Was the Sportsman 500 an HO for the model year 2000? I'm looking at a used one and owners thinks it's an HO, but no decals state so. How can you tell the difference?

Dave

 

I believe the SP500 went to an HO mid-year in 2000. I also had a 2000, but was a pre-ho. I don't know how to tell for sure. But look at your date of manufacture and VIN #. Your dealer should be able to find out from the VIN.

 

The sp 500 was not a HO in the 2000 model. The 01 was the first HO. If it does not have stainless steel brake lines on it, it is not a HO. Also, I think the 2000 had a rear rack ext. and in 01 they took it off.

 

I bought my 2000 SP500 in December of '99 (pre-HO model). The HO's came out mid year (June or July) in 2000 as a late release 2000 model.

Can someone else verify this? I remember because of the ribbing from my riding buddies that I bought too soon.