I just purchased a 2001 500 4X4 Scrambler. So far I think the Scrambler is great, but I would like to know if there is anything I have to watch out for: maintenance I shouldn't miss, parts I might need to upgrade.
I have read posts discussing the aluminum tranny mounts, chain breaking and breaking transmission housing, water in clutch/starter, etc.. How bad are these problems? What do I need to do to prevent them? What should I do first? I want to make sure I do everything possible to make it a reliable mount.

I won't be riding hard, I wrecked a 2 wheeler 20 years ago and the legs never recovered (which is why I have to make sure I do everything I can to make it reliable). Some of the posts I read make me feel like I'll be OK if I do routine maintenance, others make me think as soon as I get deep into the woods, I'll be walking back out. I may get it wet, but jumping and most hard stuff is out.

PS. Anybody out there know who makes ATV riding boots in wide sizes? It doesn't have to be a traditional bike boot, but I need really good ankle protection as one is fused and the other pinned.

Thanks!

 

Congrats on your purchase chris. You bought a great bike that has never made me walk back from anywhere. Read the "Scrambler Reliability" thread for some feedback on the Scram.

Regular maintenance is a must. Pay particular attention to greasing all of your zerk fittings from the beginning as that will nip in the bud a lot of problems that could show up later. I grease after every ride, but my friends think that is excessive. Use your best judgement.

I ride in water a lot and here is what I did to ensure that water doesn't get where it shouldn't. Run all of your breather hoses to the top of your handlebars; a total of 5 I believe (I am at work and can't look at my Scram). Run them all except for the breather hose for the battery (I don't run this cuz I don't want any battery acid around my other breather hoses.)

Water will get into your PVT Box or at least it will on the 2000 models. I bought Mighty Flow flexible tubing and snorkeled my PVT exhaust up under the handlebars and have yet to get a wet belt. If you don't want to do the snorkle just enter water slowly and this will keep most of the water out of your belt box. If water does get in there put the bike in neutral when you get out of the water and then rev the hell out of the engine and this will blow the water out of the belt box without damaging your belt. I believe not following this vital step is what causes a majority of belt slippage/burning problems. One more thing, if you ever swamp your bike completely, do NOT try to start it without changing all of your fluids. Yes, this means a tow back to your truck (did I mention carry a tow strap? LOL)but you will be better off in the long run and your bike will thank you.

I haven't had water in my starter yet. The pull cord fits snugly on there and seems to keep out the water just fine.

Buy an aftermarket air filter. I prefer the UNI over the K&N because of the conditions I ride....lots of water crossings, mud and sand. The K&N does breath better and as long as you have the pre-filter on is probably comparable to the UNI. The stock Polaris paper filter is basically junk. I only use it when my bike is in the garage and I am cleaning my other filters and doing maintenance.

I have yet to tighten the chain on my bike and have over 1000+ miles. Concentric drive on the Scram really works as advertised. If the chain is over tightened people have had problems w/chain breakage when they jump. I see you do not want to jump so this will not be a problem.

Don't worry about putting on an aftermarket pipe right away. As the 500 is a 4-stroke, the performance gain is only going to come when you couple it with a clutch kit and "arguably" an airbox mod. Arguable because there is no consensus or real proof that an airbox mod for the Scram500 does anything. Also, the final result of these mods will not be as dramatic as it would be with a 2-stroke. Cheapest thing you can do to enhance performance besides buying an aftermarket air filter mentioned above is to put on a Goodyear Powerstreak belt. I don't have the part# for it but can post it later if you like. It is much stronger than a stock Polaris belt and I feel the difference from it big time.

As for boots, I wear Army boots....mainly jungle boots. The tighter I lace them the more support I have. They are perfect boots for 4-wheeling as water drains out of them through weep holes in the sides.

IMHO, the Scram is the most versatile 4x4 made PERIOD!

Man, this is a long post....hope I didn't miss anything and hope it helps.

Regards,

MrMan

 

I bought a pair of Thor riding boots locally (mainley because I could try them on) they fit great with lots of ankle support and I have a very wide foot. Used to ride with just work boots til a stick came up thru the floorboard and almost took me foot off. The price was not bad either I think about $125.00 or there about. Good luck with your new ride I dont think you'll be sorry.

 

Thanks. I'll be greasing those fittings (and buying the Thor boots for sure).

 

The scrambler is a great quad, it just needs some body work doneto it....

 

Ok....I need to alter my message on top. I adjusted my chain yesterday for the first time before I went riding. lol

 

Yes I agree with everything MrMan says although I prefer the KandN the powerstreak belt is a must I changed my front spring to a white and it soon killed the stock belt.Things to check:Separate the coolant line were it crosses the oil return breather line at the top of the oil tank the two pipes rub and will eventually leak coolant.Also always check your rear end for tightness at and around the sprocket.Everyone I know with scramblers gets a loose rear sprocket. Dont overtighten the chain they run quite alot of slack at least compared to most other bikes.
As previously posted snorkel the belt box I have a 2000 and when I'd hit the water fast it would get a wet belt.Im not sure but they may of fixed the design on 01 models.Other than regular maintanence there excellent and Im sure you'll be happy with it.
2000 500 Scrambler.

 

I have a 97 with who knows how many miles. I have yet to be left in the woods or miss a ride because of mechanical problems. I follow a regular Maint schedule for all fluids and checking tension and tightness. Chrisf1 you have a great all around ATV have a blast.

 

I bought alpinstars. They cost alittle more ($169)
but they have an atv tread patern where as most moto boots are slick on the bottom. so if you plan on walking in any amount of mud I would go for a little more tracktion like the atv sole alpine stars there great boots.

 

I ride with about 5 other scramblers, and after a few blown belts, we all carry an extra belt, the tools necessary to change the belt, and rope for towing. This extra $30 spent can save you a day of riding, and a tow.

I live in upstate NY, and the mud's pretty thick around here. I've had trouble with the radiator filling up with mud, and then overheating the engine. It won't leave you on the trail, but you can only ride about a mile, and then wait 15 minutes with the fan running to cool off. My Scrambler didn't come with the screen in front of the radiator, so I bought the screen, and it helps a lot.

I also carry...get ready for this...a supersoaker pistol. It fits inside the rear rack I bought from the dealer without blocking the tail light, and I tie it there with the aforementioned rope. Since I got the radiator screen, I haven't needed the supersoaker, but I've blown out radiators for "new" scrambler riders, saving the day.

Good choice, enjoy it.