First I'm not trying to start a feud on this. After reading many postings there's seems to be some unhappy folks outhere. Some don't like their machine yet still ride it or, they spend so much money on mods they could have bought something else, yet they still ride the same machine, and so on.
I figured mods would be fun to do as long as you can afford it, I can't,yet. And if I didn't like what I have then I'd surely sell and try something else. I don't think there's a perfect machine or do-it-all, never breaks down, super quad out there. Afterall it's manmade. I would like to see companys comeout with improvements such as EFI, beefier tie-rods, etc... Eventually it will happen, I don't know why they don't do it now, but no matter what companys do there will always be some unhappy people, and some who are satisfied with what they have.
"Let The Fighting Begin", just kidding:-) Lets keep this one fairly clean please.

 

Think about it for a minute. If any company came out with the Mother of all quads in the different catagories (sport,utility,trail) then nobody would run out and upgrade because there would be no need to. How many people ran out and put deposits on the HO and sold there sportsmans. This was only a minor change. Now, the v-twin kawa is going to have a long waiting list once it actually hits the showroom floor and if Polaris counter acts with an efi twin it will be the same story. ITS CALLED MARKETING STRATEGY.

 

I agree with you SnowRide... It's kind of like the automobile industry. Why don't all cars come with stainless steel mufflers and exhaust pipes--> Aftermarket parts would become obselete and profit would go way down.

I myself would rather buy a "perfect" quad but the price would also be way too much. If I were to have really wanted the ultimate auto-trannied Polaris I would have bought the HPD race chassis and motor, stuck some amazing wheels and tires...the whole bit. Can't get much better than that...but too much $$$.

It's human nature to complain. I love my Scrambler but always complain about certain things too. That's life!

 

I think you two know one another. Well my first aftermarket mod will be a Uni filter if I can find one or, a K&N. That's if I ever get my machine back from the dealer.

 

First off, there is no "perfect quad". Even Jack wouldn't argue that point.
Second, if you did build a race ready quad, how long would it be the best available? All of the maufacturers "borrow" technology from each other. It would be a small matter of time before another manufacturer improved on that technology, and brought out a version of their own. Case in point: 250R Honda, then along comes the Raptor. Where do you think that the suspension geometry and basic frame layout came from? 250R race quads. The Yamaha engineers could see that there was better technology out there, and used it to their advantage.
I wish that Polaris would shed some weight off of the whole ATV line, and offer an improved model with better suspension, etc. But, also consider that Polaris makes significant upgrades to the lineup every year ie: braided brake lines, improved steering bushing, better brake pads, etc. It's not just "Bold New Graphics" every season. When was the last time that Suzuki brought out a new quad?

 

Capt, I know the "perfect quad" doesn't exist but upon a closer look at certain items on a Polaris quad compared to others...and there is a difference...one can definately spot what needs to be improved.

I just look at the whole frame of my Scrambler. It is square and bulky. Look at the Raptors' frame...now that looks great from every angle...it just seems much more high-tech and better geometry. I am just using this as an example...not to start flame-war-->

I myself will most likely always be looking at the new quads as they come out, I am just like that, I like whats new and innovative...but still love riding my Scrambler. Some of us are just pickier than others. Plus on these forums we are exposed to things we never usually think about. People post every little problem that can or has occured on there quads or every little mod that can be made to better it. I now know that these "little things" here and there can be made better. The search for perfection continues...

That's about it.

 

Final thought: Most of the people we all ride with are not "ATV Gurus" like us, so when we get on these forums among fellow Gurus, we all tend to just jibber-jabber about anything and everything...no matter how trivial--> How to save .002 oz of weight or how to get our seats more cushy...just about anything!

Thats what makes this place so fun...if nobody was complaining we would all be out riding!

 

I just got back on and all that I can say is I'm pleased with the way this thread is going. Very imformataive on pretty well every angle.
CaptNemo, I'm sure Polaris is working on something new & improved, or else it wouldn't be Polaris.
Explor, I like what you said in your third paragragh. "I like riding what's new & innovative... but still love riding my Scrambler", or may I add, what you ride. This is what I sort of mean, you love riding your machine eventhough it may not be perfect,( not saying this to say it's not),but it takes care of business till something better comes out. Me personaly, I don't see myself giving up my Sporstman unless I feel i need something more, faster, biggger, stronger, whatever, unless it was/is a lemon. Also when I say this ,it's not because I just happen to own a POLARIS :-), but because I'm not made out of money and can't afford the latest technology available presently.
Well said for the rest of the paragragh.
Thank-you all, keep-em coming.

 

My 2 cents.....

I'm 30 and never rode an atv until 2 years ago. Then my brother bought a Scram 400. I loved riding it so I rushed out and bought myself a Trail Blazer.

After a year of riding I realize the Trail Blazer isn't enough power for me. So I ad a few mods.... still not enough - REALITY CHECK - I can spend another $1K to basically make it a full race motor and get the peformance I'm looking for but probably have reliability issues.

So......... for now I'll continue to ride my TB and love every minute of it because it's all I've got. But someday soon - hopefully - I can afford to sell it and buy my "perfect bike" - what is it you ask? A Scram 400 or 500 you say surely, well - I kind of doubt it. After reading and talking and reading and looking and, well you get the idea - it'll probably be a 400ex........ ACK! You all say.

But hey, I've done and will continue further researching the choice, but so far it appears to be the machine for my riding style and terrain. AND THIS MY FRIENDS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ALL KEEP IN MIND!!!! Your perfect machine might be a Rubi, your neighbors might be a Banshee - It's all in where and how you ride. If I was going up the side of mountains and through 30" of snow I might choose a different machine - but I happen to enjoy riding mostly at the local MX track and on mild trails.

As soon as everyone here stops being so defensive of the brand name we might all start learning more about our wonderful sport/hobby/recreational activity......

Now surely someone here will say I've believed everything I've read in the magazine "shoot outs", well honestly I dont read those. And my final decision won't be made until test rides are made - who know's - maybe I'll end up on a Yammie? Or that new Cannondale looks really sweet....

Should the day come that I'm "riding red" instead of Polaris I'll still recommend them to someone if I feel they will match that persons riding style and terrain.

Stepping down the from soap box now.... All I've done is rambled anyway - thanks for letting me vent.

 

It's ok to vent. It doesn't bother me if you go red, we all have the right to make our own decisions & choices. I bought a Polaris cause that's what my buddy had,(Explorer) and i wanted a 2-stroke utility for what I wanted it for. Zoomie here, ( my toy character) has his own 400EX (little scale model) and loves it. :-).