I have a local body shop that I work with that has an older 500 for sale. Not sure what year, but it doesn't have a digital odometer. Has about 3000 miles and was bought from a local salvage yard and fixed up. The owner said he replaced all axles and I noticed one of the rear "knuckles" has been broken, but doesn't look like it will affect the ride. Can anyone narrow down the year based on the non-digital odometer? I think it's a sportsman, but not sure. I do know it has IRS all around. I could get it for around 2k. Haven't driven it yet, but will look into it and was wanting some opinions. How are the belt driven vs. shaft driven Honda's? I'm not afraid to work on it and would expect it to need a little TLC. Can the belts be changed on the trail? Do the belts tend to slip in water? Can the case be sealed? I just rebuilt a 91' Honda Fourtrax top to bottom, but am not familier w/ Polaris. Anything to look for when I test drive it? How many miles are "high miles" for Polaris? I know it's a lot of questions, but looking for any help, thanks!

 

WELL most likely it is a sportsman due to the IRS. Although polaris did make an explorer 500 in 1997 with IRS but it did have a speedo on it. And I believe all sportsman 500's came with a speedo that had the little OD below it digitally. Just an idea.

 

just post the vin# and we can tell you what year it is. if you have the right toos(sockets and extentions) you could change the belt on the trail and the case should be water proof so that water doesnt get on the belt but can be sealed if need be.

 

So I looked a bit closer today at this sportsman. Owner bought from a buddy, unsure year model. It has Ujoints rather than CV axles, but is IRS. Other than dead battery, started right up. Drove fine, no smoke at initial start. Odometer shows 3400 miles. Has trip odo under spedo. Brakes work, engine doesn't bog. Sounds like a Polaris! Has new axles all the way around. One wheel is dinged on the inside edge, no big deal. Seat has dry-rotted, will need slip on cover or new seat. Has lots of trim screw loose, but all stuff I can fix up myself.
W/ a solid engine, good axles, all working parts, would $2500 be too much? He just replaced the belt also. Was the original one before he got it. If I go for it, I'll offer 2k, but may be well worth 2500. Give me some opinions and what else to look for on an older sportsman. Thanks
Oh, yeah, It will need new tires...If I get it, I'll go for some nice mudders!!

 

If I had 2k to spend I would look for something newer.The old style Ujoints cause alot of trouble.If you want an older machine go with a solid axle like the 400 Sportsman/Explorer or a 425/500 Magnum

 

Maybe snap a pic....might help identifying it....

John

 

Check the 10th digit of the VIN HERE instead of posting it for the whole world to see.

 

What was bad about the Ujoints?
I noticed they are greaseable. I have greaseable joints on my Tacoma driveshaft and have never had to replace a Ujoint w/ 267k miles! I keep them greased up needless to say. May not be as good as CV's, but Atlease you can add grease when needed and have visible access to check for problems.
Assuming it's a 97-98, what other issues did they have? Will the belt case need to be vented higher for water crossings? Can I permanantly override the reverse override button?

 

Polaris had issues with the yokes wallering out along with the Ujoints wearing out even with grease zerks.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: 12guns


W/ a solid engine, good axles, all working parts, would $2500 be too much? He just replaced the belt also. Was the original one before he got it. If I go for it, I'll offer 2k, but may be well worth 2500. </end quote></div>

Not sure what part of the country you are in but a new, 2008 SP 500 EFI can be had for $4990. Based upon that alone it sounds like $2500 for this used machine might be high.