May have a chance on getting a Polaris Scrambler 3 wheeler, need some advice

[IronBear]

Hello,

I may be working on a barter deal (an old mower that I have) for a 1985 Polaris Scrambler 3 wheeler. I don't know to much about these bikes, but this one does need some work. The seller replaced the tires, cleaned the carburetor, fuel tank etc., but says it doesn't run. However, it ran when it was purchased. I'm trying to find out more information on it.

Below is a picture of it:

185157

Basically, what do I need to look out for with this machine before potentially making a deal with the seller?

Thanks

[fabiodriven]

Hello,

By starting your post with the word "hello", you are inadvertently making yourself sound like Barnett and thus killing the number of views you get.

[slashfan7964]

It's not extremely common, but it is more common than say a Tiger, Cagiva or Husky, so parts might be a tad tougher to get than the big 3 makers of three wheelers. Really, I'd just treat it like anything else 2 stroke, get it running. It doesn't look to be in too bad of shape but if you restore it, plastics might be hard to find. Otherwise, I say go for it.

[rg97]

Like slash said, parts can be a little tough to find and when you do they are expensive. it definitely needs some TLC. Just dont spend too much on the initial buy and or else it can come back and bite you
I did a quick search and found less than 100 eBay listings for anything to do with the scrambler 3 wheeler. Most of it (even minor parts) people wanted $75+

[fabiodriven]

I think what he's looking for are real world opinions from people who know.

#1 it's a 2 stroke.

#2 they're not slow.

You guys do realize you don't have to reply to every single thread right?

Swing arm bearings are a whore to do on these machines as well as starters. If either of those need to be done then you have some serious bargaining tools.

[slashfan7964]

#1 it's a 2 stroke.
Edited mine for good measure :lol:


#2 they're not slow.

I wouldn't think so lol.


You guys do realize you don't have to reply to every single thread right?


I'm pretty sure this is a forum where I can post wherever I want, when I want. I'm keeping discussion alive. That's what a forum is after all.

[rg97]

I think what he's looking for are real world opinions from people who know.
I like how I provided 5 things in my post to help the OP and you have feel the need to get irritated about one wrong opinionated detail. When I'm right on 4/5 things, I dont consider it wrong and that I dont know anything, which you insinuated.



You guys do realize you don't have to reply to every single thread right?



Thats my fault, I've replied to 3 threads today and two yesterday. I'm posting too much, arent I? :cry:
Make it 4, I helped someone with a 200x.



Anyways, if the price is right, go for it ironbear. It will be a learning experience

[fabiodriven]

Post all your little hearts desire when you know what you're talking about.

[rg97]

Slash and I have done our part to help the OP, and all you can do is complain about other people and give a little comment about the swingarm bearings. Something just doesnt add up here :wondering

[slashfan7964]

Post all your little hearts desire when you know what you're talking about.

Oh grow up. It was a mistake on my part. Big deal. The last thing we need is a ridiculous argument. All this guy wants is some help.

[fabiodriven]

One of you called it a 4 stroke and the other said Scrambler's are slow, both wrong.

Don't ever tell me to grow up boy. Once again you not of what you speak.

[Howdy]

Some P3 info ( We call them P3's on here ): They are / can be good machines, but parts can be a royal pain to find in good condition. Fabio is 100% dead on about the swing arm bushings and electric starters. Either of those will require most of a day of garage work ( first timer's ). I can do the swing arm bushings in about 1 hour now by myself ( done 5 -6 of them ). The electric starter will take a good 2-3 hours plus special tools to replace. They look easy to get to, how ever there are 2 bolts that will require the clutch to be removed to get to them. VERY bad design IMO.
Rear brakes: If the cable is good then Great. If you have to fix the rear brakes expect a minimum of an hour and a half first time. If you have trouble be perpared to walk away and gain your sanity back before finishing. Do it once and you will understand. LOL

OEM swing arm bushings, rear brake cable, carb rebuild kit, key switch, transmission chain, and many many other parts are discontinued. I had a few parts remanufatured but even my supplies are limited ( These are not cheap parts ).

