001 recoil starter with a used one but the only one I found was for a 2006.

 

you checked the pn#'s and they were the same? if so then it should bolt right on. i dont think they have changed the engine in those years but i could be wrong.

 

i just checked and thier differnt part numbers. so they wouldnt fit.