Ok, In a 1/4 mile drag...... Just Kidding, no this is not a race. I have a choice, to either keep my Scrambler 400, with a pipe, or buy a DS650 Baja. I have to sell my scram if I get a Baja. I've seen the DS, and they look sweet, but never ridden one. I sat on it, and it feels real comfy, and the gears seem to shift smoothly and all, and I fit good on it.

Please post back soon, we are going to put a deposit on the DS tomorrow.

 

Adam~
I think I can give you a fair comparison between the 2 machines since I have 100+ hours of saddle time on both machines.

Engine-DS650 all the way. Scrambler is good on take off, but DS is better on take off and light years better in mid range and top end.

Tranny-up to you whether you prefer auto or manual. The clutch lag time is extremely noticable when going from the DS to the Scrambler. DS is instant power, Scrambler has split second pause, then more subtle power. The DS does not have reverse. I could have used it about 5 times since last August. I have learned that picking up the *** end is not that big of a deal. I have also learned to take a much safer line where reverse may be needed.

Suspension-DS650 BY FAR! With 11.5" rear and 12"front suspension, it eats up terrain much easier than a Scrambler. I don't think Works Suspension on a Scrambler would even compare to a stock DS650!

Brakes-Yes, DS650 again. Unless you're into simplicity, the Scrambler has a horrible setup for sport riding. I can pull front wheel wheelies when braking on pavement with the DS. The scrambler would almost do that when new, but not even close now. Good engines need good brakes, and the DS has both of them.

Handling-Again DS650 by far! My buddy has a 400 Scrambler and about a 500 foot oval track around one of his pastures. When we're both riding hard, he gets about 5 laps and then I'll lap him. DS is wider, longer, and lower. The Baja DS is even better handling than mine since it has the much better Ohtsu tires and different offset rims.

Mud/Snow-Scrambler was better simply because of 4X4. With both machines in 2wd, my DS is about equal since I have added 22/23" tires.

Woods-DS650 because of handling and suspension. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the DS is NOT too wide for the woods! I have never once ridden on a trail that was just 46" wide!

Fire lanes-DS650 for its awesome mid and top end power and ultra stable ride. I think the DS is more stable at 70 mph than most machines at 55 mph!

Ergonomics-The DS feels much like the Scrambler when sitting on it. The seat is quite comfortable on both machines. Everything is laid out nice and I think you'll find the tach fun to look at. It is different seing the mini fenders move with the suspension, but I really like seeing the suspension work!

Mud coverage-about the same. Front mini fenders on the DS work just as well as full fenders. Being a sport machine, both Scrambler and DS are not very "clean" machines.

Maintainance- I personally have found the Scrambler just as easy to maintain as the DS. I have adjusted the chain on the DS once in about 1700 miles. Greasing zerks is similar on both machines. People may argue that a 2 stroke requires much more maintainance because of top end rebuilds, but my Scrambler has over 3000 miles without a rebuild. Still 120 lbs compression. The DS requires oil changes, which can be messy, but I found to be a fun way to get to know the machine better.

Fuel consumption-DS also wins this category. My Scrambler has consistantly returned about 15 mpg with a best of 19mpg for one trip. My DS has given me between 22 and 27 mpg. Keep in mind the DS does require 91 octane or better and has a .5 gallon smaller tank.

Wheelies-This one actually goes to the Scrambler. It has a shorter wheelbase and an easier-to-find balance point. Once familiar with the Polaris tranny's lag time, one learns when to gas it to lift the front end.

Appearance- Scrambler is a 7 year old design. DS is a 3 year old design. Baja is on its 1st year. Front fenders on the DS are love or hate. I personally love them.

OK, lets look back at the comparisons. DS clearly wins 9 categories while Scrambler has clearly won zero in my opinion. The DS is so much superior to the Scrambler that it's barely a comparison except for physical size. Just remember that when you get the Baja DS650, take it easy for the 10 hour break in. Still take it easy after that break in until you are used to the clutch. When I first got mine, I always grabbed the clutch thinking it was the brakes! I also ran mine into a barbed wire fence within the first 2 weeks because I couldn't control it. Good luck with your purchase and keep up posted on how you like it. Hope to see you in the Bombardier forum more often!!

 

One more thing...Sorry for writing a novel above!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

Man, great non-biased review on both quads! It's great to see such an informative post. Thank you.

-Josh

 

I have never ridden a DS, but if you don't mind how it looks, it may be something to consider. Personally, I think it's the ugliest quad out. The scrambler headlights make it look like crap too, so I took mine off and I'm happy with the rest. No reverse is not cool. Weight is about the same. Price for the DS is a lot more, so you will get a better machine hopefully. Isn't the warrenty better too?

What about the new Polaris sport quad in a few months, or the LT?

 

Barelylegal~
My DS cost me 5400 OTD new last August. That is a plain DS650, not the Baja edition. Dare I ask what you payed for your Scrambler? No reverse is not cool. I agree/disagree. It would be nice just for backing into the parking stall in the shed, but I think it would be more of a hassle trying to feather the clutch while pushing it backwards out of some mud. My DS came with a 6 month full warranty. I had work done on it once, which was a leaking oil connection. Everything else is as tight as new still. I definitely respect your opinion, but I must say opinions are like A$$holes. Your own is ok, but everybody else's stinks![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I too must agree, nice comparitive post. Unless the DS is used in a organized harescramble race, it's a great trail machine. The fresh-cut narrow harescramble trails can be rough on a widened Polaris also. Adam, the DS is obviously a technology jump. I guess I would weigh on how much you have into your Scrambler, and how much more you were planning to do to do...mod wise. Other than a few cosmetic lighting issues, after my just shy of a $1000 HPD shock purchase, mines done. You really (in my opinion) have to weigh the challenge of the performance mods and the obsession, er, I mean hobby of wrenching on the quad. There are also getting to be some REALLY nice DS kits out there as well. Good luck in your decision.

Ken Thompson

 

Modquad~
There are a few nice kits available for the DS, but the aftermarket is still very limited compared to Hondas or Yamahas. Modding a 4 stroke has always been more expensive, and that is even more true with the DS. I'm glad to see you're pretty much done modding your Scrambler. How long do you think the engine will last before it needs a top end rebuild? Just wondering about the durability of a full race engine.

 

As long as someone takes care to do things right...break out the micrometers, and keep a clean shop....the durability of the race-mods has been really good. Riding buds can't believe the trouble free operation. All I do is a quick once a week check-over. I've only had to once pull the top end due to something burping, and that was a carb issue. I normally "refresh things every 12 months, just for a newer port design, or a different higher compression dome. When you consider 378cc (stock bore) pumping out 75hp at the crank....that's some pretty good snort. Give 'em time on the DS mods, if they keep winning the baja, that gets people interested fast.

Ken Thompson

 

It's all a matter of where and how you like to ride. Personally, it all depends on where you ride and the terrain you ride. I admit that I am one of those people that craves higher speed and being able to jump to the moon....and a DS will probably provide that. But 9 times outta 10, I look for a mud hole or hill climbs or rocky trails...so a 4x4 scrambler gives me a great taste of all worlds. Yes, I'm not saying the DS can't handle a puddle or too, but compard 4" to 9" of clearance. That alone can hurt...especially if there are rutted trails. I've seen raptors, DS, and 400ex have to paddle with their legs to get through the ruts a polaris has left. So basically, look at what you would use more. Having a machine you can't get full value of is like a Texan owning a snowmobile!!

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00 scrambler 400 4x4 K&N
98 xplorer 400 K&N, boysen reeds, clutch spring