FYI, There are a few of us on the site that has one or more of these. If you never owned or worked on one of these you really don't understand what a pain they are to work on. How ever when they are running they are NICE. Do to my limited amout of free time I am seriously thinking of thinning my collection ( P3 machines, not the spare parts ).

Good: They do great in drag racing and will almost keep up with the bigger machines like a 350x. They eat 200x's for lunch ( or mine does anyhow ). Trail riding can be good or bad. They ride like a Cadilac, but are so heavy that if you get them stuck you will have fun getting it out.

Bad: These are NOT made for jumping period!!! My son took one we build for him out of the MX track at TF. He caught 3'+ of air and when he landed he broke the frame, transmission, and numerous other things. To fix it buying parts from ebay would cost over $500 in parts ( I have some of them on hand ). It will take 6-8 hours of work to repair.

Depending on what is wrong with that machine will determine the value. Any where from $100 to $300 is my best guess as it sits. The cheaper the better because over time these can cost quite a bit to repair. I don't even like to think how much I have put into the ones I have ( 6 ).
Howdy

[slashfan7964]

One of you called it a 4 stroke and the other said Scrambler's are slow, both wrong.

Don't ever tell me to grow up boy. Once again you not of what you speak.

I don't know what has gotten into you, but this is unacceptable behavior. Relax. It was an honest mistake, at least I have since fixed and wasn't thinking clearly in the first place. No reasons to jump down my throat. Listen man, I'm not trying to start any beef. We are all here for the same reason, we love three wheelers. I'm still learning.

[jeswinehart]

Iron bear, one problem with P-3's if any amount of gasoline gets into the crankcase they will not start for love nor money.
The crankcase drain plug (10mm) is accessed thru the front skid plate (you will need to put socket + extension together between skid plate and engine case ~ you will figure that out once you are into it)
Anywheres from a thimble full or more in there,,, it ain't gonna start period.
Now that is providing it has spark + getting fuel in the first place.
Many parts from early Polaris Trail Boss 250's will work on the P-3, essentially the same machine from goose neck back.

john

john

[MIK6]

Iron bear, one problem with P-3's if any amount of gasoline gets into the crankcase they will not start for love nor money.
The crankcase drain plug (10mm) is accessed thru the front skid plate (you will need to put socket + extension together between skid plate and engine case ~ you will figure that out once you are into it)
Anywheres from a thimble full or more in there,,, it ain't gonna start period.
Now that is providing it has spark + getting fuel in the first place.
Many parts from early Polaris Trail Boss 250's will work on the P-3, essentially the same machine from goose neck back.

john

john

I showed john that drain at TF.. if I remeber we needed to use a pick in that drain hole to open the crud so it would drain on howdys..
The easy way to find it is look for the oval hole in the skidplate, put the ratchet extension thru that oval and lay it at about a 45degree angle and you will see the drain plug.
Ive used that drain on my P3, 2 of my trailbosses and jens trailblazer.. works awesome, 1st thing to check when one wont start.

[hillbilly 200x]

I seen that one of eBay a few weeks ago. Lol i have one for parts if you want to cross the boarder and come up to Canada. Lol

[fabiodriven]

I don't know what has gotten into you, but this is unacceptable behavior. Relax. It was an honest mistake, at least I have since fixed and wasn't thinking clearly in the first place. No reasons to jump down my throat. Listen man, I'm not trying to start any beef. We are all here for the same reason, we love three wheelers. I'm still learning.

You're not going to be telling me what is acceptable and what isn't. I'm perfectly relaxed, but thank you.

I'm going to teach you young guys something right now. It's a huge problem I've found with the younger generation and this is a prime example. You and your buddy were wrong. I corrected you. I've not been bothered by anything other than your childish reactions to being corrected when you were wrong. I wasn't wrong, you were. If you can't handle that, that's your problem, not mine. You'll find you may learn something if you listen to those who have been there before you rather than speculating about something you don't know about. I will correct you again so get used to it.

[M.Pargiello]

John and Howdy are 100%. I love ours, but god help you if you have to work on it. Fairly quick, doesn't get stuck easily, 2 stroke, rides like a tank, etc...

