My next bike I would love to buy a 400 scrambler or explorer.I have a couple of questions.Which quad is better for all around /sporty riding.What is the reliabilty of these quads and what can I expect to go bad if I modify or dont modify these quads.I rode a friends 94 sport 400l and this thing being 500-600 pounds was moving to the tune of nearly 60 mph and i didnt even have it to the stops! 1 more thing is the 2 wheel drive 400 a decent bike or will it get hung up in every mudbog and cigarette butt it sees I mean logs.Thanks for the replys

 

Sugerhead,
I own a 00 Xplorer 400cc.I bought it 3-10-00.It has around 600 miles on it.I replaced the stock Polaris pads in the front at around 350 miles.Polaris stock pads SUCK.I installed a set of Polaris SEVERE DUTY pads and the brake problem is no longer an issue.The quad has never been back to the shop for nothing.Its been a dream quad for me so far.Good Luck,===Bill

 

Heres my input. Go for a 2001 model that has the updated brakes and other components. My brakes are pretty much junk, but as Bill says go right for the heavy duties.
For me 4x4 is a must. Not really for mud because I find myself going through big slop holes in 2x4 with no problem. It is really when going up steep hills and getting out of ruts. Especially with a modded engine that tends to lift a bit more. Very reliable besides that.
The Scram 400 with a clutch kit, Uni filter, trail-pipe and some reed valve upgrades is screamin!!! An amazing sporty ride.
On the other hand my Xplorer is much more comfortable for long and bumpy rides and also much better in mud and in rocks. It is much less sporty though. I added V-force reed valve and an EPI clutch kit and acceleration is greatly improved. It all depends on your personal interpretation of "sporty"...

No matter which one you choose you should be in front of the pack. Try both at your dealer.

 

The Xplorer is a little less sporty, but in my opinion a little more versatile. My Xplorer has 3000 miles with the only 'repair' so far is a new spark plug at 2000 miles. I have left it stock except for a K&N air filter. I was warned about the brakes, so I rinse them off with a garden hose after riding through deep mud, which is a pain but really seems to help the stock pads last. I got the Xplorer because of the factory carrier racks & low range. I farm & ranch & have had no problems carrying up to 250 pounds on the racks, plus me (200 more) at reasonable speeds over fairly smooth terrain. I think the low range really helps belt life in slow/difficult terrain or heavy work.