I am considering a used 2001 SP500 (Mfg 11/2000). The dealer tells me it is an HO but it has no HO sticker. Can someone tell me when the HO's came out or how I can check to see if it's an HO?
Thanks.

 

2002 was the first year of the 500HO. It would have High output on both sides on the same sticker that says sportsman. So unless someone cut the ho part (which you could tell) or they changed the stickers, mostlikely its not an HO.

 

If you really want to know if it is an HO get the vin# and call polaris. They will be able to tell you. There are certain numbers in the vin that says if it is an ho model or not.

 

2001 was the first year of the H.O. motor in the Sportsman 500. Calling Polaris and asking about the vin # would be your best bet.

2001 was also the first year they used stainless steel braded brake lines. So I'm guessing if it has those then it's a H.O.

 

Offrider's on it
01 was the first year and,
SS Brake lines is the giveaway

 

Yep, 2001.
I bought my 2000 Sportsman and a couple months later they came out with the HO.
Missed it by that [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] much.

 

Thanks guys.... It does have the Stainless brake line. Since it is an early 01 model I'll check the VIN to be sure.

 

Some of the 2001 DUSE Models were non-HO's, but the others were all HO's for 2001. Another easy way to tell is to look at the front brake resevoir. The HO's brake fluid resevoir on the left handlebar is black metal, but the pre-HO's were white plastic.

 

Thats another good one.
Anyone else have any more ?

 

The 500 H.O. engine is built by Fuji industries..the same company that built the engines for there snowmobiles for years. The regular 500 engine should just say polaris on it. Anyone know where to pick up a 500 H.O. sportsman engine ? I just picked one up that swallowed some water.