OK, it SEEMS as though I'm reading more and more Predator riders dissing the '03 Predators (what with tranny, tie rod, ball joint problems and cracked frames), and praising the '04's. So far, I have had none of those issues on my '03, but, my bike is a "dune queen" only, has very low hours, and has never been raced/jumped/abused. Is there ANYBODY out there who has ridden their '03 hard for some time, and not experienced the previously mentioned issues? I guess what I am trying to find out, is if the people experiencing problems with the '03's are a small group, and perhaps subject their Preds to "extreme" riding conditions??? Thanks.

 

I talked to a guy earlier this year who has speed shifted his 03 from day 1 and no problems. Use the PS4 oil, change it regularily, and do all your routine maint. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Ive had my predator for about 7 months now. I do alot of woods riding in haspin acres Indiana. You can really test the limits of any ATV there. Also, I ride alot at the Badlands in Attica, IN. It is mostly sand/pee-gravel, but you can bang right up through the gears if ya want to. I hardly ever use the clutch; unless im in the woods, and i've never had a problem. Nor have I had any balljoint problems or frame breaks like some others have had. Im pretty rough on the damn thing too.... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]~~~~ But Im glad you posted your thread because ive been reading the same things you have and was very courious myself about the predator. Actually thought about sellin the damn thing from some of the things Ive been readin...... but I doubt it.....Ive abused it pretty hard and its still laughin at me everytime I look at it...LOL..

 

Same here, ride it hard and put it away wet! No problems here with the exception of not being able to get the stupid thing in neutral!

 

No problems with my 03. And since it was the first Predator in my area a lot of different people have rode it. I've always used the PS4 oil and the tranny shifts as good as anything I've ever rode.



Wait, I do have one problem. Not enough time to ride!

 

No problems here. Did have problems cold starting last year, but modded the carb and no problems since. Starts on 2nd or 3rd turnover in sub 0 temps.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Maybe it's just that the people who are experiencing issues are just a little more vocal than those who aren't.

 

I bought the first one that hit the floore and had mine about a year and have rode it every weekend fairly hard but allways done my maint. just now had it start coming out of 4 gear by it self. and sometimes it wont go in to gear. making a rattling noise. thats the only problem i have had with it. getting it fixed, i like it.

 

There were some characteristic first year burps, Polaris handled them very quickly and professionally. Lot's of bang for the buck, and lot's of mod parts are finalizing durability testing....now they're ready for us to buy! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I agree, I beleive many of the issues you here about are from abuse. Any one of us can break a quad if we want to. My 03 has been flawless. However I do worry about the shift fork issue. I would like to see Polaris cover this years after warranty experation. ( I know that's asking a little much) . Even with the Honda and YZF out, I would still buy these quad again. Good fit for me.