Bill.Ciliberti: I have this name because I picked it because at the time when I started really getting into atving. I really liked the 400EX but now I also like the 500 Scrambler!

RangerSX: Yes that was my post I know all about the 400EX now.

clindst: Dirt trails and pavement

 

This is for Trailblazer97's comment on how the Scrambler 500 can walk all over a 400EX. I've heard so many people argue that a Scrambler or Sport/Scrambler 2x4 can take a 400EX in a drag race. Well it's just not true. If you do, then it's the rider, not the machine.

February '99 issue of ATVSport: 5 machines tested for 0-30 mph acceleration and top speed using a radar gun.

Top speeds/0-30 mph.
Polaris Sport: 60.6 mph/4.71 sec.
Polaris Scrambler 500: 60.0 mph/3.99 sec.
Honda 400EX: 61.8 mph/3.57 sec.
Honda 300EX: 55.3 mph/5.97 sec.
Yamaha Banshee: 71.2 mph/3.63 sec.

If you notice, the 400EX had the fastest 0-30mph time, and the second fastest top end speed.

July '99 Dirtwheels. Banshee vs. 400EX vs. Polaris Sport 400.

Drag race, uphill 85 yard drag race; and top speed.

Yamaha Banshee: 6.85 sec./67mph
Honda 400EX: 7.11 sec./64mph
Polaris Sport: 8.0 sec./61mph

And the Sport 400 is the fastest machine Polaris makes, so it tells you which will walk all over the other one right there between the 400EX and Scrambler 500. I've also ridden both a 400EX and a '95 Scrambler, and I know the 400EX will take the Scrambler every time. The 400EX is also better on an MX track, for things like jumping, cornering, etc. Also, the 400EX might not have as plush of suspension, it will take serious bumps better due to the good suspension travel and light weight. With the Scrambler 500, you get all the advantages a 4x4 offers, which is mainly go anywhere traction. One last thing: the 400EX is more reliable.

 

Dan,
Well, If your not gonig to do anything with 4by4 needs, i would go with the 400ex, It has a LOT of power, the banshee has a little more, but it is old design I would go with the 400ex,


but i will tell you that the Scrambler is a more versitile machien, it has 4wd which is nice,

this si a hard desicion because the two bikes are sort of in two different catagories


Tell me more about the terrain you ride in and i will amke aq choice
something more that dirt and pavement, those arent very descriptive

 

Well, where I would be mainly riding would be the trails in my back yard where I drive my John Deere Lawnmower! A few medium sized fields. Dirt roads, paved roads. Uphill climbs of dirt at about 45 degree angles and gravel.

 

Your comparing apples and oranges. I myself own a 98' Scrambler 500. But in your case I might lean towards the 400EX. I have owned my Scrambler just over a month, and right now it needs a new belt, but I still have no regrets. I have a friend with a 400EX who has owned his a little longer than me, he is very happy with his.
Scrambler key points
1. Fully automatic
2. part time 4x4
3. Reverse,
4. Belt, still manages to be a problem for some riders.

400EX key points
1. Manual tranny, nice for those who like to shift.
2. faster, not much but is usually
3. excellent suspension
4. ATV of the decade, must have done somthing right, dang near bullet proof.
5. two wheel drive, lower ground clearance, it aint going to take you some of the places the scrambler will.

the Scrambler is pretty much the only sport utility on the market. I almost regret getting the scrambler over a full utility machine, because after you pull out the two wheel drives, go more places, they feel they half to race you to prove somthing. When they don't win or not much, they get pretty upset, then attack any possible glitch in the machine. (Don't know if this is true for any body else but it seems I am constantly defending my machine, even after I pull theirs out)