I'm looking at getting a new ride this spring. After lots of thought and mental debate, the SP500ho is in the lead. (thanks to a good deal from a local dealer) I was wanting to know about major changes between 2000 and current 500's. I know about the HO, steering, and some cosmetics. Is there anything else? I've spent alot of time on a 2000 sp, and seen almost everthing that could go wrong on these, but it seems the newer ones don't have alot of the problems that the older ones did. Is this true? Right now price is playing the biggest deciding factor, and the sp is pushing that. Some of the machines I was looking at were the Bigbear, 400i, 500i, Prairie 360, 425 Polaris, and sp400 & 500. The bigbear is by far the cheapest, and the sp's are the most exspensive. I just wanted to get a feel to see if people think that Polaris have gotten rid of some of the bugs they were pluaged with a few years ago. Also, would it be bad for a Yahama guy to buy a Polaris? lol!!!

 

I've had my 01' HO since May and it now has 650 miles on it. Not one thing has gone wrong on it. So I consider it a very good machine. Just my 2 cents.

 

The brakes and a better waterproofing on the pvt, get one you won`t be sorry.

 

I recently purchased an '02 HO. I believe you and Toby1 have identified the differences. There was also a change from u-joints to cv joints (supposedly stronger) in the rear at some point, but they may have had those already on the 2000 model.

I can say this thing has great power and traction and is super comfortable (due to both the suspension and a plush seat). I can tell you that on the trails I ride on the ground clearance is defintely a major plus. It seems like a pretty well built machine.

From what I have read they do seem to have corrected most of the past problems.

Toby1 - I checked out your pics. The HO looks great in sliver with the chrome rims and rawhides. If you don't mind me asking, how much extra did they cost?

 

I bought a new '02 sportsman x in early December. It now has about 300 miles on it without any problems. This is strange considering on its first outing "I" sunk it up to the handlebars in a small pond. ( What can I say. It was getting dark and it didn't look that deep) No problems with the belt either. Just drained the water out, put a new plug in and she started right up and I rode it about 40 miles the next day. My buddy has an '01 with about 1600 miles on it and he has had no major problems that I know of. Most of the people complaining about the belts must not be using low range. I pulled 2 trees out of my yard and never hinted at smoking the belt. In low range, if it won't move it, it's going to spin!!!!!!

 

I believe the U-joint to CV joint upgrade came in 99.

As far as the silver Sportsmans go, my dealer is asking $200 more than a regular H.O. I love how it looks!