guys i need an unbiased opinion on 2001 polaris sportsman 500 HO
i am looking at buying a 2001 sportsman 500 HO 4 stroke it is in good shape from what i can tell. the reason i'm asking about them is i got burnt on a 1998 xplorer 400 2 stroke a few years ago and it has made me gun shy about polaris. i don't want to get into another mess like i was in with the only other polaris i've owned. please give me your honest opinions and please give me any advise as to what to look for when i'm checking this atv out
I have a 2000 SP500 that I bought new and now has ~ 2k miles. I've only had 2 real issues (which I don't feel is bad at all):
* radiator fan switch went bad, causing overheat. Had to replace the switch * ~$40.
* Primary clutch in trans worn out @ 1100 miles. Apparently it's a well known problem with this model year (quad starts to creep in gear at idle, can eventually stall the engine at idle) Not a cheap fix... was ~ $600 w/ labor.
Other than that, the quad has been flawless. I would have no hesitation in recommending one of that era... just beware of the clutch issue. Not 100% sure if the 2001's were also subject to the same parts/issues.
My buddy has a '99 Explorer 400 2 stroke. His is still running strong (fairly low miles though). What happened with yours?
just make sure drivetrain is tight.....looked at one around that year and u*joints and bearings were bad....I didn't even think about buying it. miles were high on it also. just make sure the quad was maintained properly. spending a few dollars more off a guy who took care of his quad can save in the long run and that goes for any manufacturer.
i am looking at buying a 2001 sportsman 500 HO 4 stroke it is in good shape from what i can tell. the reason i'm asking about them is i got burnt on a 1998 xplorer 400 2 stroke a few years ago and it has made me gun shy about polaris. i don't want to get into another mess like i was in with the only other polaris i've owned. please give me your honest opinions and please give me any advise as to what to look for when i'm checking this atv out
Wife has an 01 or I think 02 500ho cant remember what year.I would ask if there was some kind of maintenance that was preformed to it. Low miles high miles? Has the belt ever been changed? Lots to look at torn axle boots,condition of battery,tires,check oil in the engine,check anti freeze for problems all of these can cost money if needed replaced plus does the machine drive ok no slipping of belt or jerking when you take off unusual noise? Wife likes her machine she does like the steering to hard to turn though.
__________________
2010 850 XP ROTO*PAX TIGER TAIL
There will be night and day difference between a 400 xplorer and a 500 HO. no comparsion. Check the maintance, make sure the bike just feels tight. grab the axels and see if there is excessive play in them more than 1/4 inch. etc good luck
I have the 2001 with 3000 miles on it now. Here is my list.
Recently needed a fan $88.
One hub seal $20
Starter had to be cleaned (stuck Brushes) Free.
Quote:
Primary clutch in trans worn out @ 1100 miles. Apparently it's a well known problem with this model year
The Pimary clutch (Part#1321706) was the same from 2000 to 2005 and was use on other different polaris models as well. I think you just had a fluke problem there.
What was your problems with your 98 400?
__________________
2001 Yellow SP 500
No ECM
No Plastic roller cage
5.25 gal tank.
We have 4000 miles on our '02 500HOs, belts on both lasted over 3000, I have replaced a boot on mine and my wife's needs 1 now. They have been great with some hard fast riding and a lot of rocky trails in Utah and Colorado.
I bought my wife a 850 XP this spring so you know we trust them. I switch off riding 1 of the 2 500s now depending where we ride.
It depends on how the machine was used. My friend has a 2000 with about 4000? miles and has never touched it with a wrench. Here in Colo its rocky but dry riding. I had a 99 Scrambler that never needed anything but routine maintenance. My wife has a 400 Arctic cat with 3600 miles, no problems. My 650 Arctic cat came from Conn. with 300 miles on it and I possibly need bushings because it was a swamp rat. I cant say anything bad about Polaris, but sure like my Kitty also.
I've only had my 01 for a little over a year, but she has been flawless after about 800 miles. I had to replace a rear CV boot and an old battery...normal wear and tear items.
Take it for a spin, it's usually hard to hide any obvious problems when you hop on it. If anything doesn't feel right to you about the deal, move on to the next. There's plenty of good used machines out there.
guys i need an unbiased opinion on 2001 polaris sportsman 500 HO