They are definitely an "acquired taste" :)

[just ben]

not a slow machine but no matter what you do(besides howdy's one off hagen triples) they handle like they have a flat tire on the front. I own 1 1/2 of them and I hope to own 0 soon.

[Jwmajic]

After working on an 85 trail boss and an 87 cyclone I'd say avoid it unless you enjoy headaches.

[IronBear]

I would like to thank everyone for their feedback. This will certainly help me make a decision when it comes time to see this bike. From what others say, it's a fast machine, rides like a Cadillac, but a pain in the trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro to work on, and find parts for. I'm not to concerned about working on it as I'm a mechanic by trade, but the hard to find parts is a concern for me, but I'll give it some thought


Hello,

By starting your post with the word "hello", you are inadvertently making yourself sound like Barnett and thus killing the number of views you get.

And Fabio, I ALWAYS start my 'new' posts of with "Hello", and ironically, received a number of 'POSITIVE' replies from the 3WW group (many thanks to you guys), so I'm unsure as to where your coming from with this.

Not that I need to explain myself, but will anyway. The reason I posted this is because my knowledge with these machines are limited. Yes I know they are 2 stroke, automatic and have a Yamaha front end, that's about it. My goal was to learn what to look for before making a deal on something, whether that be good or bad.

With that being said, the feedback was valuable. :cool:

[M.Pargiello]

Engine/driveline parts, most chassis, and rear fenders can be had easily from a trailboss (ALOT to choose from), front end is right from a yamaha 225DX I believe (Mine has a yamaha key under the polaris rubber) Only hard to find parts I know of are wearable items, and gas tanks.

That being said, ours is not getting sold and I would buy another without a second thought.

[slashfan7964]

You're not going to be telling me what is acceptable and what isn't. I'm perfectly relaxed, but thank you.

Last time I checked, you weren't part of the forum staff, nor am I however which I'll admit.



I'm going to teach you young guys something right now. It's a huge problem I've found with the younger generation and this is a prime example. You and your buddy were wrong. I corrected you. I've not been bothered by anything other than your childish reactions to being corrected when you were wrong. I wasn't wrong, you were. If you can't handle that, that's your problem, not mine. You'll find you may learn something if you listen to those who have been there before you rather than speculating about something you don't know about. I will correct you again so get used to it.

How do you know it wasn't something as simple as a typo? Exactly, you don't. I have since corrected the error. Lets leave it at that. I don't mean any disrespect, and I don't want to cause any trouble, but seriously dude, just stop. You continually drag this post further off topic. All I was doing was offering some friendly advice to the OP.


They eat 200x's for lunch

You sure it would beat an X? On paper, the X is 100lbs lighter and has only several horsepower less (at least according to their respective manuals). I understand yours may be built, but at least stock, specs are specs. That said, I don't have a ton of experience with the Polaris (at least the trike variant) so I couldn't say for it.

[jeswinehart]

Yep, P-3 vs. 200X,,, P-3 scores win. Seen it done several times on the one I owned as well as Howdy running his.

[Mosh]

I remember following someones P3 at TF 06 on a trail ride. Man that thing stunk. Almost like fish emulsion. The premix must have been a blend of Tradco 99 cents a qt. outboard marine oil mixed with a blown crank seal. Sorry no offense to whoever it was.I couldnt see through the fog of smoke.
Good info in here. I will keep in mind what you guys speak of and spend my money on a 1983 27 inch console Tv complete with BETA max vcr before buying one of these things.

[jeswinehart]

LMAO ! I don't believe it was mine but definitely funny stuff Mosh :)

[MIK6]

I looked for a TF06 thread but no luck! Could have been mine or howdys.. lmao!
if it was mine its still like that! I havent put a wrench to mine except for a broken motor mount.. lol

[Howdy]

Rob, I'm not sure if it was mine or not. I know back then I only used the factory oil injection. I now add a little oil into the tank upon fill up as a just incase. Mine do smoke a little more now, but I have less rebuilds to do. LOL

slashfan7964, I drag raced raced 3 of my P3's against many different machines. I was very close to beating a 350x most times ( some times I wheelied and put it on the grab bar. LOL ). Verses stock 350x's: at 150-200ft the P3's are winning. At 300ft the 350x's are less than 20ft ahead.

