So at this point it looks like the majority is telling me to go with the 500 4 stroke.

Wife won't be the only one riding as I'm sure it is a lot more fun then a king quad that isn't the easiest thing to handle, takes a lot of upper body. Wife and others wouldn't be able to handle it on a long day.

Had a 05 yamaha kodiak 450 which was easy handling for her before and it was great but the stupid thing kept breaking down so I decided to get rid of it. Broke down at the top of the mountain on a hard trail at hatfields, flywheel went out and then tie-rod popped out of the bushing dragging it out. Was a mess, made for an interesting last day.

Needless to say i don't want to buy something that has a reputation for needing a lot of work. Thats why your input is great.

Someone said the top end would need to be rebuilt, is that as preventative because it has a reputation to go out?

 

I think what was said is the 2 stroke would need a rebuild for some reason they seem to always need a top end job done to them.
For all the time you spend wrenching on quads I think the ratio would be something like 100hours on a 2 stroke verses 10 hours on a 4 stroke.

 

Gotcha!!

I'm no wrencher so thats why I'm seeking info here!!

 

I had the choice of getting a 400(2 stroke) or a 500(4 stroke) I'm so glad I picked the 500. Less maintenance, and alot less noice.

 

Lol@noice stupid iPhone. I meant less noise, the 500 is a nice bike for anything I think

 

I've ridden both the 500 Scrambler and the 400 Sport/Scrambler and have to say that they are both decent ATV's.It really just depends on what you are looking for out of them and the type of riding that you will be doing as which is best for you.If you plan on leaving it stock and just doing basic trailriding then the 500 is probably the way to go.If you like aggressive riding and maybe plan on doing some mods in the future then the 400 is the way to go.

For the average trailrider that isn't going to be doing any type of racing or very aggressive riding the 500 will have more than enough power for them and they will probably be more happier with the overall feel of the motor.It feels like it has a ton more torque than the 2 stroke 400, but on the downside it isn't nearly as responsive to mods as the 2 stroke 400 is IMO if you plan on going that route in the future.The major downside to both of them is that they are both top heavy and the suspensions on them are very outdated.

The only time that I've really seen someone with a 500 regret their choice of not buying a 400 is when they run up against a modified 400 in a race...LOL.

Here's what 70+ MPH looks like when you're dragracing against a modified Suzuki 450 on an IHRA dragstrip with a Sport 400.