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

 

I know what you're going through, I just got rid of my Scrambler to get my Raptor. There are a few rear racks available for the Raptor. Check out http://www.prm-atv.com and also the Armadillo racks at http://www.rockymountainatv.com , although you won't find the large, flat racks like on your Sportsman, at least there is something available. I bought the Armadillo rack with the 1 gallon gas can, then mounted a plastic tool box to the top of the rack also. After riding a sport ATV like the Raptor, it would be hard to go back to the handling and suspension of a Utility, but I understand why they exist, and if that's the kind of riding you like, then that's great. The Scrambler is kind of a middle ground between a utility and a sport atv, and in my mind, is a great atv for that purpose, but don't let anyone tell you that a Scrambler is a sport atv as far as handling and suspension goes. My brother-in-law described it well after he rode a utility, then my Scrambler, then later, my Raptor. He said that the Scrambler was a whole different world than the utility, is actually handles and has some suspension. He then rode the Raptor, and repeated the same statement about the comparison between the Scrambler and the Raptor, but with a big smile on his face, and exclamation marks in his voice. My dirt bike buddies have commented that the Raptor is the only atv they have ridden that actually feels like it has real suspension like a dirt bike (they haven't ridden other sport atv's, only the Scrambler and other utility atv's). I have pretty much been able to go everywhere that my Scrambler could go with my Raptor, but the Automatic on the Scrambler actually made quite a bit of difference in getting through tough stuff easier. The Raptor doesn't have near enough ground clearance in it's stock form to off road like a utility, but with taller tires and lower gearing it should be much better. I'm in the middle of making those changes to mine now. When the frame drags in the snow on either ATV, you are pretty much stopped, but with the lighter atv, you can actually pick it up and move it. I was surprised to find myself staying on top of the snow on my son's 300ex, and the Scrambler would fall through because of the extra weight, and be stuck.

Good luck with whatever you choose,
Lorrin

 

I would get the yamaha, polaris are trash. Nothin agaist u polaris owner's. The raptor is a good machine, there is few problems with it is the carb's blowin off.

 

As the owner of two Kodiak 4X4s and a Raptor, I think it depends on your riding style and your riding partners preferences. You can have a blast on any of them but you don't want to be the only sport quad out with a bunch of utility quads since the two types don't mix well. If this is the case, go with a 2WD Kodiak or a Wolverine (4X4). You will be able to go a lot faster than them, jump a little better than them, and rarely get stuck. From my experience, the front wheel drive on the Scrambler 4X4 doesn't do much to get you loose when your backend is high centered on a rut. A 2WD with adequate clearance gets through a lot more deep mud, etc. We had a friend with a Scrambler 4X4 that used to get pulled out of the mud by a Honda Recon 2WD all the time. That beast is so heavy only a gorilla can lift it when it is stuck in mud. Mud and a 600 lb quad don't mix well. Even a 400 lb quad feels like a 600 lb quad in the mud when you have no footing. Trust me, the 4X4 Scrambler doesn't offer much since it doesn't have enough clearance.

There is only one reason to have a sport quad. If you are truly looking for fun and a thrill, this is it! Utility quads just don't cut it no matter how you try to improve them. You can't clear a double on a 550+ lb beast. Just don't ride your sport quad with your 4X4 buddies or you will hate it. You will either be stuck wondering where they went or you will be so far out front you will wonder where they are. After I got the Raptor, I had to get my girlfriend a 400ex. There was no way she was going to keep up with the suspension and power. We've spent a little more time building some go arounds on the really nasty sections of our favorite trails.

I still occasionally take one of the Kodiaks out when it has rained for days and days and my friends still want to ride. Under these conditions, I think the utility quads are more fun since you rarely get stuck, can climb better, and the sport quads can't go at full speed anyhow. I end up hauling them out of all the ruts, etc. For the most part though, the Kodiaks are pretty much for hauling dirt and mulch nowadays.

Stay away from any sport quad that doesn't have reverse. You have been ruined once you've had it. If I had to choose to have only one quad, it would be the Raptor. I would just learn not to ride in the nastiest of conditions.

My two cents...

 

First of all do not listen to the opinions of idiots who say any brand of quads are trash... no brains. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

I own both Raptor and Scrambler 4x4, but mine's a 400. If you ride with utility quads in mud and harsh trails get the Scrambler500. You will be the sportiest of the bunch and still be able to follow them pretty much everywhere. When I first got mine I was a bit hesitant but then I saw how verasatile it really is. Get a rear rack with the gas tank extension rack and your all set! Just change the tires upon purchase. Bearclaws are a very good choice... much better than the stock tires for traction and handling. You will notice it right off the bat.

If your riding buddies have sport quads and ride them for what they were intended for, then I would suggest the Raptor. Tons of power, reverse, speed, amazing suspension and great handling. One of the best true sports quads available. But I do not look at soupy mud holes the same anymore.

The two are really worlds apart but it really depends on your riding style. If you do opt for the Scrambler, I would suggest trying to get a 2000 two-stroke400 4x4. I say this because you spoke of dunes. This motor can be made to really shine in the sand. Just a suggestion. It would be much funner than the four-stroke 500.

By the way, coming off of a Sportsman500 you will find the handling of the Scramblers amazing...but hop on a Raptor and it is tons more amazing in comparison to the Scramblers. (like leel said)

Go out and test ride both... without listening to kids saying that "quad X" is trash. They are just ignorant and brand-loyal compulsives. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

If you like the size of your Sportsman, you might consider a Bombardier DS-650. Especially if you are over 6', 200 lbs or more. The Raptor is a great machine, but it is kind of small. That can be a big plus on a MX track, jumping, wheelies, tight woods, but it has that japanese smallness to it. The DS is huge, a little heavy, 460 lbs. So very stylish, like a Ducati or something exotic, very reliable, great Rotax Austrian motor, and with a little work, like upper A-arms to cure the infamous twitchy steering, it is really great, handles fantastic, fire roads, powerslides, sandwashes, dunes, It likes to go fast. The Raptor NEEDS a Wider AXLE So plan on spending a couple of bucks no matter what sport quad you buy, they all need something.

On tough trails the Raptor and the DS both need a lower first gear, better yet a six-speed gearbox. I don't miss the automatic from my H.O. Sportsman, I still have it for work around the ranch and a loaner for friends. It is a lot less work to ride, and still covers a lot of territory pretty darn fast. But the thrill factor in these sport quads is a horse of a different color. If you have been bitten by the speed demon, don't waste your time with the Polaris. The 400 two-stroke can conjure up a lot of power for dunes and drag racing, but it is heavy and only half way there. Like AOL it's "Almost On Line" Go for the gusto, get a hot rod. Raptor or DS are both winners, the 500 Polaris engine is underpowered and hot-rodding it does not work. But you may need to make some new friends.

 

ATV Sport mag has an ad for front and rear racks for the Raptor. Ride them both, and pick the one that fits your needs.

 

I have a raptor and a 01 scrambler 500 4x4. both are great at what they where built for. you just have to decide on what type of riding you will be doing. or if you cant decide like me... buy both.

 

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

 

Good choice. Especially if you are keeping the SP. Between the two of them, you can do anything extremely well. And the SP is fast enough and easy enough that it can be a great second ride/loaner to take along a friend, spouse etc. It also makes a great support and rescue vehicle for those crazy ****** on the sport quads!