Hi Guys,

Which one is faster? Would appreciate an honest unbiased answer from those of you who have ridden both or have had an opportunity to race one against the other.

Thanks,

 

The Scrambler is going to be faster, and the Scrambler 400 4x4 is a little quicker than the 500 4x4 because its a 2 cycle and has less weight. But comparing a Scrambler wit a Prairie is apples to oranges. If you want fast, slide through corners, wheel spinning, roost throwing riding then a Scrambler will make you happier. But if you want to carry loads, creep over obstacles and do more technical riding then the Kawasaki is better suited. The biggest drawback to a Scrambler is the lack of a low range, it will tackle just about anything but you tend to fly over things a little too fast sometimes. It bounds over things, a little to abruptly sometimes, where a low-range 4x4 will simply crawl over them. The Polaris has the suspension travel and the 4x4 versions have the true 4 wheel drive, but the Prairie has the low range, and the new one has a locking front diff so its 4x4 abilities should be greatly improved.

Think about how you will be riding. I do a lot of U.S. Forest Service trails which are really designed for bikes so they have a lot of jumps and sections to open it up a little, so the Scrambler works well for me. But if you have access to a lot of open country where you can make your own trails and do technical rides through the woods and over obstacles, then the Kawasaki might be better.

I have had several Kawasaki street bikes and they make some great equipment, but one drawback to the Prairie is that its a V-twin. Good for horsepower and torque, but if you are the type to keep a machine a long time, that means twice as many sparkplugs, pistons, cams, valves, carbs, etc. to maintain. And if it is like many V-twin motorcycles, that rear cylinder can be tough to get at. But still, if it was my choice and all else was equal, I'd take the Prairie. And I say that as a very satisfied Scrambler owner. But maybe that's because I'm old and have started to value the Prairie's ability to creep around over the sheer speed for the Scrambler.

PS-you know, sometimes it comes down to which dealer in your area is better.

 

<< If you want fast, slide through corners, wheel spinning, roost throwing riding then a Scrambler will make you happier. But if you want to carry loads, creep over obstacles and do more technical riding then the Kawasaki is better suited. >>



I have the 650 Prairie, I have raced both a 500 &amp; 400 4x4 Scrambler. And beat them both.The 400 Scrambler is a bit faster then the 500. My buddy has the 500 4x4 which I have rode and it is very fast and has a nice ride. The 400 4x4 I have never rode. But if you want fast,slide through corners, wheel spinning , roost thowing riding &amp; also the creep over obstacles &amp; technical riding get the 650.
(PS) I,am not saying there is anything wrong with the 4x4 Scrambler, Just letting you know what the 650 can do. See my pics!

650 Prairie pics

 

I have a stock 99 Scrambler 400 and raced 2 Prairie 650 this weekend and beat them both. We did not race to top speed just 50 MPH that is all the room we had. I was about 3 to 5 quad lengths ahead of them at the end of the race.
The 2 Prairie's were really close in speed. Just FYI

 

I have been reading this forum for about 2 years now. I have never replied to any of the messages due to I do not want to sound biased. I could not resist replying to this message because I own both a Scrambler 500 4X4 and Prairie 650 and my brother owns the same.

My answer couldn't be more unbiased on this subject. The Prairie is slightly quicker out of the hole for about 10 yards then the Prairie really starts to hit hard and continues to about 65mph. The Scramblers power flattens out at about 55mph. So in a drag race the prairie is hands down faster. On tight trails the scrambler handles better and excepts body control better so you feel more in control. The steering on the Kawi will really wear you down also.

slot, great pictures on your site!

 

Kawlaris is correct, the Scrambler cannot beat the 650 unless something is wrong. I've seen mention that the stock Scrambler 500 has 28 hp. Compared to 42hp, it won't happen. I've raced more than a few. Having said that I almost bought the SC500 4x4 and think it is a really sweet ride. I would have to say the power engagement system has to be better on the Scrambler because it has MUCH less hp than my 650 yet it keeps up well.

 

I guess I can answer this question without getting anyone all pissed off and saying I'm bashing 1 or the other. First of all if your concerned with racing any of the quads you mentioned the 400 Scram has the most potential to be modified but you would be better off buying a sport quad. None of the 3 are built to be serious sport quads without major mods. All 3 though are great quads for what they are intended. The Scrams are very fun all around quads and of the 2 the 400 is quicker. I have run my 500 against my 650 a bunch of times with me riding both against the other and the 500 wont compare to the 650 in speed. I have never run against a 400 but have ridden a few of them and I feel pretty confident that the 650 would take all but the highly modded 400s. I bought the 650 because it is basically an upgraded Scrambler. I get low range and a few more options for utility use with the 650. I would not hesitate to tell someone to buy a Scrambler if they arent interested in useing their quad for working. I have had a lot of great rides on my Scram and I'm sure I'll have alot more. The Scram does give you a sportier feeling when riding. Either the 400 or 500 are going to be a blast to ride but to answer your question your going to need to buy the 400 and modify the engine if your only goal is to beat a 650.

 

I HAD a Scrambler 400. My advice would be to stay away from it, unless you'd rather walk than ride. If you'd rather ride than work, get the Kawi.

 

Slinger Ever been to LA dunes a bunch of us will be there sunday would love to see that quadzilla run. Hopefully my sport400 will be back together, should be some good dragracing going on.

 

I am just speaking of what happened this weekend when I raced.
Maybe the 2 650 I raced where not built right or had problems.
The 400 is supposed to have 36HP according to the Dyno charts and the 500HO is 35HP.
The 400 with a $325 mod has 45HP.