My friend is in the market for a new quad, and his current two choices are the Scrambler500 2x4 and the 400EX. He's going to be riding mostly on trails (some smooth, some rough), maybe just a little mud (he already has a Kodiak, so he doesn't really need another mud machine), and, obviously, is looking for something sporty. The dealership is asking about the same price for both of them. Also, this kid is 14, 5'8", 130lbs., and has plenty of experience on other quads. The manual clutch on the EX is no problem.
Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

Well I hate to say it, but if I had to choose between those two I think I'd take the EX. Basically because the 500 is a four stroke and can't really be modded a whole lot (at least compared to a 2 stroke). The 400ex is also a four stroke, but it is pretty quick in stock form. However, I can't take away the fact that the Polaris is an Auto with Reverse. I never realized how much I liked reverse until I owned the Polaris. I could live without it, but it's a nice feature. The auto is nice too, but I think I'd still rather have the 400ex. Now if you asked if I would choose a Scram 400 or a 400ex then I think I'd change my tune. Each have there own good points and bad points too so don't think I'm just ragging on the Polaris. Like I said, the auto and the reverse are worth a lot, especially to somebody who has gotten used to the pampering. He can have a good time with either quad though. The choice is up to him.

-Josh

 

I told him about the Sc400, but the dealership doesn't have any in, and in order for him to get one sent from the factory, the dealer would probably charge the MSRP, instead of the deal that he's proposed for the 500 (he's had it for a while and wants to get rid of it... I guess he doesn't sell as many 500 2x4s as he does 4x4s).

I think, however, that he'll go for the 400EX, especially after he rides them.

 

I would condider the Scrambler a Sport/Utility bike that will go fast. If he really wants a sport bike I think the 400 EX is an excellent choice. It's lighter, faster, more well balanced, and more manuverable. Since he already has a mud/utility bike I think the 400 ex would be a better choice. But for an all around great trail bike the Scrambler 500 is excellent. He might want to check into a Raptor cause it has a reverse.

See the July issue of Dirt Wheels Magazine to see get more info on the 400 ex.

 

I don't think he's looking at a Raptor for three reasons. One is that its just a bit too much for him, two is that its out of his price range. The third is that none of the dealerships in the area have any Raptors on hand, and I don't think he or his father is too keen on travelling 50 miles to buy something that's 2000$ more than the deal he's been offered here on another quad that's plenty sporty enough for him.

 

Both are great machines, both have advantages and disadvantages, if possible he really should ride both of them first before he desides.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I agree that he should ride them both, and I think that he will want the 400EX. Especially since he's already got a utility quad for muddin' and such. The 400 is an awesome bike, my buddy has one and I've rode it and others, and it will probably be my next bike, either it or the DS650. Lata.

 

If he does decide to go with a 400ex, I've got a 01' yellow with six hours on it. Pro-Taper bars along with stock bars. Full service manual include. I'm getting back into the 4x4's. $5,000. This thing is brand new not even a month old.

 

MyOutdoors, what type of 4x4 are you looking to get. I have a Scrambler 400 4x4 with HPD stuff and bandits that I selling and am going to buy a 400ex. If your interested in a trade arrangment let me know. GJ

 

Between the 2 you mentioned, I would go for the 400EX, if he can live without reverse. Most kids don't mind shifting if they know how (lets them sound like a motorcross dude) and I think the lighter weight and easier handling of the 400 will both be advantages.
I personally prefer the auto, but I also am over 30, and am getting just too lazy to shift [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Both are good machines, and I am a Polaris fan, but in this case, between these 2 machines, I have to say EX.
Now compare it to a 400Scrambler...it would take some thinking. My dealer sells the 400 2x4 Scrambler for less than the 500 (or anyway did). Might be worth asking about.