When I raced a couple 200x's I didn't turn my head far enough to see them. I even raced one with a semi worked motor. It was closer, but I was still pulling away.
All my machines are 100% stock. The P3's weigh in at 386lbs ( full tank ) and the 200x weighs in at 282.2 lbs ( dry weight, add aprox 16-17 lbs for gas ).

200x top speed is around 52mph
P3's top speed is around 54mph
What the P3's have as an advantage is No shifting!! Once you peg the throttle your next action is stopping.
Howdy

[slashfan7964]

Rob, I'm not sure if it was mine or not. I know back then I only used the factory oil injection. I now add a little oil into the tank upon fill up as a just incase. Mine do smoke a little more now, but I have less rebuilds to do. LOL

slashfan7964, I drag raced raced 3 of my P3's against many different machines. I was very close to beating a 350x most times ( some times I wheelied and put it on the grab bar. LOL ). Verses stock 350x's: at 150-200ft the P3's are winning. At 300ft the 350x's are less than 20ft ahead.

When I raced a couple 200x's I didn't turn my head far enough to see them. I even raced one with a semi worked motor. It was closer, but I was still pulling away.
All my machines are 100% stock. The P3's weigh in at 386lbs ( full tank ) and the 200x weighs in at 282.2 lbs ( dry weight, add aprox 16-17 lbs for gas ).

200x top speed is around 52mph
P3's top speed is around 54mph
What the P3's have as an advantage is No shifting!! Once you peg the throttle your next action is stopping.
Howdy

Really that low on the X? Dad had ours (current one) clocked at 65 in it's prime (at least that's what he told me), though being tired and having huge tires on it I'd be lucky to see 55 out of it these days.

The shifting advantage is nice though, but I personally prefer to shift them, it gives me more sense of control and completeness.

[Bren_downe]

Sorry to get off subject a little, since we have so many p3 owners here… I got some questions.
Were there any performance parts made for the p3? Pipes? Carbs? The expansion chamber looks too far back to give a good "kick" like the R's and T3's.
Anybody ever done a performance build on a p3 with porting and such?
It sounds like they're too much of a pain to work on that nobody's bothered, just thought I'd throw it out there.

[Howdy]

The only stock 200x I have seen do 65mph was in the back of a pickup. LOL
I have owned quite a few ( 20+ ) 200x's over the years and None of them did over 55. I have owned a couple of every year made ( 83-87 ). If yours did 65 I would have to see proof of that before I would believe it.
The motor would have to have been seriously worked over and the gearing ( sprockets ) would have to be changed to gain more speed. While you can work a 200x motor to get more power out of it, you have factor in the increased wind resistance the faster you go. Thus you need quite a bit more power to gain just a little MPH. It would need hi comp piston and or stroked, better cam, better carb, ect.

Enough off topic, back to the P3 subject. Carry on.......
Howdy

[jeswinehart]

Yeah, the clutches can be modified/customized with different weights for different stall/engagement. trail boss uppers offer a better porting (from what I recall hearing),,, I suppose applying any 2 stroke type mods to them will produce better then original performance.
In all fairness from my point of view is that once you have a P-3 dialed in correctly and back to factory specs (all the jury rigging done corrected) they are a very dependable trike that takes a fair amount of whooping w/o being a undependable type of machine.

Here is one of my favorite pictures. Howdy with the hole shot (every stinking time!) Matt O has some youtube vids of the day also that is worth the search.

john

[fabiodriven]

I don't mean any disrespect, and I don't want to cause any trouble, but seriously dude, just stop.

You are being disrespectful. What you're going to learn is that you do not tell me what to do and you are causing trouble by doing so. You do not address me with an authoritative tone, ever. I'd suggest you approach the next 34 year old man you see in person the way you're typing to me. He'll explain to you what I'm getting at here.

