I've got a 2010 500ho and really like it (recovering honda addict) and am looking at a 1998 500ho, what are the main differences other than the plastics that I will notice? top speed, power, steering??? anything to look for?? thanks for all input.

 

first of all the 98 is "not" an HO. the awd set up is totally differnt as well. the 98 will most likely go a little slower lacking a little less hp form the HO. the 98's or that year range had (some did) cam issues as well wearing the lobes off causing running issues. the awd button is differnt as well as the awd is run through the speedo as well. i'm sure there is a bunch more i'm forgetting that other can fill in.

 

Ok what I was wanting to hear. Thanks

 

IIRC there is 1.5" less travel on the front suspension.
They don't steer as easy.
15-20% less HP.

 

If you can afford it bypass the 98 model and jump to at least an 01-04 model! LOT less problems! OPT

 

The first SP500 H.O was in 2001. Polaris then put the 500 Scrambler,s larger 40mm carb (was a 34mm) and higher duration cam. changed from 28hp to 35hp they say.

Polaris AWD system all run through the speedo since the first digital speedo in 1998 or 1999, not sure that was a good move. We smashed the cable speedo off our 97 Sportsman 500 yet still had AWD ,that cant happen now.

I have the first 2001 500H.O Sportsman and I rode and ride with much newer Sportman 500s , no speed/power deference to speak of.
There are even a few things I like better about the older 500s, no ECM bain box,or weaker plastic roller cage,stronger alloy oil tank vs plastic and much larger gas tank. 5.2 gal vs 4.1gal and the new ones have a much cheaper front bumper.
Not sure if the newer 500H.O has EBS engine braking anylonger.

Look at the these owner reports vs the newer ones http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...e.asp?veh=2172

now
http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...asp?veh=143274

 

I can't remember all the changes that happened in '01 or '04.5 but one of those was when the front suspension changed from 6.7" to 8.2" travel. I think it was when they came out with the H.O.. Besides a way bigger carb and different cam it also had a different air box and from what I heard the clutching is different. I had an '01 and it was way better than my '97. I put a set of Goodyear Mud Runners on it and it could go just about anywhere. I wouldn't buy anything older than an '01 unless it was really cheap.

 

Yeah I may wait on a later model

 

01 was the 1st year of the H.O. 2005 was the 1st year of the longer travel front suspension

 

i like the composite oil tank better, doesnt rust. i'll take the storage, looks, and better suspension anyday over a pre 05. in 04.5 they also changed the clutching for more acceleration which results in a slightly slower top speed