I have owned three Sportsman 500s and now I am considering a 700. I found a clean Mossy Oak 700 (2004) for a good price and I am considering purchasing. I recently purchased an 04 500 for the wife and I am considering a 700 for me.

What are the common problems with the 700?

I know it does not have a pull starter but I have rarely used the one on the 500. Has anyone missed the pull rope?

 

didnt the 04's have alot of recalls?

 

The 04 models should be pretty safe. The 02-03 models were the kinda first year get all the bugs out models. 2004 and up for the most part should be ok from my experiences

 

I have an 06 and love it, plenty of power and rides great. I traded a Yamaha Kodiak 450 for it and have never regreted it.

 

One of my friends has a 700 and never does any maintenance. As far as I know the only problem was a broken bolt on the back of one of the right rear A-arms.

 

I love my 04 700. I built a set of jumper cables that I keep in the tool box. I have never used the rope on my 500. I have had lots of trouble with my 06 500.

 

We just purchased a 2004 700 and a 1999 500. The 700 is a big bike with a lot of power when riding this and switching back to the 500 it makes it seem small. We have enjoyed both the only thing negative compared to the 500 is the fuel consuption. We have no regrets as of yet.

Good luck.

 

i love both of my 04 bikes no problems so far

 

I love my 700 Sportsman! Very reliable bike.

You didn't specify if the one you are looking at is EFI or not, also I'm pretty sure there was a midyear change in 2004 with the early ones being different body style than the 2004.5 models.

I've never had a time when I needed to have a pull starter, although I do carry jumper cables just in case.

TB

 

ya sry i shouldve said mine is a EFI but my
600 same yr is carb but i love both of my bikes
wouldnt trade either one