I just purchased a 2001 Scrambler 500 4x4 .

Got it for $2100.

Seller stated that it has the following upgrades -
HSP primary drive springs and weights $150+
HSP rapid reaction secondary clutch $250+
Heavy duty chain
25" bear claw tires with 12" aluminum rims. Tires have 80% or better tread left
Heated hand grips

The plastics are ehh (many scratches and a crack in the rear).
It was rolled at least once - top of the gas tank has plastic deeply scratched.

They also claimed that the brakes and the rear bearings were recently replaced.

Well, I took it out for two rides and one of the rear bearings blew.
The brakes are also low and need replacing.


So obviously this guy lied to me a bit.
I am just wondering if I got a good deal still and what else to check to make sure that this thing is solid!!!

Another wierd thing is that when I go in reverse without the override switch depressed the machine backfires and sputters. With the override button pressed it runs great - any clues to what this could be?

I could have got a mint 2002 for $2800 and now I am regretting my decision!

Someone make me feel better [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

BTW - I got my 3 year old a scrammy 50 and he is riding the crap out of it!! I know he is young, but you should see him!!!!!!

Thanks all - sorry for the rant

Ernie

 

sounds like you just need to put rearbearings and brake pads in you will still be cheaper with fixing that one scratches in plastic mean its been ridden and at least you know you will have new bearings in yours. its suppose to do that in reverse its a saftey feature. check the swing arm bushings also they take a beating and have no grease. price sounded about right you never know what your getting buying used

 

I test rode a different Scrambler 500 and I did not notice the reverse sputtering in that one.

Thanks for the response!

Ernie

 

mine sputters a little bit until i push the over ride then its fine you can only go like 2 mph without pushing the button. all the things you mentioned wrong with yours i just replaced on mine those parts just ware out.

 

Thte over ride button needs to be pushed when in reverse to keep your speed down a saftey feature.You have a differant primary spring so you have to use it just to get it to back up at all.You can disable that by unplugging I think it is the black wire coming from the rev box.You will still have to use the button for 4x4 in reverse.
I would replace the rear bearings and check and replace the swingarm bushings and most likely the brass bolts the the bushings run on.I would also ditch the 25 in tires and 12in rim for the correct sizes front 23x8 x10 rear 22x11x10 this will keep your 4x4 working properly and reduce stress on the rest of the parts.As for the clutches the will work great.

 

the best thing i can recommend is getting yourself a polaris service manual. it will tell you things to looks for, service intervals, and how to fix everything on the bike.
but, some other common wear parts to check are, a-arm bushings, tie rod ends, top steering post bushing. also it would be a good idea to change all the fluids. that way you know its all good.

 

Sorry to hear that he was not totally honest with you.
Brakes are fairly cheap and easy to replace.
Mine does the same thing in reverse, it is because someone has replaced the clutch springs to give it more get up and go..
push the override button and she will go back just fine.. Just do not turn sharp or quick backing up or you will see how the scratches got on that bikes plastic.. tree limbs, bushes, ect scratch them.. it is just the way it is.. fixing it up will make you appreciate it more and not abuse it but use it..
My 91 has had everything but the frame rebuilt. Wanna trade?