Well I've nailed the choice down to two models of Quads. The Polaris scrambler 500 or the Kawasaki KFX700. The price on these are about the same and I would like to know what the performance differences ( since they are almost the same size ) are such as acceleration, smoothness over rough ground as far as suspension damping of the bumps to produce a smooth ride. In addition how well these beasts handle in tight turns for lateral stability. Also the build and reliability factor must come into play. I really would like to hear from people who have some actual knowledge and experience with these machines. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

If the 200cc difference wasn't enough, the Prairie will hold its value way better than the Polaris. Polaris resale value has never been even up to par.

 

my buddy went from a 4x4 Scrambler to a KFX700 and he's now fixing his Scrambler back up, hates the KFX because he doesn't have 4wd. He can't hang with us lol. But if you buy a Polaris, beware that the only dealer that will give you squat for it at trade in time is another Polaris dealer.

 

Raziel...

There's really no comparing the 2 machines. It really comes down to the type of riding you do and where you ride. As far as acceleration and handeling, the V will dry wipe the scrambler every time. If you ride in a place where traction is an issue, go with the scrambler. That is the only scenerio where the scrambler would be the better bike.

 

I have personally owned both and put a lot of miles on them. Had the Scrambler 4X4 for 2 years, and currently have had the KFX700 for 1 and 1/2 years. The Kawasaki is hands down better in absolutely every category except riding in deep mud and snow. If you do a lot of that get the Scrambler, or get a Prairie 700. With the right set of rear tires, rider skill and some common sense, the KFX700 will go almost anywhere a 4X4 will, once again except deep mud holes, and winter deep snow riding.

Acceleration wise, My scrambler had a full Hot Seat Clutch and Pipe, and it would scoot pretty well. My 700 would make it look silly...no contest.

Suspension wise, they both are ok stock, until you really push them. The fronts on the Kaw are better, but the rear on the Polaris is better stock. I run Ohlins on my Kaw and they are awesome. Both quads are heavy, so you ahve to ride them with respect to that.

Both quads are very stable, and off cambers are no problem, with the Kaw being a little better due to a lower center of gravity. On steep hill climbs, they both do well, with the Kaw having much more power, but the Polaris having a heavier front end to keep from wheelying, and 4X4 for a little more safety.

In my opinion, I would put a winch on the Kaw before I would go back to the Scrambler, the horsepower and torque is awesome. the Kawy is 10 times more fun to ride.

 

My brother and I each owned Scrambler 500s for a few years and when he was ready to buy a new one, he went with a KFX700 and I went with the KVF650. I believe the Scrambler is good at everything except for pulling trailers. It could jump, mud, accelerate, and handled well on trails. My brother enjoyed some drag racing, speed trails, and moderate jumping so he graduated to the best speed trail bike (KFX700). I enjoyed technical trails, moderate speed, and mudding. I also had a limited budget so I went with the Brute Force 650 (vs the Prairie 700 or Brute Force 750).

You weeded out the same quads as my brother and I but, the last decision must be based on what you like to do most. The scrambler would be best if you are not sure. Be aware though, that we spent a lot more time and money on maintaining the Scramblers.

 

that's a fact! my buddy used to beat the heck out of his and it was always breaking. He beats the KFX700 the same way but other than tie rod ends and breaking every piece of plastic on it, it hasn't suffered the same as the Scrambler.

 

Yup, the tie-rods are junk (stock). I think bamboo would have been a better choice!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

I think for your location in Texas, Raziel, the V-Force would be the only choice, in my opinion. Up here in Mass., we have nothing but mud, trees rocks and roots. I lived out west for a couple years (Arizona, Cali.) and I'd definately keep mine if I still lived out there.

I've sunk my "vee" in more than a few mud holes and rivers. The thing with the automatic is when you sink it and get stuck, you peg the throttle and the rear wheels will get up to 70 m.p.h.!! The muck shoots straight up in the air and lands directly on your back and helmet--sucks when it's 40 degrees out!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] Riding all day in mud, the radiator will plug solid eventually.

You won't have that cold problem though, lucky you!

If your an aggressive rider, you will find the limits of the vee's suspension pretty quick. This is my opinion though-- it may be because I weigh only 150 fully geared up, but I think the front suspension is the worst there is. The faster you go, the harsher it gets--and I have the preload on full soft.

If I still rode illegally in sand pits, as I have most of my life, this thing would be king!! I wish they made it 10 years ago. I now ride in the handfull of legal state parks up here, which are loaded with rocks, boulders, roots and deceiving mud-holes. My vee is for sale, and I'm eyeballing the Brute Force or the SP800.

Yeah, I've got little guy syndrome!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

.. Hey, all you 4x folks-- what's the concern with the amount of hours on the machine. I'm toying with the idea of something along the lines of a Bayou 300 4x4, and I keep hearing here in the forums that this fellow has this many hours on the unit. I never gave it a second thought with my 2wd units. Is there something I'm issing?

 

Well I really do like the idea of the KFX700 and today I went to the local dealer but they did not have a unit for me to test ride, they just had the red one with that fancy paint job so I only got to sit on it. I was kind of wondering if this thing was a bit large for me at 5'7" @ 170Lbs. It seemed very large, much larger than the Scrambler 500 but the dimensional specs appear to be almost identical. This could be since it has larger fender flares. The terrain that I will be running on is a combination of loose sand/soil and also with grass/weeds. There are slopes that do not exceed approx 15 degrees and the whole area is with lots of brush and trees but in wintertime it can get quite slippery. The problem is that there is not really any large clear area's to get to much spped up, but I have found out that there is a public access ATV trail called Rocky Ridge just north of Decatur Texas on Hwy 51. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]