I am looking at a 400 Scrambler but was wondering how good it would be at hill climbing. I know that it 2 stroke and 2x4. I would appreciate any input from you guys and gals.
Dan

 

I've got a '98 Scrambler 400 4X4 which Polaris dropped from the lineup. If you want to climb hills mountain goats fall down get the Scrambler 500 4X4. I'm sure the 400 2X4 is a great machine, I wouldn't speak ill of any ATV. But I haven't been stuck once since I got my 4X4, that's one of the reasons I got it. If cost is an issue there are plenty of used 400 4X4s around.

Mine took me up a really gnarly hill at a poker run once, guys were falling over and rolling backwards all over the hill. But I went right up and over, I can't say enough about my Scrambler. My other ATV is an '85 Tecate that I love but can get stuck much easier.

 

When I had my 500 4x4 it would go up anything without any problem, when it was not brokedown. After spending an average of $100 a month in repairs I decided to get rid of it for something a little more reliable.

 

If its a sand, or loose traction hill that you are going straight up, they will climb untill gravity says stop. With the right tire, nothing will out climb it. Lots of power, and your always in the right gear.
But if its a high traction hill, that has a few twists on the way up, the powerfull motor and auto tranny can get you in a lot of trouble.
Mine has been on its back three times now, and let me tell you, IT HURTS.

 

I went up a steep hill last Sunday, probably picked up a little too much speed, then the front tire hit a rock and lauched the front end, I got the hell out of the way and luckily the quad only rolled twice before getting stuck between the banks on either side of the trail, putting on new handlebars tonight, quad is fine otherwise. 4x4 Scramblers are awesome, would certainly buy another one.