i have just started looking at atvs. not interested in new ones at this time. polaris seems to be a good choice. what is the major differences between the sportsman and explorer models...1996 thru 2002. if anyone can summarize?

 

We have a 97 Sportsman 500 and a 2001 Sportsman500. The major differences I can see is the 97 has U joints rather than CV joints and the steering geometry was changed some way making the steering abit easier. The 2001 is a H.O 500 motor meaning it has the 500 scrambler's large 40mm carb and High duration Cam. In the real world the My H.O only seems quicker in the higher rpms.

Our 97 can easily get 100+ miles to a tank while the H.O is about 85 miles.

 

im pretty sure the xplore has a straight axle swing arm while sportsmans are irs.

 

The Xporers also use the 400 2 stroke motor and the 500 4 stroke? The 500 was a Straight axle without the top pod head light. The 400 had the pod and was also a straight axle.

Xplorer specs

 

What do you plan on doing with this ATV.........Work ,trail riding,hunting,fishing.....etc.....
Do you have a good back........Is soft ride important to you?........Will you be plowing snow with it?....................Caper.........

 

mostly farm related work. fix pasture fence, ck fields, pull kids on sled in snow, let my 11 yr ride in the pasture on hills.