polaris scrambler history

duval7 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 01:47 PM

I grew up riding 4 wheelers but have not been into riding for the last 10 or 12 years and am looking to get back into it with some of my friends. My last good ride i went on was back in 1997 and I borrowed a friends 400 scrambler 4x4. Good lord what a beast that thing was! I really dont want to break the bank buying a new 7k SUV/4wheeler that everyone rides today and was thinking of getting an old Scrambler. What do you guys think? All the reading i have been doing it seems like there are a number of problems these things have and most are an expensive fix. Here are some questions i have.
1. Is the Scrambler belt driven, because everyone i used to ride with hated Polarises because if you got them wet the belt would slip and they would have to be towed home. Did polaris ever fix this problem because from what i remember it was a major flaw?

2. Are all scramblers 2 stroke? Thats one reason i loved my friends it had a ton of torque.

3. Is there a website i can find the specs or history of polaris models so i can find out what year scramblers were better than others?

4. What should i look for, as in certain years, maintance, repairs?

The riding we do is mostly trails with an occasional mud hole every now and again. Thanks for any help.

**blueline15** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 02:00 PM

1) Yes the scrambler is belt driven from the crank to the tranny, and chain driven from the tranny to the rear axle. As long as the CVT case is seated right, and the rubber seal is in good shape, and also seated right, you shouldnt have a problem with water getting in the housing unless you submerge the breath for the CVT case by the seat. A very easy fix, if you want some piece of mind, is to run a bead of silicon around the CVT housing.

2)No. There was the 400 scrambler, which was two stroke, and the 500 scrambler, which is 4 stroke. They havent made the two stroke scrambler in quite some time, but they contine to make the 4 stroke 500 scrambler to this day. It is easier to find the 4 stroke model as well.

3)All the scramblers are basically the same, the only difference being whether it was a 2 stroke 400 or a 4 stroke 500. Its one model that hasnt hardly changed, except for in 2010 it got some new plastic bodywork.

4)Maintenance is the most important thing. Making sure the 4x4 fluid has been serviced, and the 4x4 system works, chain is in good shape, cv joints do not have rips in the boots, its not leaking anything, ect.

Usually the physical appearance of these things really show how well they have been maintained. If it was maintained well, it will be a great machine. If it has been abused, its going to be a nightmare to own. Who you are buying it from is a lot more important then what year.

Also, for kicks, compare prices of local used to local new. You might be surprised. Sometimes you can get a new one for only a few hundred dollars more then used ones.

**Bruce!** · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 02:53 PM

Welcome to the board!

3 Polaris Atvs · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 04:09 PM

Try to find a 98 or newer because they use shaft drive for the front instead of having 3 chains. I have had my 500 for 10 years and it has served me well.

3 Polaris Atvs · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 04:17 PM

Try to find a 98 or newer because they use shaft drive for the front instead of having 3 chains. I have had my 500 for 10 years and it has served me well.

**blueline15** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3 Polaris Atvs

Try to find a 98 or newer because they use shaft drive for the front instead of having 3 chains. I have had my 500 for 10 years and it has served me well.

This is a good point and something i both agree with and forgot about.