I currently have a 2001 Yamaha Raptor 660 that is pretty much stock. All of the guys I ride with have utility quads, mostly 400-500cc range, and I have spent some time on many of theirs. I know I would like a ute better for riding with them in the wooded trails and mud, but I love the speed and handling of my Raptor for scooting around by myself. Haven't rode any other sport quad, but have been looking at some Scrambler 500 and 400 as a solution. The 4x4 version looks like it would be a jack of all trades, but is it master of none? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

 

The Scrambler won't be as sporty as your Raptor, but will be more capable when the trails turn gooey. It will still have a low ground clearance issue that may hold you back in some situations if your buddies quads all have IRS. Pick your lines properly trail riding and be prepared to get a tow out of the deep muck from time to time and you should be able to go everywhere they can with one.

 

Most all so called 4x4 sports are just their utility atv counter part with sporty plastic and racks removed. Same motor ,drive train and chassis, or very close.
I call the 500 scrambler a chain drive 2troke 400 Explorer with a Sportsman 500 motor in it.

Look at the Can Am renegades and new Scrambler 850 vs a Outlander and XP850 Utilities specs below.
http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...2=309777&go=Go
AND
http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...2=315228&go=Go

Take the Plastics off and nobody would know which is which.

 

If I was looking into a light nimble 4x4 I would try to find the now discontinues small chassis 450 Wolverine or pre 2010 Sportsman/Hawkeye 400H.O. (455)
(Not to be mistaken with the current full size Sportsman 400H.O)

The scramblers chain drive and smaller wheels sure make for low ground clearance and chain maintenance.

 

I tell people that the Scrambler is a sporty looking quad, but not a sport quad. They're fun to ride and 4wd comes in handy some times. It's a lot better than the Trailblazer that uses the same (or at least very similar) chassis. I think the Wolverine is more sporty.