I was wondering when the new 2001 Sportsman will be released? Also will there be any changes to it?

 

The rumor around hear is it will be a 700 for 2001! This comes striaght from a dealership owners mouth! But, he couldn't produce anything in writing said thats what the rep told him. It would be awsome! But i'll believe it when I see it. Did notice the new sportsmans off the truck have a re-designed rear disk, its thicker and has holes drilled in it.

 

My dealer told me the same...well actually I told him and he asked me how I new that information...he seemed secretive... Plus he was the owner of the dealership...

 

I have a Sportsman that was made on 02/16, but on the title it says it's a 2001. I think it is, because it is a Ducks Unlimited one. It's the same as all my friends 99 and 2000 sportsman's, although didn't look at the rear brake that closely.

 

Folks,

Some interesting comments and observations.

I was at my dealer's last night to look at the Sportsman 500 RSE that they ordered for me back in December. It finally arrived. I am having trouble deciding if I want it after hearing from others here that the finish chips off.

How is that Ducks Unlimited unit surviving?

However, I did notice a number of interesting things as I was looking it over:

1. As you mentioned the rear brake is different than the other 2000 models that I have seen . The disc is indeed much thicker, and vented.

2. The machine does not have the round vent holes in the typical spot near the top of the gas tank cover. I couldn't find them at all. Someone else posted that their new machine didn't have them. Maybe this is the new design?

3. The plastic belt cover is quite different. It is grey (maybe because of the RSE). It is an entirely different shape, and it is made out of what looks to be a less brittle plastic. It has an orange peel type finish to the plastic rather than the smooth finish of the black covers Looks a lot tougher.

4. The round black tube that encircles the tail light area (and supports the back rack) is different. It has 2 plates welded to it that the rear bumper bolts to. I assume this is strictly an RSE thing.

5. The unit has thicker tie rods than my '98. It also has the tie rod ends (inner and outer) with rubber boots over them. Some of you have already mentioned seeing this on the "just off the truck" machines.

This is all I noticed in the short time I looked at it.

Comments?

DJ

 

That different PVT cover material should be composite like the racks. I heard they were switching from the plastic to the composite, cause the composite is more durable.

 

Rooster,

I think you are right on the cover material. It was definitely not the old plastic we are used to.

I questioned the dealer on all of the differences I noticed. Pretty bad when his reaction was "oh ya, look at that!"

DJ

 

Well I just read this and am going to print out a copy and check to see if or if not my bike has the features. If not I am going straight to my dealer to see why not??? My sportsman does have the new tie rod ends with the rubber boots but I am not sure about the other stuff...

 

JAMIE,I WAS TOLL FROM MY DEALER THAT IT WAS A 600 SPORTSMAN FAR 2001.