I'm sure this has been asked before, I've probably even read it. But what is the difference between a Sportsman 500, say like a model in the 90s and a Sportsman 500 HO as you see starting in 2000 or 2001 whenever they changed? Again, I apologize for a repeated question! I had posted on the main board as well.
Thanks

 

The H.O. had a 40mm carb instead of a 34mm (or was it 32?). And it had a longer duration cam. Those were the main things. I believe 2001 was when they added another 1.5" of front suspension travel. By then they had much easier steering compared to a '96, or a '97 like I had, thanks to redesigned geometry.