[Howdy]

Here is one of my favorite pictures. Howdy with the hole shot (every stinking time!) Matt O has some youtube vids of the day also that is worth the search.

john Yep I have a quick machine. It's my Iowa machine and as far as I know it's a stock machine ( it did have the top end rebuilt ). Looking through my FB I found a couple more pics from TrikeCircus2013. I have learned how to get the front wheel to pull up. Some times too far up. LOL Howdy

[slashfan7964]

You are being disrespectful. What you're going to learn is that you do not tell me what to do and you are causing trouble by doing so.

Why do you keep this going? Get over it. It's over.

I love how you are making me look like the bad guy when you had to nit-pick over one mistake in the first place. :rolleyes:



You do not address me with an authoritative tone, ever.

First off, I was making a statement for you to let it go, which you clearly didn't, and haven't yet. It's a pointless argument; you are making this out to be way worse then it has to be over something so stupid in the first place. Who are you to tell me what I can or cannot do? My constitutional rights allow me to say what I want, when I want, wherever I want, to whomever I want. I can and will approach you or anyone else for that matter in the tone I feel will be most effective in a given situation, which clearly isn't working on you. I tried to be nice. I gave you multiple chances to calm down, I tried to let it slide, and frankly I don't know why you are getting so damn upset in the first place. Welcome to the internet. Way to make an incompetent ass out of yourself. A 34 year old man should not be acting like a teenage girl causing drama in high school, which is exactly what you are doing; causing drama. You're doing a damn good job of making yourself look immature. I don't care who you are, that goes for everyone. You do not run these boards, you are not part of the staff, you have zero (read NADA) control over me, my actions or words. Do not tell me what I can or cannot do. I will address you how I feel like addressing you, and you aren't exactly helping the situation. If you keep this up, I will be contacting Billy because quite frankly, I've had enough of your shenanigans. I'm here to learn, work on and enjoy three wheelers, not to deal with some fool who gets pissed off over a small typing error, that I again repeat for a third time, have since corrected.



The only stock 200x I have seen do 65mph was in the back of a pickup. LOL
I have owned quite a few ( 20+ ) 200x's over the years and None of them did over 55. I have owned a couple of every year made ( 83-87 ). If yours did 65 I would have to see proof of that before I would believe it.
The motor would have to have been seriously worked over and the gearing ( sprockets ) would have to be changed to gain more speed. While you can work a 200x motor to get more power out of it, you have factor in the increased wind resistance the faster you go. Thus you need quite a bit more power to gain just a little MPH. It would need hi comp piston and or stroked, better cam, better carb, ect.

Enough off topic, back to the P3 subject. Carry on.......
Howdy

It may have been the one he had built come to think of it. There was 2 of them in the picture back then, one massively built, the other stock. We kept the stocker. Oh well :lol:

Anyways, back on topic to the P3 :D

[fabiodriven]

I love how you are making me look like the bad guy when you had to nit-pick over one mistake in the first place. :rolleyes:

I didn't nit pick, I corrected you. If you can't handle that, that's your problem.


Who are you to tell me what I can or cannot do?

When a kid says something like this to me-


Oh grow up.


I don't know what has gotten into you, but this is unacceptable behavior. Relax.


but seriously dude, just stop.


I gave you multiple chances to calm down, I tried to let it slide

I would suggest contacting William. I'm not upset and have merely defended myself from an onslaught of orders and name calling by a boy who thinks having a keyboard in front of him makes him a man. I am familiar with taking orders and also seniority. No boy is going to be telling me what's what and there are no chances for you to give anyone, let alone me. When you get in touch with William, be sure to let him know how you broke the rules of the forum by name calling.


. Way to make an incompetent ass out of yourself. A 34 year old man should not be acting like a teenage girl causing drama in high school


You're doing a damn good job of making yourself look immature.


not to deal with some fool who gets pissed off

I will say I find these words highly offensive and I personally don't associate with people who come into my beloved forum and break the rules. I'd be willing overlook these words on account of you being a minor, but an apology would be in order.

[Billy Golightly]

You guys need to call a truce on this, I mean, can't throw stones without expecting a few salvos in return, but I'd like to think we're better than that.

The ignore list sounds like it'd be a great option for both of you guys to explore here on the forum... :)