Does anyone know if there is any significant differences in the 97,98,99 or 2000 Sportsman 500's. I am looking to purchase one, and when I find a good deal in one of the years mentioned, I'm buying. Thanks for any replies.

 

Some of the years were offered standard with the EBS system while other years it was an option. I think they also reduced the number of grease zerks from 36 down to 24. I think they also changed the frame itself. Other than that I don't think too many changes happened.

 

For the years you mentioned the engine was the same. The rear brake in the early years was a problem but solved it with the 98 model. 98 was the last year they used U joints in the rear driveshafts, 99 and later they used CV joints. This change reduced the number of grease zerks by 4. Some changes were made to the radiator over the years but I don't know the details. I believe it was 2000 model when the tie-rod ends were upgraded to Heim joints.
Anybody wishes to add more, be my guest.)

 

99 and up have CV joints in the rear axles instead of U-joints. This is a BIG improvement, as the u-joints were trouble prone unless you were VERY GOOD with the maintanence. I believe they also changed the radiator somehow in 99, but am not sure
in 2000, they made EBS standard, and upgraded the tie rod ends.
Better brakes in 98 or 99.
Somewhere in there they upgraded the electrical connections to waterproof connectors sealed with rubber gaskets instead of plain spade connectors. This may have been done by 97, but can't say for sure. A quick look will tell you this.