Afternoon everyone. New here. I wanted to get some input. I have a chance to pick up a 2001 scrambler 500 x. He says it's very rare. Its in pretty rough shape and he says the rear end is popping and he can't figure out why. He said he thinks it's just bearings. What would your suggestion be on this? I can get it for about 500. He said the clutch and everything is good with no slipping.

 

Rare, but not exceptionally desirable. The popping could be a loose drive chain or bearings or a number of other things. $500.00 could be a good deal for someone willing to do some work on it provided there aren't any other surprises. Older Polaris can hAve surprises if not well cared for.

 

I understand. I'm really looking for a 4wd honda or Yamaha to pull my jet skis and have a little fun with but I thought for that price I couldn't go wrong, but maybe I can......

 

Only rarity about it is the decals only for that model year,but at least it has the updated HO cam and carb. If the engine is at least running no matter how rough the cosmetics are,then it's worth 500 bucks. If it's just rear carrier bearings and seals these can be replaced.Always expect more work than anticipated,but at least you wont have much in it.

 

Alright, looks like I'll be bringing it home tomorrow, for about $400 (trading some stuff for it).

Im not to mechanically inclined, but my family members are so hopefully we can get it all fixed up.

Anyone know the towing capability for these 2x4's?

 

They are 2wd? My cousin had a 2001 500 Scrambler and it was 4wd. He even used to plow his driveway with it in the winter.

I just notice they came in both 2wd and 4wd . 2001 Polaris Scrambler 500 2x4 ATVs. Did not know that.

Maybe better to have 2wd it sure removes a lot of potential trouble and simplifies things.

 

id isolate that popping and make sure its not the silent chain...i read somewhere the Xs are lighter..not sure what they did to lighten it up besides the floorboards are aluminum...not sure when they switched over to the steel floorboards because all scramblers used to have them so not that big of deal or rarity..my 98 has alum floorboards...that being said, 400 is worth it for sure, cant wait to get a running parts bike for mine that cheap

 

For several years the towing capacity was listed as 850 pounds so that's what yours probably is. A Sportsman with low range on it can tow more.

 

Can I get more info on the "Silent chain"? Is it a deal breaker, or what I need to look for on it?

Edit: seems like if its the silent gear (which is a gear in the transmission that helps with forward or reverse) that when it goes into gear it will slip some.

 

No big deal on the silent chain. Less than 40 bucks. More trouble to pull the gear case out of the frame than to change one if it's stretched. I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker. You can tell reall quick if it has streched. It'll make a grinding or slipping noise from the gear case. Pull up to a tree and put a load on the front bumper. If it grinds but tires don't moved,then the chain needs to be replaced.Plus don't over look a worn outer front sprocket and the drive chain.Item#38 on the chain on the parts break down.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse