As a former Sportsman owner, I was looking at a lightly used 2002 Scrambler 500 4x4 and wanted some feed back from some owners of this machine before pursuing it any further.

To start with I wanted something a little more sporter and fast (accleration) to get that rush from riding again. But on the other hand, I'm an avid hunter and would also need a machine that could do well in the woods(4x4). Therefore, I thought the Scrambler would be a good choice, but since I have not had the opportunity to see one up close, let alone ride one. I'm going to base my decision on your responses, as to wheather I should take a closer look at the machine.

As I understand the 2002 model has the H.O. engine and an automatic trans that is the same as the Sportsman's w/o low range. So I must ask with this set up does the bike have enough power to turn over all four tires in a bind (Ex. when trying to pull someone out), or will it just smoke the belt trying? I would asume that since it has smaller tires it is not as hard on the trans. to do so.

Also, I wondered if the bike is capable of handling the rough terrain in the woods? I feel that It could, but with its lower clearance and chain drive I'm not certain. With my last bikes shaft drive it was never any problems, but does the chain drive still have the nagging problems of needing to be adjusted weekly as with some chain drives I have had in the past?

Moreover, are there any problems I should know about the model year bike 2002 before jumping in head first? I really like this bike's versiltiliy of having 4wd, yet still being some what of a sports bike.

Sorry for such a long questionere
All advice is appreciated
Thanks

 

I have the 2002 4x4 except mine is the 400 2 stroke rather than the 500 fourstroke. I hear the 500 has more low end torque than the 400, in a bind I have no problems getting all four wheels moving these machines seem to have enough power to tackle anything that I've ever thrown at mine. I have burnt one belt though, but I was carrying an EXTREMELY heavy load up a hill so it is understandable. Other than that the belt drive has been fine. I usually only ride my machine in the woods/mountains and this machine is abosuletly perfect for this type of terrain, it is light enough where one strong person or two people could lift the back end out of a bind. The ground clearence is not as good as a sportsman, but as long as you are concious of what is going underneath your quad there shouldn.t be any problems with the clearence. The chain on the 2002 is a concentric drive which makes chain stretch a minor problem, I adjust my chain maybe every 10-15 hours (maybe even longer) worth of riding, the chain adjustment is extremly quick and simple also, takes a couple of wrenches (or ratchets) and a small flat head screw driver and can be done in under 10 minutes. Though my scrambler is not as sporty as the warrior I once had or any other sport quads, It is still very agile and fun to drive, it has a very smooth ride for a machine with a solid axle, the 4x4 works like a charm in the muck, my scrambler has not let me down yet (knock on wood) I would recommend anyone buying one of these machines. The only problem that I seem to have with mine is the steering post bushing seems to lose it tight hold on the steering post quite quickly, this might be a problem for my quad because of how aggresively I ride my machine. it is a $10 fix that take about 10 minutes. BUY THE SCRAMBLER !!!!!! YOU WON't REGRET IT

 

i have a 2002 500 Scrambler and i am very pleased with it. it handles well and is great in the mud. i ride with another guy with the same bike and we can always pull each other out when they get stuck, and the belt has never smoked or slipped. i usually tighten my chain every 3 to 4 rides. if you look at my gallery you will see that it handles the mud very well. the bike so far has had no problems. Actually i am looking at buying another one for my wife.

 

The scrambler is the best sporty 4x4 you can buy it's like driving a 4 wheel drive mustang! Good quad i have had mine for a year now, Never had one problem with it[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

You will like the scrambler

Good Luck,
TrailRider

 

Its an awesome trail quad, I've towed many sport quads that just couldn't take the beating in them there rocky trails, but the scrammy comes out wanting more!

 

The Scrambler is an extremely versatile quad. It is still capable of some work and is very capable of some hard play.

 

gotta agree!!
although these are not as fast as a pred or any true sport quad they are a kick in the pants to ride!!

I have a sportsman also and still ride it but the scrammy is way more fun!!

If you plan on doing alot of long rides though I will say this that the scrammy seat has a lot to be desired!! Good news is that for a couple hundred dollars you can get a seat for an 04 wich is much better

Chris

 

Great machine and will do everything you want from it....

One thing on the chain....you'll be adjusting it more often than weekly unless you only ride weekly....I have to tighten mine after every ride it seems. I need to spend the bucks and get a chain tensioner from HPD....

I've dug 4 holes in the ground from spinning in 4wd.....while pulling out an SP500 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I've yet to find a way to bind it up enough to smoke a belt

 

I agree with all the above coments. Ive rode my quad over rough terain and never had a belt problem. Ive pulled out stuck quads and had water over the tires without a problem. But that trailer loaded with a ton of rocks did the belt in. 15 minutes and the belt was replaced easy enough. I have a 99 500 scrammy.

Steve Lubecki

 

I canit say with lower year models but me and a buddy has '04 scramblers and when trying to pull him out.........the belt fried in seconds was only 3 weeks old at the time too(after trying everything we got so pissed we were able to lift it outta its ruts that were pretty deep too)..got repaired under warenty........next weekend a buddy with a sport quad got stuck....i pulled him out but it took some trouble and i could smell the belt cooking..........I dont know how they are for towing but i wouldnt recommend recovery towing............