I notice you are all over the place in all these forums. I am looking to get a sportsman 500ho in the next month and I see you have a 97 sportsman? Just like to know what problems you have had over past few years and any helpful hints you know about for keeping a quad going strong for many years to come. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

My only promblem was I wore my pads down to nothing and ruined one of the disks,but now I have Heavy duty after market pads.When I found this forum I read of all the promblems the SP can make and where and I should pay extra attention to them.I gease the whole quad once every two weeks,but I grease the tie rod ends,rear suspension bushings and U-joints every second ride to remove any dirt and water.I keep a eye on all the fluids and change them as recomended.Thanks to this forum I found there was a 5th place to check fluids and that was the front hubs,I missed that one for a year and a half!

You should have even better luck than me with your new H.O than me.The tie rods and ends are better,the u-joints are cv joint now,the disk are harder heat treated type now,the wiring harness is better,the steering bushing is tuffer,and there are many more improvements to list.

The H.O has 20% more power,easier steering set up and Engine Braking System.This machine was made to tour the country it has the plushest ride out there and is the only Quad I know that has over a 100 mile range. This is important for me because my freinds have to bring extra gas can along for a trip and it looks like a real drag,the cooler is enough load for me.The IRS is more maintenace but as soon as you trade quads with one of your friends on a long bumpy trail ride you will find that if you do not say anything he will not want to trade back.

 

Thanks for all the info. I'm can't wait for the snow to melt and for me to have the h.o. Iv'e had honda's over the last few years and I'm ready to see how the irs really works. Come on warm weather.