Great info Willie,
Where did you get it? You would think they would be lowering the sports weight instead of letting it get fatter. I will have to take a serious look at the Gas Gas, Bombardier DS650 or Honda 400EX. I refuse to consider the Banshee until Yamaha attempt to address it's mumerous problems.
Scott.

 

I like that the Scramblers now have 10.5" of rear travel. I don't like that they are all red. For one, I like how each was different in color to distinguish them. Two, I liked the '99 Sport color scheme 10x more than my red. Three, I was going to try to add the red hood & seat to my Scrambler to make it unique. I made a picture on my computer like that, and was impressed. The Scrambler 2wd looks ok, but not near as good as '99 Sport or the how good I think it would be.

I am glad they didn't make the Scrambler 500 any better, I would be heart broke! Now all I have to do is cross my fingers nobody else comes out with a sport 4x4.

I think the Magnum 6x6 looked better than the Sportsman 6x6. That is a pure utility machine, and I am not sure how ranchers will react to composite racks & bed, makes it like a big rubber-maid tub on wheels. The composite may work just as good, but most real utlity people I have talked to are really skeptical.

I like the Xplorer 250 4x4. I think it's good Polaris keeps a few 2-strokes, a lot of people bought Polaris 2-strokes to have a utlity faster than their brothers Honda, etc... Plus, variety is good. However, the Xplorer 250 4x4 looks just like the Trail Boss 250 4x4. I didn't like that. Plus, they were pretty tippy in the corners, I hope that's not how the new ones are. I am glad it's going to be cheap, along with the Trail Blazer and Magnum 325 2x4, that's really good. For one, more people can afford them.

Last of all I am glad they didn't cut the Scrambler 400, Sport 400 (well, completely cut it), and Xplorer. Not that I own any or would buy any, but I think they are a good part of the lineup that makes Polaris unique.

Did I say last of all? Ok, then this is a PS. I think the '99 Sportsman 500 looked a little better, but I could grow to like it, it's just new I guess. I am disapointed there weren't any real upgrades made though, at least that were listed.

One more thing before I am run off! Does anybody know what's the deal with the Sportsman 335? All the '99 models I saw, had the same graphics, controls, and componets as the '98. I was guessing they weren't selling very many, they didn't make any '99's and were selling left over '98's and they were cutting the model. For '00 it still has the same graphics, and I though I saw a red 4x4 button not switch. So is it still leftovers? Or why are they keeping the origonal setup?

And last of last of all, bla bla bla,...... (sorry for the long message)

Adam Dowden

 

Don't panic. Basically, the sport is now a 2wd Scrambler. Only difference is the red plastic (found on all three 2000 Scramblers), decals, and the rear shock at a now 10.5" of travel.

Year 2000 line-up...

Xpedition 425 4x4 (New, early release)

Sportsman 335 4x4

Sportsman 500 4x4

Magnum 500 4x4

Xplorer 400 4x4

Magnum 325 4x4 and 2x4 (New, early release)

Polaris Diesel 455

Xplorer 250 4x4 (New)

Scrambler 500 4x4 (New 10.5" rear shock)

Scrambler 400 4x4 and 2x4 (2x4 New)

Trail Boss 325 (New, early release)

Trail Blazer 250

Any comments. I don't really understand the 2x4 Scrambler 400 deal. It's heavier than the Sport at 501 lbs. Whatever I guess...

WillieB - '99 Scrambler 500 4x4

 

What does polaris expect to accomplish by simply improving a rear shock, adding new plastic, and changing the name of the Sport? The Sport was already a 2X4 version of the Scrambler.

I was going to call my dealer and ask about it, but then my DW came and they have an article about it. I do have to say I like the red plastic, I've been debating for awhile about getting it for my '99 Sport (even though it reminds everyone else of a Honda).

Maybe, just maybe, Polaris cut the Sport for '00 with plans of a true Sport orientated ATV for '01/'02?

As much as I like my 400, if Yamaha ups the Banshee to a 400 for '01 (which is the rumor, no other changes) there might be a nice 400L in the paper

------------------
Jerry Goodman '99 400L, '98 TBlazer

 

DEAR POLARIS,
WHY do you continually tease me...???? I asked for only one machine... BUILD IT AND I WILL BUY IT!!! It was a simple request... why must I sit, alone, in a dark, cold corner.. sobbing in my own tears???? Do you not care about my feelings? my needs? my wants?
(ya know, this really sounds like something my ex-wife said to me one night!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA)
Ok, for 2001, Polaris should build the AFTERBURNER 500.. Basically a Scrambler 500 H.O., except throw away all that 4WD/AWD stuff.. make it limited production, out of the factory with roller clutch, pipe, aluminum wheels, carburetor mods, concentric drive, split brakes, chromemoly frame, Scrambler plastic Molded in a satin blue.
Come on Polaris, you did it with the Sport... WHERE IS THE 500?????

 

Mudmachine,
I feel your pain but would prefer the 2-stroke 400 engine in a sport quad weighing around 350-370lbs. I like how easy it is (and less expensive) to get HP out of this engine. I will live with the higher maintenance.
Scott.

 

I'm really surprised there is not a 500HO 2-wd quad. I thought we would see one for sure this time around. If that is what is being offered for the 2000 model year, it's pretty obvious that Polaris has no intention of building a sport quad of any kind in the near future.

It almost sounds like they are moving in the opposite direction, but I guess they are driven by their constant sales increase numbers. With the increases they are making of 26% sales increase in the last quarter and 20% gain over the previous year, they could probably care less about the high performance market, at least right now.

Either someone is losing a lot of sales to Polaris or the market is actually expanding tremendously to achieve those kind of sales figures.

It would be interesting to see actual sales of units sold by all the brands. I'm sure they are all looking at Polaris and are creating atv's to match what they are selling.

I'm surprised that no one else has come out with a sport 4-wd like the Scrambler yet.



------------------

 

One thing I did notice about the 00 Sportsman was the shift lever. They had a couple 2000s and some 99s there. I could tell them apart by the decals on the tank cover. The 99 shift lever is just a straight steel rod. The 2000 is a little bit offset at the bottom. Lord only knows the reason for this, but I think the 99 looked a bit better. Kind of like the difference between the gear shift on a 90s model chevrolet truck and a 70s model.

------------------
Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

I agree...
A 2WD 500H.O. would have been a great move. It would really be nice if Polaris would lighten the weight on those darn things. I'll keep the auto tranny, just make the quad weigh close to the same as a Banshee. Polaris has the HP in their motors, too bad they also have the lbs. in their frames to with it.
Imagine a 400/500 2WD from Polaris with an aggresive clutch and a weight of less than 400 lbs. I know a certain Scrambler that might be traded in...
c-ya,
Andrew Thomas
'99 Scrambler 400 & '99 Trailblazer

 

I have only seen a few Scrambler 500's on the trails, and quite a few 400s. But when the '99 Scrambler came out, I am seeing tons everywhere. I am not sure if it's because it's red, or what, but they are everywhere. I am really suprised how many I see at mud runs too. I would be suprised if the Scrambler 500 wasn't one of their best sellers for '99.

Maybe Polaris is doing what they did last year, wait a few months, and then release the "early release" 2001 models.

Jack, and I can't help but notice how much the 500HO has been on your mind, in your post here and in your forums. If you want to buy one and use it as a machine to test all of the hop-up parts out right now that no-one else has tried, I give you my ok. :-)

Adam Dowden

PS-To those who have e-mailed/icq'ed me about my page not working, I am trying to figure out what's wrong.