I have recently added a 97 Sportsman 500 to my collection a couple of weeks ago. Didnt run when I picked it up, got it going been riding no major problems so far,changing boot on front axle that I noticed had ripped. So far I love this thing.

 

We have one, remember to grease the rear axle;s U-joints alot because that year did not have maintenance free boot covered CV joints like they have now.