Hi, Im thinking about buying a 1998 scrambler 500 with 4x4. Any thoughts on this year machine?
Im looking for a quad to do some trail riding, and just to have some fun. Im not looking to mod it to be a racer, or a jumper. I had a 98 trailblazer, but it wasnt powerful enough for me.
Would the 98 scram be a good machine?

 

I dont think 98 had the HO 500 and if it didnt I would opt for a 99 on up or go with the 400 Srambler.

 

If you're used to riding a trailblazer, you will love upgrading to a scrambler. The 500's are a very reliable engine, and all the other components require the same amount of attention as your trialblazer. It's a little heavier than you will be used to, but it will be a great trail machine, and I'm sure you will enjoy the 4x4...happy trail riding!

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03 preadator
02 scrammy 400 X 4x4 (for sale)

 

I think EasterEgg and I are the two guys you are looking for. The 1998 Scrambler 500s DO HAVE the high output engine. I think you will like it if you are use to a Trailblazer. Sure it's heavier, but it's also faster and has 4x4.

You will love it. I had no major trouble with mine...just the usual maintenance. The only weakspot I heard about, and EasterEgg could tell you more on this, is the swingarm. I heard of it being a little weak near the axle carrier. I never had any trouble with mine. I love mine, but at times I wish it was just a bit lighter. For trails the weight is perfect tho. Since you don't plan on doing any major jumping, then I think you will have no problems with it.

How much are they asking for it?

I saw a 1998 Scrambler 500 4x4 in CycleTrader for $4250 obo with extras.

 

Well im going to buy it. I am giving 2800 for it.
So i guess i cant go wrong for that price. Its all stock, may need tires before too long though.
I want to get a speedo for it. Any thoughts on that too?
Thanks

 

Good luck with your purchase.

As far as the speedo goes...one more thing to break for me.

But, if you are thinking of getting a speedometer, I would suggest looking at a GPS. You can do a lot more with it.

 

I have the Trailtech speedo on my 2000 scram. It is pretty easy to hook up and has a lot of features besides the speedo. You can get it at Rocky Mt. ATV for around $70. For tires I would suggest the Titan 489 X/T's. Great replacement to the stock 489 A/T's. If you plan on riding trails and see some mud occasionally, they are perfect. Besides, they are 6ply and the same price as the 489 A/t's. BTW, welcome to ATV Connection and to the Polaris family[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

dannyv6

The 98`s are as good a Scrambler as the newer years. The first year for the concentric drive, HO engine and shaft drive front diff. Among other things. Some of the down sides (you stated your not jumping so shouldn`t matter to you too much) it has 8.5 inches of rear suspension travel vs 10.5 for anything newer with a stronger swingarm, they have the ball joint tie rod ends and the weaker lower steering post bearing. Check these last 2 items for wear before your purchase if they are bad don`t let it deter you from buying it they can be upgraded to the newer style.

On the plus side the 98`s & 99`s are the lightest Scramblers I`m not sure when (2000 or 2001) they changed some of the aluminum parts to steel which increased the weight wheels, floorboards and front bumpers.

As stated above the first year I had mine I cracked the swingarm where the loops that clamp the bearing housing are welded. I attribute this to 2 things I was jumping higher than I should have been and the loops were only welded on 3 of the 4 sides. I had the cracks fixed and welded the 4th side and there has been no problems since even though I still jump it pretty high on occation.

I have been VERY happy with mine for the 5+ years I`ve had it. It`s never left me stranded or had any major problems. An excellent all around trail machine.

I`m selling mine to pay for the Prairie 650 I just purchased.

Good Luck !!!