Brother-in-law has a SP 500 EFI this machine is a beast in the mud and rides like a luxury car IMO. Its a great bike I like it, it has more than enough power for just about anything. He rides it all the time and never had a problem with it except when we went into some really deep mud holes and got water in the belt drive for the tranny. Slipped like crazy until we tilted the bike and let it drain. That was just minor in comparison. Its a really reliable bike.

 

you want to rmeber that a sportsman isnt the fastest out there, when comparing it to a dirt bike so if speed is your thing then maybe a scramble or a 2x4 pedrator even better. as far as the 500 goes its a very proven plateform and the scram has the same engine.

 

2001 and up is a H.O,they used the 500 Scramblers cam and carb which gave it a 10% hp boost. Some later changes for the worst for the Sportsman was,smaller gas tanks, trouble with the plastic cages in the new differential locking front ends and the ECU system does not allow the ATV to run with a dead or nearly dead battery making the pull start almost a usless feature.

When I bough my sp500 second hand I just looked at it being a H.O and looked for low miles and good condition,I turned down 2005 ATVs with higher mileage before buying a 2001 with low miles.

Don,t shy from the carb models, I start mine up in cold winter weather without a problem (See PICS) and I rode and ride with a EFI and there is no power increase or speed from what I noticed. Both accurate and top out at the same speed.

 

I HAVE AN 04 SPORTSMAN 400 AND LOVE IT I WOULD GO FOR THE 02-04 MAYBEY O5 RANGE. IN 2006 THEY DOWN SISED THE POLARIS SPORTSMAN 4OO TO A "KIDS SIZE" BEST LUCK

 

i just bought a 99 sportsman 500.. and its ****.. i had a 94 400.. I havnt hit the trails yet but i did get to push some snow around and i was able to do it in 2x4...my step dad has that 800 x2 and i think the front end or somthing looks funny like the tires are 2 small for the machine.. imo...

 

I have a 2003 500 sportsman it is a carb and it allways starts on matter how cold it has gotton i live in central ontario it rides awsom

 

I just bought a 2008 Sportsman 500 HO for $4780 new(http://www.pelhampowersports.c...ustomperformance.htm)

there are a lot of good deals out there now if you look for them. I agree that the EFI has better throttle response and will do better at different altitudes but if you are just looking for a solid machine for a good price you cant beat the deals on the 08 500 HO that are out there now. This is my 3rd Polaris and for an all around midsized utility you cant beat them.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: sheepdogMSP8117

The 500 has a solid engine, and I like EFI better than my carb model. Both have their advantages. The engine is made by Fuji (Subaru) and has a great reputation. Look for a clean, preferable one-owner ATV.</end quote></div>

Actually polaris makes there own power plants at there engine shop in minnesota there was just a show about that and polaris not to long ago on fishers atv world and on dirt trax which is on the outdoor channel on mondays during the winter dirt trax turns to snow trax though. I have a 04 sportsman 700 efi and i luvv it never any problems. I think you'll love that 500 its a good solid machine.

 

I have owned three Sportman 500s and we have owned 7 as a family. All were 500s and they all exceeded expectations. Buy 2001 or newer to ensure you get the 500HO.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Blackthunder700

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: sheepdogMSP8117



The 500 has a solid engine, and I like EFI better than my carb model. Both have their advantages. The engine is made by Fuji (Subaru) and has a great reputation. Look for a clean, preferable one-owner ATV.</end quote></div>



Actually polaris makes there own power plants at there engine shop in minnesota there was just a show about that and polaris not to long ago on fishers atv world and on dirt trax which is on the outdoor channel on mondays during the winter dirt trax turns to snow trax though. I have a 04 sportsman 700 efi and i luvv it never any problems. I think you'll love that 500 its a good solid machine.</end quote></div>
Not true. Olny the twin engines are made by Polaris. The 2 strokes and 4 strokes up to the new XP550 are made by Fugi.