Just spent the last week breaking in and riding my new Predator. Picked it up in Tennessee cause they had none here in Michigan. Rode it in Tennessee, cause there's no Windrock here in Michigan either.

I've only previously owned a 2002 Scrambler 500. The rocks down in those mountains were too much for it, though. I really did like the Scrambler, and would recommend it highly. In most instances it is a great machine.

As for the Predator. I LOVE IT!!!!

I don't know how all sport quads feel, but this one is awesome. I've ridden, briefly only, on a 400ex and a z400. For a big guy like me, in my opinion, there is no comparison. The ride, the steering, and the power were just amazing. The shifting is so smooth and even. I rode the two hundred foot hills at Windrock numerous times. I never took it past second gear. The machine just roared up it. I smiled all the way to the top. Of course, there was a guy on a piped Raptor at the bottom, who said it sounded "weak". I smiled at that too. When he took off, I had to plug my ears. If that's what it takes to not sound weak, he can have it.

I never did race anyone, and don't plan too. I bought this one more for the handling and suspension. So I guess it will never live up to it's full potential. But it will be ridden....ALOT.

I spent most of the week adjusting the shocks. I rode it up the mountain the way it was set up at the factory. It nearly knocked my teeth out it was so rough. So I learned something new real quick. I finally settled on having the front shocks showing 1 3/4 inches of threads from the top. I may actually tighten them up when the shocks soften. The back shocks, I adjusted to leave 7 threads showing from the bottom of that metal spacer. Lastly, I tightened the gas setting all the way down, and came back up 22 clicks. That helps control the rebound, from what I was told. I had lots of excellent advice from guys who know. That was all I did, and it made a world of difference. When I rode it after all that, it really seemed to come alive. I know it's not possible, but it seemed to have even more power. I do like the fact that it's not wheelie prone. It will pull the front tires up. My buddy did it in third gear. But for me, that's not real important right now.

The trails at Windrock are very rocky. There are lots of climbs, mostly rocks. I found that the gearing was too high. I'm like alot of other guys, who will change from 14 teeth to 13 in the front. I think that will make it do exactly what I need it too. It doesn't have tons of clearance, but I didn't grind the bottom on any rocks, only in the muddy ruts of some of the trails. So, I guess if you watch yourself, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm not sold on the Maxxi's in the rear yet. I've heard good things about the Razr 2's. I'll wait till after I gear it down to see about that.

I like where the pegs and the shifter are. Some have complained, but not me. I never even once felt like my feet would come off the pegs, but I will add nerf bars to it. Some have complained about the seat. I can see where that may be a problem for some riders, but I like riding right up against the gas tank. I did it on my Scrambler, and I even do it on my son's Sportsman 500. Just personal preference, I suppose. I've had the same problem as everyone else with shifting into neutral. It's gotten better, and I'm sure it will work itself out. It sure doesn't affect shifting when you are riding.

As far as the handle bars go. I think I would like them to be a little higher. If there is a reason they are not, I don't know it. I think even a little bit higher would be nice. I feel like I have to lean a little too far forward going down steep hills. I bought a rear grab bar, but the one that came on it is just fine. I don't like the optional one for the front, I much prefer the stock one. The brakes are fantastic. I can see flying over the handle bars if you slam on them too hard.

I will put a K/n filter on it. I like the sound of the muffler. Since I don't really need any more power, I don't see a need for a pipe change. It's got a good chain on it. I had to adjust it a little due to stretching. When it loosens however, it lays on the roller and rattles. If anyone has an idea to fix that, please let me know. The chain and sprocket guard are heavy duty and work great. It's also starting alot better the more I have ridden it. Gotta remember to not push the throttle when you are cranking it. I would like to find some really cool looking hand guards for it, anyone that has a suggestion, let me know.

I suppose the only thing that I didn't like, was the lack of reverse. I really don't understand why they just didn't go ahead and put one on. If it ever becomes a reasonably priced add on, I will do it. I know you can get by without, but it sure comes in handy. Especially when you ride down steep trails you have never been on.

I hope this helps somebody. I really do love riding this machine. I rode 11 straight days in real rough terrain. My rear end didn't kill me, or my back. It's a good ride. I haven't ridden some of the steeper stuff at Windrock on it, but I will after I change the sprocket.

Finally, I am a Polaris fan. Doesn't make me a bad person. We've had real good luck with all of ours. It's all we own. I think buying an American made machine is just as important now as ever. Besides, with Polaris coming out with this awesome machine and addressing alot of the reliability issues, I can't see buying anything else. Just my opinion.

Scott


Just like any sport bike, expect to muddy and wet. Best to wear something over your mouth though..the mud will get in your mouth through that big smile on your face. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Great report!!!

As for it seeming to have more power after dialing in the suspension, I'm not surprised. With the suspension set up right, the wheels follow the ground contours better, getting more power to the ground.

I hope it serves you well for a long time.

Farmr

 

great review scott. i to just got done riding my predator for the first time had it since the sat before xmas and has snowed ever since today was nice so i said screw it and whent to break it in. i agree with everything you said some complained about the shifter mine is fine i like it im a big guy also. the suspension seams fine to me havent changed anything what about power i could bairly hook up two to three inches of snow still on the ground once i got it in second gear look out she flys mine shifts smooth as butter no complaints about the bike at all cant wait to go again i can only guess how fast it goes with traction look out sand dunes!

 

Wow! Great report Scott. Ah yes, the planets have aligned. Another happy Predator owner. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] The world is a warm and fuzzy place until you hit the start button.


Ken

 

I appreciate it guys. I try to give as much of an informed opinion as I can. I've got plenty more to learn. I am lucky to ride with some pretty smart ole boys. I've learned alot from them, plus I think these forums can be a very useful tool. I tried to think of everything I could, it may steer someone toward a Predator. I'd sure recommend it.

Scott

 

Hey Scooter,

I'd really recommend playing around with your suspension. I thought mine was good, at least after I softened the front up a little. The more we messed with it, the better it got. You will not believe the difference it makes. Almost like a different machine.

Scott

 

The beauty of the internet, we're all learning more from each other every day. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

The more someone claims to "know it all" the more dangerous they are.
Ken

 

Cheers to awesome suspension and handling. Managed to find a predator here in NE Iowa and I've owned it a week. I've been so used to riding scramblers that it was a huge change...but for the good. I went out to an MX track and tested out the suspension. Holy cow is all I can say! It's like riding a marshmallow with attitude!! I was clearing 35 ft. doubles and instead of a bone shatering landing, it's nice and squishy! I love this thing. But yes, I think I will be looking in to change the front sprocket to a 13. 1st is to high to ride the corner berm, and 2nd really bogs is down, so gearing is in order. I also felt that the handlebars were short and a reach was in order, but I got out my wrenches and raised the bars a little to a comfortable standing position and I also had to move the clutch and brake and throttle a little to be more comfortable...but I do that to most machines I buy anyways. But yes, no complaints about this machine otherwise...I'm looking forward to racing this thing this summer...maybe harescrambles in Minnesota! This machine also tends to draw attention in public places. It gives me a cozy feeling inside when a 250R rider and a 400EX rider walk up to you and say quote: "It looks like Polaris made a great machine...I just wish my machine had these up grades and I didn't have to spend $3000 on hop-ups!" Go Polaris!

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'03 predator (fast--love it!)
'02 scrambler 400 X 4x4, K&N, works struts (for sale)