I intend on buying a scrambler 400 4x4 this month but would like to have some input on how these bikes handle compared to other sport bikes (minus the 250R & 400ex I know they are great bikes but I am not a racer) Most of the information I read here is on the motor and tranny, Can any one give their 2 cents on handling, suspension, steering? Pros & Cons please. I would like to make the right choice for my $5000 plus. Thanks!

GJ

 

G#, I have 2 Scrambler 500s so my view is obvious...

In the mountains where I dirve, the tall suspension lets me rip through the woods at a clip that lesser suspended machines dare not.

In tight, oval type racing and or quick turns, I am a bit top heavy, and have to hang off the inside of the machine to maintain my speed.

The choice of fast OR plush, whichever I choose thrills me. Get 1, you won't regret it.


Rich

 

I can comment on the scram 500 4x4. I think it handles great. I rode both the 400 and 500 last year when I bought mine. I bought the 500 simply because I prefer 4 strokes. It is a great quad for having fun. Sure its not a MX quad, but under any other circumstances it performs as well or better than any other quad. I have ridden nearly every type of terrain and have found no terrain in which the scram. does not perform well. I ride with a couple of warriors and I have not trouble keeping up with them on MX tracks, and under all other circumstances I am out in front. The 4 wheel drive is a must. I can go through mud that other sport quads only dream about. Riding wheelies is easy once you get used to the automatic. The only thing the scramblers do not do well is large jumps. I personally do not enjoy jumping anythingover a few feet anyway. The 400 can be modified to really scream if that is what you want. I am happy with my mostly stock 500. I put racks on the front and back to carry fishing gear and other necessities. I put a gun rack on the front to carry my gun when hunting. I really think you will be happy with the 400 scrambler. You will not have as much torque as the 500, but with modifications (or not) you can fly!! As far as reliability, I have had no problems to speak of. I had to adjust the throttle cable once, but that is it. The suspension is very plush for all types of riding, it is a little rough on large jumps. The lighting is great for night riding. They are heavy machines, but the only time you feel the weight is when you are jumping. Otherwise they feel much lighter than they are. I hope I answered a few of your questions.

Oh yeah, when you hit the throttle, make sure you hang on.

Jeremy

99 500 HO.

 

I have put IPT Holeshot XTC's in Douglas .190's and the bike handles great now. It's still a little top heavy and heavy period but i have removed some weight and boosted the power to compensate.

Chris Picciotto
99 Scrambler 500

Picture

 

I have both a 00' 500 and a 96 400 sport. The 500 is my primary ride and the other for my 16 yr old son..The 500 is a hoot yup alittle top heavy but will go bout anywhere. The sport is light nimble but stay out of the deep mud.. Have ridden with several 400 4wd's and they are quite quick and handle the muck well.. I agree get one you wont be sorry




2000 Scrambler 500
1996 Sport 400

 

I have both a 00' 500 and a 96 400 sport. The 500 is my primary ride and the other for my 16 yr old son..The 500 is a hoot yup alittle top heavy but will go bout anywhere. The sport is light nimble but stay out of the deep mud.. Have ridden with several 400 4wd's and they are quite quick and handle the muck well.. I agree get one you wont be sorry




2000 Scrambler 500
1996 Sport 400

 

Hey Zippy! Meet Zippy! You guys have lots in common, even the same home town!

hehehehe

 

I used to think the Scramblers handled well for a sport machine, and excellent for a 4x4. However, after I switched to sport tires, I now see how bad the stock tires make the Scrambler handle.

If you get the Scrambler, get some sport tires and off-set rims. The wider stance and stiffer sidewall tires will make a HUGE difference in handling. After switch back to stock from the Holeshots for a test run, I kept 2-wheeling when taking corners at the same speed as before.

So to answer you question, the Scramblers handle pretty good when compared to other sport quads. To a race machine like the 250R, or even the Banshee, it won't handle as good, but to somthing like a Warrior it's fine.

 

Thanks you guys, I appreciate your input.

GJ

 

Hey Jeremy H.

Seems like we have a lot in common. I am waiting for my new Scrambler 400. I too added the front and rear racks plus the gun holder for hunting. Have you had good experience with the Scrambler for hunting and deep woods excursions. Is it a comfortable ride at moderate speeds...kinda like a Sport/Utility model? Thats what I was afraid of losing when I purchased the Scrambler. I could picture myself on the trail, hunting, and my front wheels going up everytime I touched the gas! Plus I go up a lot of steep hills..usually at slow speeds with my Xplorer. Hope it won't be a problem.

Any input would be appreciated
Thanks