Hi everyone,
I'm looking to trade my 2002 Scrambler 500 4x4 for a 2004 Sportsman. Any advice on whether I should choose the 500HO or Twin 600. I took both on a test run. The 600 has a little more power but the 500H0 is known to be a very reliable machine. I would like some feedback from owners of both machines to help me choose. A friend of mine owns a 660 Grizzly. I beat him in 600ft drags with my Scrambler, would the Sp600 come out on top??

 

I own a 600 twin. Top stock speed is 65mph. middle and top end throttle is great. If you want to putt around in the woods forget it. The carb. sucks at bottom end. I am trying to find some info on fixing this problem but have had no luck. Dealer can't fix it either. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

Thanks for your feedback. I noticed this phenomenon when I test drove the sp600. There was a slight delay for the belt to bite when I pressed the throttle. The bike was not very smooth at the bottom end. Certainly not as smooth as the 500HO. I mostly go for long rides where I am usually in the middle and top end so this might not be such a concern. Anyone else's feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

We have four as a family (1999, 2001 & 2 - 2002s) and all have been EXCELLENT machines. I highly recomend the 500.

 

Get the 600. 20% more torque and that wicked 2 cylinder sound, all for only a few hundred dollars more.
I love mine. Best machine out there.

 

I have a '04 SP500 and love it. Thought about the 600, but wanted reliability over speed. The 500 has been around long enough that they've gotten most of the bugs out of it. If you go with the 500 - be sure you get a 2004 1/2 to get the new digital gas gauge. I got screwed on that too - should've waited a bit longer and gotten the new gauge. But other than that, it's a great machine - I use it mostly for work and it'll keep on working long after you're tired of riding it !!

Good luck.

 

I really like my 600. Actually my low end is pretty snappy once the belt grips but there is a little hesitation. I guess they havent been out long enough to know how reliable they are compared to a 500. I have about 500 miles on mine so far and I swear it runs better every time I take it out. If you want to keep up with the Grizz forget it. My bud has an 03 and he is even a little bigger than me and I cant beat him. He takes me off the start and it isnt even close, he probably get 2 to 3 lengths right off the bat. After that its about a tie, I might actually be able to catch him if we raced more than 250 yards. Its no wonder the SP is a little slower though, it is alot heavier and to me it is just a more solid and stable machine. I dont think you could make a bad choice with either one.

 

I have been very happy with my 600 through 500 miles. It does get better the more you use it The synthetic oil makes for a slow break in period but a long life.
The 500 and 400 are a good bet though. I have seen one older Magnum with 20,000 miles and another with 12,000 miles. The camshafts were the only weak spot on these older ones and that seems to have been solved with the new cam.

 

I thought about getting the scrambler as a second quad. I also considered the sp500. I am leaning toward the scrambler because it is more nimble and sporty. I am curious why you want to change. Thanks.

 

Hi Jefffoxsr,
Just to let you know, I received my new Sp600 last Thursday. It is an awesome looking machine. The middle and top end throttle is excellent. I traded my Scrambler for the Sp600 for the simple reason that insurance companies in my area decided to consider the Scrambler a ''Super Sport'' model and wanted to increase price by 140%!!! I could not accept paying such a high premium for the Scrambler so I changed it for a Sp600 (not considered Super Sport) and will pay a reasonable amount for insurance.
I will surely miss the Scrambler's incredible handling and power. I highly recommend the Scrambler. I had it for 2 years and it proved to be very reliable. The only weak points are the chain (had to change mine after 1 year's use) and rims. The Scrambler will take you where you want with surprising comfort. The black and yellow colors for 2004 are very nice and they made the seat even more comfortable.
Have fun!!