Here is my deal. I own a Kaw Bayou and Honda Fourtrax. Both are great bikes but I am ready for something more powerful and a lot more comfortable to ride. I can not afford a new one, so i am going to sell both of my existing bikes and hope to have enough for a used Sportsman. I know this topic has probably been discussed a lot in the past but i only found a couple of posts.

Here is what I would like to know. I understand 1998 is the first year for the 4x4 sportsman. What are the trouble points? I have heard from a good source that they have trouble with the drive shaft or axle but were improved for 1999, is there anything else? Also, what upgrades were made between 1998 and 1999 or 2000? Would I be much better off waiting for a 1999 model than buying this 1998? The 1998 is a fair price but certainly not a steal. It is $4000 which is avg retail. It has low miles with 850.

I know very little about he polaris line so anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

 

The Sportsman 500 was introduced in 1996. Your good source is definitely right about the drive shaft problem. I own a 96 and have had more trouble with the U-joints and shafts on the rear than anything else. I am not sure but I believe they made the change to CV joints in the rear on the 99 models. At that price I would not consider purchasing that bike. Polaris has poor resale value and I could not see putting that much into a three year old bike. If the bike is in mint condition I might go $3500, but I think you would be better off to try to find a bike with the CV's in the rear. You may even be able to get a better price than that. I may be wrong about the year they made the change and it could have been a mid year change. The EBS came out standard in 98 as did the rear hydraulic brake, but my friend has a very early 98 with the hydraulic brake but no EBS. I like my Polaris and intend to buy the new 700 or whatever it is as soon as it comes out, but I have had a lot of trouble out of mine and would be skeptical of a used machine. There are a lot more things to go wrong on a 500 than on a Honda. I have given you my honest opinion and hope it helps you make a decision.

 

The rear drive change was made in late '98 models. So it is possible to have a 98 and still get CV joints instead of U-joints. other than that Mike500 has everything else pretty much covered. If you buy it good luck, I have nothing but good to say about mine or anyone else we ride with.

 

Tealboy,
you are buying a used quad. 850 miles means nothing, unless you know the owner. It is very simple to disconnect a speedo. It is very risky to buy a used quad from a stranger...just my experiance and opinion.
I abused my SP 500 and have no troubles, so far. 4000 miles 99 model.Proper maintenance, though.
Joe

 

If you DO go with the '98 (or any Sportsman without rear CV joints) jack up the rear end every now and again and check the rear U joints for any play. If you feel ANY play at all in any joint, replace BOTH joints on that shaft, and maybe all 4. They aren't that expensive, and aren't that hard to do, but they have a NASTY habit of breaking shortly after they get any play in them. I think they somehow hammer out every time you hit a bump, and sooner or later, you will hit a big bump, or land off of a small jump or such, and BANG!, and there you sit. The CV joints are aBIG improvement. Don't get me wrong, the U joints are strong enough, just be sure to check them often and replace them as soon as you feel any play.

 

According to the May 2001 issue of Dirt Wheels, the 1998 SP500 has a WHOLESALE price of $3950 and a RETAIL price of $5135. Not much depreciation for a 3 year old bike that sold new for $7000.

 

$3,950 is definately not wholesale. That is every bit of retail. In fact, NADA values the bike at $3,950 as avg retail and based on what i have seen in the market, it is a fairly realistic value. I have determined the 1998 I am looking at is worth the $4000 but it is nothing special, simply fair retail value. I do know the owner, which is why i can't offer him $3700-3800 for it. He has used it for riding around the hunting property. Occassionally riding thru water when the property gets wet but never any mud. Water is probably worse. It has been covered but left outside. Maintenance is questionable. He probably changed the oil regularly but little lubing. I guess 1998's don't have hour meters so i don't know how many hours, but miles are 850. I suspect it has around 85 hours on it.

Based on the above feedback, i am going to look at it again, more seriously, this weekend. I will inspect the rear U joints based on your comments. I will inspect for play. I looked at two others today. Both 2000 models. One for $5000, the other for $4800. Both with about 600 miles. One was red, which is not my favorite color for a sportsman. Both of these are better values since avg retail for a 2000 is $5200, but i really don't have $4800, I have about $3800 to spend.

 

Farmr123 -

Could you describe in detail how you replace the rear U joints?

I'm not sure if our 98 sportsmans U joints are getting bad (haven't lifted and checked), but when compressing the rear suspension on the right side, it gives out a creeking, popping noise. When the U joint's pivot is aligned with the axle, it really doesn't make the noise. I'm thinking that might be the problem - but haven't ruled out the bushings yet...

Thanks,
ogre

 

Tealboy,
a brand new SP 400 is about 5600. I heard that there's NO noticable difference between SP400 and SP 500......? I think they will be very close bikes...
Joe

 

Mike500,
The reason why your friend has a early model '98 without EBS is because EBS did not come out until the late model '98's, i have a August'98 issue of Dirtwheels when they first tested the new EBS equipped Sportsman!!!!
And my friend purchased one of the late model '98 or either and early '99 in the same month of August and it had EBS!!!!

Peace Out dude!!!!