I can get the 400 for $4700 or the 500 for $5300.I know for the $600 I save on the 400, I could make that 400 scream. But I know I will be doing some slow trail riding do to my wife's Trailblazer and my kids Scram. 90's.So I don't know how the 400 will do, the 500 will have more low end torque. But I know there are a few 400 riders out there that can give me there honest opinion.

 

I'm a 500 rider, but I ride with a lot of 400 owners. (Sport and Scrambler)

If you aren't getting 4x4, I would definitely recommend you get the 2-stroke 400. You will be happy you did. If I could do it all over again I would have bought the 400 4x4. Don't get me wrong, I like my bike just fine, but mods are much cheaper on the 400 and will make a bigger difference than they will on the 500. You say mods aren't important. I said that also. I was just fooling myself. lol

Buy the 400 and save some money up front. This way your wife will be amazed that you didn't buy the more expensive bike. then you can sneak mods as you go.....hehehehe(chuckling fiendishly). Another point worth mentioning. 2001 may be the last year Polaris manufactures a 2-stroke. It could become a collectors item.Then, if you so desire, you could sell it to someone who just HAS to have a 2-stroke for an obscene price and go buy a thumper.

Best of luck,

MrMan

 

Some of the rides I go on are 3-4 hour, technical rides under 15 mph. My quad has yet to complain. The 400 will do anything you want it to do.

 

I have a 98 400 4x4 with a pipe clutch kit and carburator mods. and I do a lot of slow trail riding with guys with smaller machines and never had problem with going slow. It is a two strokes but it has enough power to move you around without much effort.

 

The 400 is definately easier to mod. If mods arn't your thing but you want more low-end power, just add an EPI Clutch Kit and torque is what you will get...tons of it!