Hey guys I am starting to shop for a used atv. I am considering a Polaris because I have heard good things about their automatics. I am also curious about the "on demand" 4x4. Can someone tell me how it works and whether you like it or not. The scrambler seems to bridge the gap a little with the 4x4 on what seems to be a sport atv. Thanks for any advice.

 

Hi Redeemed- and welcome to the forum.

The Polaris "On Demand" 4x4 is a selectable switch for 2x4 and AWD. You can flip it on the fly as long as you are not stuck and spinning the wheels (like with any 4wheel drive system) and all 4 wheels are engaged into drive. However ( and I know lots of guys are waiting for this one), the engagment does not happen until a sensor in the front differential senses that the front wheels are not gaining forward traction by a certain "percentage" (which is some magic number that nobody really knows) I think it has something to do with the revs on the engine., as some people like to say. Once that happens all 4 wheels turn on, not three wheels and then pull a lever for 4wheel traction, but ALL 4. Now this only happens when it is in AWD position, and you leave it in that position as once the front wheels gain traction and no longer are pulling the ATV, the system shuts down and waits for traction loss again. I do not feel it unless I am trying to do a U turn and try to break loose the rear end to spin around and turn tighter. So you can literally leave it in AWD and it will turn itself on when you need and shut off when you do not. BRP "Can-Am" have a similiar system but it is not the same.

Any way there is quick answer, I am sure that I have left something out. I will let some other chime in.

 

i love it. only problem is everyonce in awhile it one wheel wil stay engauged and you will be pulled to one side, but this is easly fixed by backing up in a straight line for a couple feet and then it disengauges. overall its a great set-up. it also needs the front hub fluid changed every once in a while. i dont recomend leaveing it in 4x4 at all times cuz when you start doin fishtails it is overly easy to flip. depends on your riding style i geuss.

 

Keep in mind Scrammersam, has an older model with the engagment happens in the wheel hub. On 2004 models, I believe that is when they started using a different differential, on the Sportsmans. However they still use that system on the Scramblers, it is very out dated and should needs updating,, last yr.lol

 

does it still work in the same mannor as the old one

thanks for the info sportsman6004x4. i was unaware of that

 

Thanks for the welcome and the replies. That was the info I was looking for.

 

Redeemed...I was in the same boat that you are in. First of all, think about machine usage. Secondly, you must investigate service history. Polaris excells in the utility dept. bar none. there service history is...well...lets just say that they have a ways to go. I almost bought a 800 SP...right down to the day...and then changed my mind and bought a Outlander 800...INCREDIBLE! I have never been happier with a Quad as I am right now. But, the Bomb fits what i am looking for iout of a Quad.

 

I almost bought a Polaris also, but my buddy has a sp700, and told me to steer clear right now because of quality and performance issues. He said that Polaris is starting to really slack in those departments, and he sold his. I got a 650V2 and would never trade it for another brand. But i still like Polaris, i just like AC better!

 

I feel Polaris service has been great. My quad has never had any problems. The group of guys I ride with here locally (customers) have not had any issues either.
If you read on enough Forum boards, you will find that every Brand has Service issues. Lets Keep in Mind what it is that we do with these things. We submerge them in water, mud, run them in extreme heat, cold, dirt, sand and over boulders. We do Wheelies, we drag race them and we put on after market accesories. If you read the owners manual, of all the Manufactures, do they say you can do a wheely? do they say you can submerge them in 3ft of mud/water? do they say to run them wide open right immediantly after opening the crate? And honestly, how many really do the checks and balences on their machine. Of course everyone does! Right???

So when People are Complaning/moaning and being negitive towards a Brand, take it with a grain of salt. I am not just getting on the High horse because someone is being negitive about POLARIS, No, All brands have their nay sayers... Always will.

I have done investigations into Yammah, Honda, Suzuki, and BRP. You know what I found? the Dealers Here in KC Stink.. They don't offer any real service, and have no customer relationship building. I walked around for 30min at a local dealer that sells everything,, I Mean EVERYTHING! and no one bothered to talk to me. I go in to different dealerships and keep up to date on the "other brands" stuff. and I get the worst treatment. I see other customers in them that are frustrated and angry.

My advice is, find a good dealer..... Cause honestly, in todays market, you can not go wrong with any Quad.

But you can buy a Better quad.. POLARIS BABY!! THE WAY OUT!!

sorry I just had to add that last bit....lol

 

LOL, nice touch to the end Sportsman6004X4, Yes i agree. You cant go wrong with polaris. I used to have a Kawasaki, and it is nothing to my polaris. Never have rode a BRP, but they do look cool. But overall, polaris kicks butt.