I would also add that the stiffer suspension of the 700 makes it feel less tippy. The front end does not dive as hard in high speed corners under braking. I do feel that the rawhide will "push" a little more though. I think it feels lighter on the trail than the 500. The extra power is enough to carry the front end over pudles and ruts. This thing will wheelie in low range with no problem. Water pump seal has been addressed on latest build machine, Non-isuue now.

 

Peccavi,

Can you tell me what they did to solve the problem on the water pumps? Did they just use a better seal, or did they redesign the whole water pump?

Just curious. Thanks.

 

From what I understand there were two problems with the water pump. Early in the model year they were replacing the water pump cover and there may have been a modification to the o-ring type seal on the cover. The second problem was debris entering through the weep hole and causing physical damage to the seal. Dealers were instructed to place a dab of grease over the weep hole to prevent contamination but still allow draining if a seal failure occured. I have not heard any recent reports of coolant leaks on any machine built after May. I know at the end of April there was a hold up in shipping of new machines... rumor was it was to "address issues." Who knows though...

 

I own a sp700 and both son's own 02 sp 500's. BUY THE SP500. The 500 has all the power you'll ever need and their a lot more dependable. I saw an 02 sp500 at the dealer the other day, spruce green, oil fill in the new location, rawhide tires, chrome wheels, red a-arms and springs. 5499.00. He had 3 of them.I came within a whisker of trading my 700 but he wanted $500.00 and my 700.00. Not a good deal. The 700 is a gas guzzling PIG. But than, it is a little faster. Just my opinion.

 

How much faster is the 700? Is it low end or top end? Prices on the 500HO sure are tempting.

 

Very Picky,

What dealer did you see that at? I just might check that out.

 

OffRder15
The dealer was BAIRS, North Canton, Ohio. 1-800-526-2247. You better hurry! That was about 2 weeks ago and they only had 3 of them. They also had a Freedom edition that I believe they wanted 6699.00 for. Freedom had the same extra's (rawhides etc.) but I'm not sure if the freedom had the new oil fill location. I'm pretty sure that they are selling the 700's for 6999.00.

 

Invoice price on the SP700 is approximately $6100. I checked it out a while ago but do not remember the exact amount. But here in ND/MN, you can get a SP700 for $6,319 out the door excluding tax. Have a nice day!

Daryn

 

My brother bought a 700 and I had the chance to ride it quite a bit.
When we drag raced 2 differant 700 Sportmans against the 500HO, (all stock except one of the 700's had an aftermarket secondary clutch) the 700 was slightly faster, but not by more then a quad length.
It is a classy ride, the Auto type key starting is cool, the ride is realy abought as good as you can buy, and overall I realy liked it.
But if you can buy a 500HO for any nears $1000 less than a 700 Sportsman, IMHO it is the better deal.
The 500HO has all the bugs worked out, is basically as fast as the 700, and is the more proven full size 4X4.
If the $1000 matters at all, its the better buy to me.

 

For me personally its all value for the dollar. The SP500 HO is a better value compared to the SP700. And its proven beyond a doubt except to the pesimestic few.