Buying a Used Sportsman 500. Which year (2000 - 2006)?

[pglover19]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first ATV. I have heard great things about the Polaris Sportsman 500 as it relates to the comfortable ride (rear independent suspension). This vehicle will be used to ride on the trails at Hatfield Mccoy. Based on my research it looks like the Sportsman HO model came out in 2001 or 2002. Not sure what the different is? Additionally, I read where the 2002 - 2012 Sportsman 500 model is essentially the same. Not sure if this is true or not. Can someone detail out the differences in the model years (2001 - 2006) for the Sportsman 500 and make a recommendation on which model year to purchase. I am not looking to spend alot of money on this vehicle since I will be only riding it on 4 trips annually to Hatfield Mccoy.

[Thor]

If you stick with the 2005 - 2006 you will have the factory front storage box & popular lock and ride system. There are also many more accessories that are available from skids, HID, rear seats + +. Those are very nice units for the money.

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[pglover19]

Originally Posted by Thor

If you stick with the 2005 - 2006 you will have the factory front storage box & popular lock and ride system. There are also many more accessories that are available from skids, HID, rear seats + +. Those are very nice units for the money.

So it looks like the best year is the 2005 model? So what are the differences in the earlier years (2000 - 2004). The 2005 and 2006 model may be more than I am willing to paid, but if these years have a clear advantage over the earlier years, I will limit my search to the 2005 and 2006 model years.

[kyle hite]

buy from 05 and up they look better perform better and have tons of storage.!

[pglover19]

Originally Posted by kyle hite

buy from 05 and up they look better perform better and have tons of storage.!

Should I also consider the Sportsman 400 series model from 2005 and up? Please advise...

[pglover19]

So what about the Sportsman 400 vs the Sportsman 500 HO for year 2005-2006? Is there really a big difference?

[Kong]

In 04.5 and up, is when they switched to a wider stance for a more stable platform. One thing to look at for is in about 06, they started putting the EFI on the 500's. I think if you rode the 500 and then the 400 you would say yes there is a difference. If you could get the 400 on the Hawkeye frame, then you would be set.

also, that's about the time they had the computer recall. If you get one, ask around about that and see if your needs replaced. Its a quick easy fix from a dealer.

[pglover19]

Originally Posted by Kong

In 04.5 and up, is when they switched to a wider stance for a more stable platform. One thing to look at for is in about 06, they started putting the EFI on the 500's. I think if you rode the 500 and then the 400 you would say yes there is a difference. If you could get the 400 on the Hawkeye frame, then you would be set.

also, that's about the time they had the computer recall. If you get one, ask around about that and see if your needs replaced. Its a quick easy fix from a dealer.

I want to be clear on your recommendation.. For the Sportsman 500 series, you recommend a 2006 model year with EFI. For the Sportsman 400 series, what model year are you recommending on the Hawkeye frame? Additionally, how would I know if the ATV is on a Hawkeye frame? Once again, I am a novice so please be patience with me.

[Kong]

It came in both flavors, efi and non efi, you just need to watch what you buy. Me, I like carbs, but that a different argument all together.

The Hawkeye 400 came in somewhere around 08, they made it in a smaller 2wd and 4wd version for a year or two starting around 06. The frame is smaller than a sportsman, you will know it when you see it. Just google polaris sportsman, and then polaris hawkeye. There is a bunch of pics. I have an 05, and love my sportsman. Like the others have said, there are a ton of mods out for it, 05 is the year I would start with.