I am looking for a review of the 400 Scrambler. It appears it is as fast (or nearly) as the Honda 400EX. But how does it stack up in other areas(suspension, handling, etc...). Also, is there any recommendations of products on easily improving the 400 both in performance and handling.

Finally, I am looking for the same on a TrailBlazer.

Chunky

 

Geez, I guess when you are new no one responds.

Is the Scrambler 400 big and slow, or fast and big or nimble, what. Answer will sure help selling another Polaris. I want American, but would like some feed back.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

I can give you more specific information on the Trail Blazer. I had a Trail Boss 250 (same engine as the Trail Blazer) and it was a GREAT machine. The only difference in the Trail Boss (before 2001 model year) and the Trail Blazer is the suspension. The Trail Blazer has a sportier suspension and has lots and lots of inexpensive performance mods available. Rick Ritter is a great place for performance parts (Ritter cycle). Solid machine for the $$$$$$.

The 400 is a rocket which is built on the same chasis as the Trail Blazer. It is VERY quick stock and a absolute rocket with a performance clutch and pipe!

I hope this helps

 

Chunky5678,

Many people probably have an answer or recommendation to your question, but something that has been posted already is a waste of time to repost. But, I'll help you help yourself since you're new here.........do a search....scrambler 400.......and it will pull up all topics relating to your subject. Same way with the trailblazer.

It is always best to do a search relating to your question before just asking every question that crosses our minds. Chances are, there is at least one, and possibly several in-depth discussions covering your subject matter.

And one other thing.......30 minutes isn't much time to give the many users of this forum to respond.........overnight is normally when you'll get your responses since several people only visit the forum after normal business hours and on weekends.

I hope I don't seem to be sarcastic.......

P.S. If your search topic doesn't pull up much, reduce your search criteria......such as instead of "scrambler 400 versus fourtrax 400"......just put in "scrambler 400" or even "400".

Later,

Waylan

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Thanx, I did a search on Scrambler 400 and found what I was looking for. I think I am sold and will probably buy a Scrambler 400 and TrailBlazer for Christmas for my son and I.

Boy the 400 must really be fast, but it kinda sounds like it is a pig on handling and jumping. Is that the consensus??

Chunky

 

Chunky,



You need to allow more than 32 minutes for a response, especially in mid-afternoon, when most people are working so they can afford a quad.

 

Just to be nice I would say yes, it is a nice machine (the 400). My friends call it a Cadillac. It does OK for jumping. I have done 5 to 6 feet up out to 35 in length.

Unless you live up to your handle keep the throttle under control. If you are on a surface your tires will grip it will not think twice about leaving you behind (no clutch for added control).

It is somewhat nimble and will shimmy up a hill easily. From what I hear you may want to stay away from the MX'ing since it is heavy.

I am one of those late surfers so don't be offended by the remarks they are more like helpful hints. Trust me, I have saved a good amount of time by searching.

Hope this helps!

 

Chunky 5678,

I have the Sport (an earlier model 2x4 Scrambler) and believe me, the sky is the limit as far as mods can go. Most guys like to build up their motors for drag racing or sand dunes, some (like me) like to make woods machines out of them. I don't think they'll ever make a decent MX machine, but for cross country, they can't be beat.

Stock for stock, the Scrambler 400 won't beat a 400EX. Do a little bit of motor work, add a pipe and clutch kit, carb and reeds to it and you'll soon be beating Banshees, Raptors and DS650s, not to mention the sundry 400-440EXs. But like everything, speed is a question of money, how fast can you afford to go?

Add some Works Performance struts, a Hot Seat dual rate spring kit, a Works shock in back, better handlebars and some decent tires (like Holeshots) and you have a completely different machine from the one you bought. The modifications don't stop there either. With wider a-arms, axle and a longer swingarm (trust me, you'll need the longer swingarm if you go with the motor mods) you can make the machine more stable.

Any way you look at it, it's going to cost money to build a machine up from stock. Why not start with the least expensive big bore sports machine out there that is the chepest to modify?

 

Here's my view. The Scrambler is halfway between the Utiity quads and the "true" Sport quads. Like Mike said, it is great for woods and cross country riding. All it needs is a pipe and clutch kit and it will easily hang with the Banshees, 400ex's and all. Add some other gizmos like carb and porting and you have most of them beat on acceleration and speed. What kills the Scrambler is it's weight. There is no getting around it. Whoops kill my Scrambler and so do big jumps or sudden drops/ruts. Get some Works front struts and some dual rate springs and it does make a major difference.

It all depends on the riding you wish to do. As for me I ride both my Scrambler and my Raptor. When the going gets rough (mud, rocks, hills, slick trails) the Scram is king but for jumping, wheelies, whoops, doughnuts and horsing around... it's the Raptors turn. One thing I like about the Scrambler is the auto-tranny. I could get going really fast all the way into the corner, hit the brakes and then just hit the throttle without worrying about gears or stalling. Stop and go!

I learned one big thing last year. The Scrambler cannot be made or modded to ride like a 250R, Banshee, Raptor or 400ex. It will always be a Scrambler...the fastest and best "sporty trail quad" available today. It has it's qualities such as auto-tranny, power and speed plus a very plush ride which makes it very unique. It is the most versatile quad. You can go on mud rides with the Utes and still go raise h*ll with the high-performance quads too.

 

OK, OK. I bought a 400 Scram and a TrailBlazer for my son. He had a Moto4 Yamaha 80cc. Now Santa will give us new Polaris'. It is done.

I used to race MX, Cross Country and Road Race. I prefered HOnda CR's on MX, Honda or Kaw's on the rode and Husky's on Cross Country. The Polaris reminds me of the Husky. Considered the best quality, and great for all around fun. And Cross Country was always my favorite. I am sure the Scram won't do as well on MX. But, all around it may be the best. Plus, I hunt, maybe I can use it to haul my dear out!!!!!!!!!!

So, if I get a HPD Trail pipe, K&N air filter kit and springs to match will I need to re-jet? I have read the Scram comes a little rich. Also, Amsoil is great. I wonder if they make a pre-mix oil? Any one know???

My wife cannot believe I just bought to quads. me either.

Chunky

PS. I am 42, 240lbs and love to compete. Especially when someone thinks their money won them the race. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]