Today, I lost a good friend. My 1997 Sport 400. I sold it to a person who will take good care of her. I really don't know what I'll replace her with, but it probably won't be another Polaris (yes, even the Predator). Please don't think I'm brand bashing, I was very happy with mine, but the time had come to move on.

I can't help saying I felt a little bit sad about watching her go down the highway in someone elses truck, we've been through a lot together. Two Cochrantons, countless poker runs, more trail miles than I care to remember. She only left me stranded once and even then it wasn't her fault.

What ever I get, I'm sure that I won't put as much love and caring into it as I did my Sport. Cubic dollar wise she was the best of the best. I doubt if I will ever spend $6000 in modifications on another machine. She taught me that for every dollar you put in, you never get back out. The only things left stock on her were the frame and rear axle. She was my creation, she was every bit a lady and queen of the trail. Nothing stock could come close to her. She was as plush riding as the day was long. I know in my heart that I'll never have another machine that was as special as she was.

I would like to thank all of the people who helped to make her a reality. Rick Ritter of RCR, Jack Schultz who got me started in the first place, HPD HSP and Aaen for the wonderful aftermarket parts they make. Not to mention the people on this forum, Modquad, Bubba and all the other people past and present who helped me when I had a stupid question to ask. Thank you all!

 

Dang Mike, I think I'm going to cry now.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

Moving on? POLARIS is the top of the ladder!!! You must be moving on (or down)!!!

 

Be sure to let us know what you get.And by the way I wouldnt get a Pred either or any quad without a reverse.I am too old to push.Good luck with your new toy.

 

You are not getting and EZ-Go cart now are you?!lol

 

Why did you end up selling it? How big of a hit did you take on your investment? And what other quads are you considering buying.....if any?

 

I really don't know what I'm going to get. Suffice to say it WON'T be a "Rascal" scooter (yet). Something new and cheap. Yeah, I know. I'll be taking a MAJOR step down power wise, but I do know it won't be a Polaris Predator. Although it is a good value (for what you get), I loved the looks and feel (of the Prototype) and am fairly brand loyal. I just don't like the marketing ploy they are using. Only coming out with a limited number of machines their first year, really sounds like something Harley-Davidson would do to drive up the price for the dealers. Reverse is a non issue for me any more. Think of it this way, having reverse is good if you can afford it but it is always better to go forward when you can.

As far as how big of a hit I took, well I invested $4000 for the quad and $6000 in accessories over the years. I sold it for $2500. I would say that was kind of a big hit.

 

Sniff....Tito get me a tissue. Just kidding Mike. Sorry to hear it go. When you weigh in the fun value, even after the mods, they're great bang for the buck. Lately feeling like Homer Simpson staring at a donut, but in my case a Predator...oh, that Predator, uh-hum, sorry, slipped away there for a minute. Hope whatever you find, you still take time out to stop by and keep posting. Zoom, zoom.

Ken

 

I got a feeling we may see Mike on a KFX700. Somebody got a really good deal on your sport. Did you sell your wheels with it?

 

O.K. the mourning period is over. I called a local Honda/Suzuki dealer today to find out their prices, and lo and behold I'm trapped in the middle of a price war. It seems that the TRX 400EX is going for $4699 and the LT-Z 400 is going for $4999. Guess which one I bought? Hey for $300 I'll push it backwards......

I took it home and rode it around the block. While it is no Polaris (larger turn radius, no reverse and a tiny bit cramped) it is all mine. This thing wheelies like my old Sport before I put the extended swingarm on it. The transition from a fully automatic transmission to a manual clutch maunal transmission went smoothly. It's a lot like riding a bicycle, except it's a lot harder to put bubble gum cards between the spokes. It's quite peppy for a four stroke and shouldn't have a lot of trouble hauling my fat backside up anything worth riding around here.

I doubt if I will ever give it as much caring and attention that I gave my Sport, but it is a very nice quad that will probably be left stock (except for the gas tank, I want one of the 5.5 gallon ones).