Buying for the first time so I went test riding:
Polaris 325 Trail Boss
Polaris 500 Scram 2 x 4
Polaris 500 Scram 4 x 4
Honda TRX300EX
Honda TRX400EX

Application: Push my midget racecar around and mild (to start out) sport riding.

I rode a friends 300EX a few years ago so I knew what I wanted for response. Looked at the Polaris 'cause the dealers close and another friend said I'd have to have 4wd to play in the winter. The 325 was stiff and slow. I couldn't tell much difference between the 500 Scram 2X or 4X, even shifting in and out of 4WD.
I went to the Honda dealer and rode the 300EX first and found the response I'm looking for. I then rode the 400EX and rolling along in 2nd gear it lifted the front wheels at the crack of the gas. Tried to wheelie the 300 but the ground was too slick.
I'm sold. Calling Lake Hill Monday to get a 400. Dealer here in Indiana wants $5400+tax...
Great forum, good tips and advice. Thx!

 

congrats, the 400ex is an excellent choice. best all around performance quadd. tons of fun in all terriannn and you will never bein the back of the pack

 

Welcome to the Honda Family! ( damm I sound like a salesmen or something)

1998 Honda Recon, Sur Tracks on ITP aluminum, UNI air Filter
www.geocities.com/hondapride_98

 

If you like response, and pulling power, and are not afraid to lose a few MPH on top end, a 14 tooth front sproket is a cheap, valuble mod. And the bike still will go plenty fast on top speed too (I would guess around 60)

 

I did basicly the same test when I bought my son a new quad,I was smart enough to try a Scrambler 400 which in my opinion(don't attack me for having an opinion)is a much better quad than a 300 or 400 ex!

 

They're gonna eat you alive.

 

They have to catch him first.....

 

GOTCHA your right I own a scrambler 400 and I feel the same way, it's the most versitile quad made and for the money theres no comparison.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

 

Seems to me if you bought the scrambler 4X4 you would be getting the best of both worlds.

 

i dont like the 4x4's i learned to ride in any snow with a 2wd, grows on ya... i find the 4x4's too bulky and the polaris' they just cant stand up to how i ride, maybe just bad ones that i had cause we had to invest over 3000 in one to keep it running, here you see only 4x4's so if i ever seem to get stuck someone would help me out i'm sure, hope u like u'r ex