I was thinking of trading up my 00 Sp 500 for a 05 Sp 500 ho. Besides the body change should I expect a big difference in the ride?

 

I think my 02 (like your 00) rode just as well as my 07 (like the 05). I loved that 07 500, just that the 500's have that engine noise that drove me nutz.

 

The HO vs non HO is like a V6 vs. a V8. The HO is a world of difference + the brakes are better (braded brake lines).

 

If I have the years figured out right you can expect it to steer a lot easier and have better suspension too.

 

i think they use the same struts up front(not sure unless i researched it) but the biggest change is the front awd system as you have hubs that lock in and the newer ones have the internal roller cage set up. personally i almost think the old systems are better or al least not as easy to break. imo.

 

Your old Sportsman had a 5+ gal fuel tank. The new 500EFI only has 4gal.

Your old SP rear fenders rattle like a sob, but the new ones are re-designed and much quieter. Headlights are much brighter to.

The seat on the new SP is MUCH wider than your old seat for some reason. (most like it, some don't)

The front storage is a big plus imo.

Not once have I ever regretted the jump from the old to the new!

As for ride, they feel the same but the new one feels heavier. Maybe beef-up those front shocks for a better ride/steering.

 

The biggest differences is power. the 500 H.O motor did not come in the sportsman until 01, is just the addition of a larger carb and high duration cam from the Scrambler.

The front suspension is taller, and the front wheel drive is engaged at the differential not the two hubs. Not sure it was a goog change, also the gas tank is smaller which was another change for the worst.

Alot less grease fitting to deal with is nice though.

The rest is pretty well just plastic cosmetic changes.