cheers all - just picked up a 97 sportsman 500. seems in good shape, speedo doesn't work, and left front wheel bearing has a bit of play, and primary clutch rubs on housing/cover at idle. other than that its near mint. winch, vampire tires, etc etc.
so i'm just wondering what i might be looking for, as i give this thing a once-over.... any common issues i should check out? any known issues that i should address even before they become an issue? funny thing is i worked at polaris dealership when i was young, in the late 90's..... and i remember when this sportsman 500 came out lol.... man it was a game changer. at the time a kodiak was the big thing, and i remember i'd take our demo sportsman out and launch it up and off the snowmobile loading ramp we had built, smooth landing, wouldn't even spill your coffee if you had a cup holder lol, not so much with a kodiak. anyways i was gonna buy a grizzly 700, as they are quite proven, but this sportsman popped up for sale and i just couoldn't help myself. did some review reading, and of course the consensus would be to buy the grizzly, which is why i suppose i bought the polaris lol. anything i need or should be concerned about before i venture out into the mountains?
so i'm just wondering what i might be looking for, as i give this thing a once-over.... any common issues i should check out? any known issues that i should address even before they become an issue? funny thing is i worked at polaris dealership when i was young, in the late 90's..... and i remember when this sportsman 500 came out lol.... man it was a game changer. at the time a kodiak was the big thing, and i remember i'd take our demo sportsman out and launch it up and off the snowmobile loading ramp we had built, smooth landing, wouldn't even spill your coffee if you had a cup holder lol, not so much with a kodiak. anyways i was gonna buy a grizzly 700, as they are quite proven, but this sportsman popped up for sale and i just couoldn't help myself. did some review reading, and of course the consensus would be to buy the grizzly, which is why i suppose i bought the polaris lol. anything i need or should be concerned about before i venture out into the mountains?


