I have been looking to purchase a new quad recently , and everyone I seem to talk to tells me the Bombardier 400 Outlander is one hell of a nice all around quad. Ive been pretty dead set on buying a new Polaris 500 Scrambler HO 4X4, but some people are telling me that the 400 Outlander can probably out run the Scrambler( I know a 500 vs a 400 no way right!! ) and be a all around better quad for trails and all out speed. I thought Id see some of your guys opinions since this is the Bombardier section and Im not sure which one would suit me better. I plan on having a occasional rider, I have riden the 500 Scramblers and like them very well I just know Polaris seem to break alot easier so Im looking for something dependable out of the 2. But Ive heard that this new Outlanders are something else with the Rotax engine. Any feedback good or bad would be awesome.

 

I just know Polaris seem to break alot easier so Im looking for something dependable out of the 2. But Ive heard that this new Outlanders are something else with the Rotax engine. Any feedback good or bad would be awesome. >>>>

I've never owned a Polaris but if you have a feeling they break down often then go with the Outlander, mine has never left me stranded and the only real problems I keep having are flat tires <sigh>. The Outlander keeps up with 500 class quads in various shootouts, the Rotax 400 is a four valve engine....the real power is in it's midrange, its not gonna jerk your arms back on take off but will pick up spead very quickly.

Go to BRP.com and check out the video demonstration, it features the 400 in a couple of comparisons but the technology is the same as the 800 in terms of 4WD, IRS.

The only complaint I have is that the shifter is a little sticky and normally not an issue once you get used to it. For a first time rider it can be a slight hassle, just have to remember to keep the rear brake pressed down when shifting.

You might read on this site about voltage reg. problems but this has been fixed(relocated) 04 and newer models. There were some issues with the carb. getting dirty(hard starting and rough idle) from an opening in the air box, this too has been fixed and is a very simple repair even if you did it yourself.

They are a bit noisy, a few rattles and such, probably less on 05's and 06's but normal, the transmissions whines a bit. I can hear mine coming half a mile away LOL. I told my buddy it sounded like an ATV R2D2 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img])

Sorry, can't comment on the Scrambler. I think Polaris has some issues with tranny belts and tend to be on the heavy side and I'm not sure if the Scrambler would be suited for any kind of utillity work? The Outlander can be fitted with a snow plow and you can put on a standard trailer ball and tow with it as well.

 

i dont think you can compare the 2

isnt the polaris more of an automatic utility/sport bike with good suspension.. my friend had a 400 ho 2 stroke and it was more like a cross between a sport bike with the look, suspension and the performance and a utility atv with the option 4 wheel and auto tranny..

i think you need to fiquire out your riding style and then pick sport or utility..i went through the same thing last year...i thought i wanted to just sit there and ride no gears, no clutch .. no nothing..leaning towards polaris..

then i said who am i kidding.. i need to jump and wheelie and race around...blah-blah

i bought a ds.. best thing ever did!

PS.. polaris are heavy tanks

 

Speed wise no way an Outy will stay with a Scram. GF has an Outy, I do like to ride it but it does have a rather loud whine that I find irritating. It does great in the mud (is XT) so has upgraded tires. We have rode 2up on the Out and is not uncomfy. You may need to take a ride on an out see how feels to you.

 

Hey guys thanks for the feedback , really is helping me decide. Just not use to hearing about Bombardier in my area ,for the exception of the DS model. The reason why I say the Polaris seem to break alot easier is a friend just recently purchased a brand new 500 HO Sportsman and we was out trail riding this past saturday, I was on a 500 Rubicon we came to apart in the trail were there was a good size tree layed over (black elm I think) and at a part of the trail were we couldnt just go around it. My friend sure enough wanted to test the polaris and didnt hit it good enough and got the SP high centered on top of it. Only thing he had to do was kick in 4wd and poof was off, at the same time I noticed he was smoking a bit from his tranny. Once I told him about it he noticed it too, well within the few secs we investigated we started back on the trail he noticed immediately there was defiantly something wrong and sure enough he smoked some of the belt off and the Sportsmen would shake on take off very bad, other then that it never missed a beat still rode it all night just at low rpm he looked a lil shaken hehe. I also came to find out the 500 Rubicon will out run a 500 SP but not by much. Ive never heard of major issues with Polaris 4 strokers , just issues with belts (case in point) and normal wear and tear. We had a Artic Cat 500 with us and a few Ranchers, once I mentioned new quad they are the ones who told me to look into the Outlanders, I have no personal experience with them but you guys have helped me on that. Im still leaning more towards the Scrambler for the speed and overall feel. Well guys thanks for the help greatly appericated.

 

I guess I would say it would depend on your riding style. If you want more speed and be able to jump, I would say go with the Scrambler. If you more into mudding, climbing rocks, riding threw ruts then go with the Outlander. My brother was on his girlfriend's Scrambler 400 4x4 and I was on my Outlander with my wife on the back. He did have more top end and take off. The Outlander 400 will zip to 40 MPH pretty quickly and will slowly reach 50 MPH, it doesn't matter if I am alone or not. But I was able to go through almost anything, where he would get stuck if a rut would get to deep. The only thing that stopped me was hitting a few water holes that were higher than my muffler and I drowned it. But all I had to do was get it out of the water, hold full-throttle, and hit the starter and it would fire right backup.

If you want a sport quad with limited assistance from the 4x4, go with the Polaris.
If you want a nice ride and be able to handle lower speed obstacles, go with the Outlander.

IF money is no object I would be after the new Outlander 800! Arh, arh, arh!

I think you will have fun no matter what you pick. Good luck!