I believe in 2001 they came out with the HO 500. I had a 2000 and then bought a 2002 and I know that was an HO. The ho did seem to have more power to me. Basically they put the scrambler motor in the sportsman chassis and called it an ho. It is up to you. They have the same motor if you get the ho so the scrambler will be faster because it is lighter weight. However when the going gets ruff the sportsman will shine, more ground clearance, and a low range. I have always liked the utility more than sport so I choose sportsman. Go ride a scrambler and an ho sportsman and see which you like more.

Or plan B keep your 99 and keep saving money for a big bore 4x4 and have the best of both worlds.

 

The '03 is an H.O. so it has 15-20% more power than the '99. It makes a difference you can feel.

 

When I'm not thrashing on my RZR I have a 2010 Scrambler 500 HO and love it! Great combo of sport/awd. It's a blast to hit the trails/mud on and I added the rear rack and lock-n-ride rear box is on the way to carry essentials.

 

Get a 400 4x4 2 stroke if you want raw power.. Will extra money off of the 2,500 to lay with also. I had a 04 700 efi polaris and cat 650 v2 and honestly the 95 and 02 scramblers 2 strokes i have now are way more fun all the way around and i plow with the 02.

 

I'm 36 own 02,95 scramblers and a 99 400ex Honda now just to let you know.

 

im not getting a two stroke

 

To each his own good luck with your purchase. Not everyone can handle the two strokes raw power .

 

My edge x gets my adrenaline going enough

 

i really think it's a choice thaty only you can really make for your self. speaking from my 120 lb wife and her having a trailblazer(same plateform as the scrambler)and then buying her a sportsman 450(pretty much the same as the 500 or 600) and her not liking it and then going to an 08' sportsman 400 HO(same as a hawkeye) she really didn't feel comfortable on these and wants the lighter feeling like she had. so my next bike for her is going to be a scrambler 500. has awd and plenty of power but still able to play harder and not feel over welhed w/ the extra weight. good luck on your choice.

 

Ya Im more of a mustang gt or ford mud truck guy so definitely different. heck my bros 02 gt has my kenne bell and stroker motor. Its whatever makes you smile that matters..