Howdy ya'll,

I currently own a Sportsman 500 and have been extremely happy with the machine. I use it a lot and have put over 4000 miles on it. My question is I am considering buying a sport or semi/sport model ATV and can not make up my mind between the Scramble 500 4X4 and the Raptor. The Raptor looks like a really fun machine but it is not 4X4 nor does it seem to have the ability to carry any gear on it as I cannot locate any racks to add to it. I realize I am not comparing apples to apples here and I will primarily use the bike for trail riding and a tiny bit of dunes riding. Which do you think I should buy.

Thanks
Arlan

 

If you are not going to race around a track, you will probably like the scrambler better. I think it's also cheaper than a raptor!

 

Well the only rack you are gong to find for a raptor would probably be the aluminum 6 pack rack. The price will be about the same since the 500 scambler you are looking at is 4x4 and it has all the extra parts. Just remeber that the 4x4 scrambler will not have the same front pulling effect as the sportsman because you have those skinny tires. We have a buddy that has one and he has never been able to lose my sisters 400 2x4 in any type of mud. I you don't want to shift gears, and your not looking to be the fastest thing (next to my Zilla) in the woods I would have to say go with the scrambler. If you want better suspention and raw power to shred then the raptor is the better choice.

 

PRM-ATV has their Raptor accessories on the web site now
The racks are down at the bottom. PRM-ATV
As for the Raptor vs. Scrambler question, do you want a race type of quad to play at Glamis ( you're only about 90 min. away ) or a trail type quad to ride everywhere?
Both are high HP four strokes, both have electric start and reverse. The Scrambler has an automatic trans ( which is VERY modifiable ) and very easy to ride. HPD makes about the best stuff to modify a Polaris.
The first thing that I did to my 400 Scrambler was change the handlebars and grips, less than $ 100.00, and way more comfortable.
Also, I have a factory rear rack on my SC, and it is above the rear fenders and doen't interfere with riding. I strap a small fanny pack or a gym bag down and don't notice it. The factory rack was under $ 100.00, but could use some more bars running forward - reverse to secure the load better.
The PRM racks hang off the rear and could cause problems in transporting the quad and int close quarters while riding.

 

I have a 2001 Scrambler 500 4x4, and my buddy has a 2001 Raptor. We got them at the same time. It really makes no sense to compare them, except to the requirements of the rider.

Both have broken though. The Raptor had to get a new carb from the butterfly jamming open, not letting the throttle return. The scrambler has broken a clutch spring, and has required brake fluid and bleeding.

The front shocks came off the raptor(dealer didn't tighten them), and the flag mount on the scrambler has broken(my fault, probably the trees)

Rainman

 

I would like to thank everyone who replied to my dilemma about which ATV to purchase. Since I am keeping my SP500 I decided to get the Raptor as a second bike. I have never been into dunes riding but I live close to a couple of excellent dunes so what the hell, I might as well have a killer machine when I go out. I'm sure it will also be great on mountain and desert trails.

Thanks again
Arlan