I am interested in buying a scrambler 2x4 500. I am not hard on quads, and i do not jump. I have some trails on my property,long straights(2000 feet) improved trails, etc. I have never ridden a Polaris before. I currently have a 1999 bayou 220(wifes) 1999 Kawi Lakota (mine quite a few mods) 1996 yamaha Badger 80. All of these quads are ridden almost daily, none have ever broken down. I want a new quad that is faster than the Lakota, decided a scrambler 500 would fit the bill. My questions concerns the front ends. I have read forums here in reguards to Sterring stems,Ball jionts, handlebar flex etc. Is this a design flaw ,or do to ridding these machines really hard, which i do not intend to do. I like going fast, want a better ride than i have now. My other choice is a kawi 400. I know they are not in the same class. Please give me some pro and con on the scrambler 500, and the kawi 400 if you have any. Thank you.

 

Don't know cons yet(Just bought my 2001 500 2X4 3 weeks ago)but I sure like it so far.In riding ATVS for 20 years I've owned everything from a 90cc three wheeler to a heavily modified Banshee.This is my favorite so far.Good power,comfy ride,electric start and reverse...I love it.Here in Oklahoma we are experiencing a cold and wet snap.when it dries and warms up a little I'm going to put the paddles on and hit the dunes at Little Sahara State Park....can't wait..SEC

 

I 've had a 99 Scrambler 500 since late 98. I ride it fairly hard, and usually look for very technical trails, (rocks, downed trees etc). I've done a little jumping. My steering has a bit of side to side play, but nothing more than other mfg. quads I've ridden with. Since 99 Polaris has made improvements that should reduce the play even more.
A 2x4 machine with less weight over the front would have even less of a chance to develop steering play. One day I'll replace the tie rod ends, but they'll have to get much worse first.
One thig that always helps on any quad is to not jack the handle bars back and forth unless your moving.

Good luck

 

I think the front end deal is much more prevelant on 4x4's with larger than stock tires and allot of hard mudding. My 2000 SP has a little play but hardly anything that bothers me, and with a 2x4 Scrambler it should be minimal at best.

 

If you're buying a new Scrambler, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about. The tie-rods, steering stem and bushing have all been strengthened on the newer models.

 

I think you will be happy with it. Have a 98 Scrambler 4x4 and have had excellent reliability. There were more steering problems on the older ones (pre 2000) the had a ball joint vs heim joint (post 2000) tie rod ends they last much longer. The one weak point still in the steering is the lower steering post bushing it is made of plastic and they do wear quickly. In the conditions you describe you may get longer life than me, I ride a lot of mud. When they do wear out you can replace it with a aluminum one with a bronze bushing for $30. The flex in the steering stem is a little much for others liking but I ride mine hard mud, jumps some hare scrambles and I have heavier than stock wheels and tires it is still fine. I have seen they bend easy in a roll over but that could also be contributed to the weight. HTH

98 Scrambler 500
00 Trailblazer 250

 

I have had a 1997 and 2000 400 Scrambler 4x4 and loved them. As for the front end, the rivits come loose on the steering shaft bushing and give a little free play. I think that problem was fixed on the 2001 Scrambler though with a new style bushing. I have a 2001 Sportsman HO and it has the new style bushing and it is much better. You say you are thinking about the 2 x 4? Are you sure you will never need 4 x 4? It won't cost that much more to make the move now? It will give you a true 4 season ATV.

Mark
2000 Stock Scrambler
2001 Sportsman HO with some add-on's

 

I say go for it I own a scrambler 400 2x4 and I would'nt trade it for nothing not even a raptor. The scrambler combines the best of both worlds, you get a sporty machine with looks and performance and when the trail gets ugly you can laugh at raptors and 400ex's stuck in mud or having trouble on steep hills while you keep pulling along.

LONG LIVE POLARIS

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

 

I am going to swing by the dealer monday for a quick look at both the scrambler 500's. I plan on keeping whatever i get for many years to come. I have never ridden a polaris before. I have really never ridden any other quads but my own. I have read post after post talking of changing clutch springs. I was wondering if stock 500 has to be rev up some before it will go. I bought my parents a prairie 300 in 2000. I am not real fond of the fact that it seems to move it has to have 1/2 thottle. I find it hard to believe that the dealers around me will not let you test drive one. I have to do my own homework, can't rely on the dealer. He's just there to take my money.