I'm thinking about buying this machine as my first ATV. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this machine has enough power, 2 stroke 250 engine,the chain drive,etc.

 

I owned a 2000 model it was a grat machine would keep up with most anything, I raced a 1996 Mag 425 4x4 and we were almost equal he had more top speed. went about 50.

 

250 Polairs is a great little 2 cycle. Holds up surprisingly well and seems to keep up with most stock machines up to a 350 or 400. Won't have the heavy pulling torque, but I mean trail riding & running around, it will more than keep up with them. The 3 chain system isn't as terrible as it looks at first glance, just keep them oiled. Don't get me wrong, the shaft to the front on the bigger machines is an upgrade, but the chains weren't that bad as long as you kept them lubed. That is the tricky part. Lubing the middle chain. It is hard to get to. Some people I know have just drilled a little hole, just big enough to fit the straw from the lube can, right over the chain. They can then lube the chain by holding the can up to the hole while puttering down the driveway. It is awkward (you have to run the throttle left-handed) but beats standing on your head. Just don't make the hole big enough to let anything snag the chain.
Polaris has arguably the best 4x4 system, in the fact that it works, is switchable, and is true 4 wheel drive.
All in all a good machine for someone not needing the power of a big bore.

 

The new 250 Xplorer is only chain drive to the rear. The front is shaft like its big brother. This is a huge improvememnt over the old 3 chain systems!

 

I have a 1993 TB 250 (same thing as the xplorer but 2X4) and it has been GREAT!! If I had the $$$$$$ I wouuld have an Xplorer 250 (or 400). Great value with inexpensive mods.

 

I didn't realize they were shaft to the front. Someone told me they were on the same lines as the old xplorer300, only with the 250 engine. I just assumed it was 3 chain. If it is shaft, it it an improvement! The chains weren't that bad, but were hard to lube, and needed tightening. The shaft is much more maintanence free.
Thanks for staightening me out Lurch!
Hope I didn't confuse anyone.

 

The Xplorer will go where the big boys do. Top speed is about 45-47. Some places it will acually do better because of the lighter weight. Mine starts right up, no matter how long it sits, and never stalls. It has never fouled a plug yet and has been rock solid it terms of durability. I would recommend this one to anybody.