I was thinking about buying a polaris 500 scrambler but I have never rode one. How do they handle?
How is the 4 wheel drive system? Is it locked front and rear? How does it work and perform in the real world? Pros and cons on the bike? Is the chain drive a big pain? what do you like and dislike about the bike? Does it have grease fittings? Any info you can give will be appreciated.
Also, what is the ground clearance, any belt issues?

Thanks because I am about to buy another atv soon.

 

1. they are wide and stable with a straight rear axle,,,,in 2wd it has somewhat of a sport feel (although a bit heavier than a sport),,,,and in 4wd,,,it feels more like a quick utility bike
2. the AWD system is great IMO,,,,when engaged it is in true 4wd,,,all wheels locked in
3. the rear is locked obviously,,,and the front wheels operate off of shafts and a hilliard over-running clutch system (basicly the front wheels engage when the rear wheels spin 1/5th rotation faster than the fronts in AWD mode)
4. it performs great in the real world,,,,,seamless operation between 2wd and 4wd. The front tires engage when they are needed,,,and then get overrun when the rear tires get traction
5. pros: go anywhere sportbike,,,best of both worlds ///// Cons: a bit heavy for a sport, ground clearance lacking compared to the IRS bikes
6. chain drive is fine if it is maintained (like any chaindrive)
7. I like to shoot the trails with the scrambler,,,,and when i come to a mudhole,,,,i flip the switch and tear thru it,,,,,the bike is extremely capable in all surroundings
8. has grease zerks all over it
9.?
10. If the belt gets wet,,,,it will slip,,,,just like any belt (i have only had this happen on high speed puddles)
the ground clearance is dictated by the rear chain ring and rotor,,,along with tire size ,,,,,it doesnt compare to the IRS bikes,,,,but has never really been an issue

 

Check out this recent thread.

 

Well for my 2 cents, I've owned a 2000 Scrambler 500HO 4x4 for about 4 months now and I had to do a lot of work to it to get to the level I wanted it ( close to new mechanical ) since the person that have it before me did not believe in working on it. Aside from that I just love the thing and you cannot notice the weight but it also has good power. You will love the 4x4 part. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Mine is a 2002 500 and the only thing other than mods I have had to do is replace the chain last summer other than that great.But if you are looking at a Scrambler get a 99-up perferably a 01-up they are much better made than the older ones.

 

Love my Scrammy as an all around quad. Just remember, it will not do anything great, but will do everything well. I have jumped thew heck out of mine and it holds up well. I have also used it rock crawling and it will work but it is hard on the belts cause there is no low gear. I haved a chain gaurd on it so it is not an issue with clearance, just remeber, not solid rear axle has clearance like a IRS machine


Chris