my brother owns a 1996 polaris 400 express 2 stroke. It's supose to be a utility/work quad. But the funny thing is it goes just as fast as the 400 sport. Is that the reason they quit making this quad because it is to close to the sport. Somebody please give me some information on this quad. I've only seen one 400 express and I would like to know why they quit making them.

 

I used to have one and absolutely LOVED it. Like you said, about as fast as a Scrambler. Better, in a lot of ways, as it had racks, a hitch, and low range. I traded mine in on a '99 Xplorer & haven't been disappointed. I asked the dealer why they quit making them & got several reasons.

1. Color/styling. They were TEAL! Who makes a 'muscle' quad in such a sissy color? A lot of people who wanted a fast machine didn't like the looks of it. Also, many who looked at one thought it was a good 'beginners' machine for their wife/daughter (I'm serious - this is what they told me)

2. Overpowered - People who bought it as a work quad hitched it to their trailer & just spun tires. It was almost overkill to put that kind of power through just 2 wheels.

3. Our friends at the EPA. Believe it or not, there are emission standards on ATVs. The 4wd versions can get by a little 'dirtier' without having to pay a pollution tax, making the 4wds a better deal

4. and finally, (and I think the main reason), they weren't the hottest seller, and when they went to the new chassis design, they didn't bother making it in 2wd.

By the way, you can still make your own pretty easily. Just take the drivetrain off of an Xplorer from the driveshaft forward, and replace the lower strut carriers, hubs & bearings off of a 2-wd Magnum & you got it. Oh, and put on a front sprocket with one more tooth for higher top speed & you got it.