Polaris has announced the 2020 Polaris Scrambler 1000 S. There is a problem with it, however. A problem big enough to keep many riders from forking over their hard-earned money.

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In 2019, Polaris released their ATV and Side by Side line-up. The problem? It was missing something that many riders loved, the Polaris Scrambler 1000. Well, that has all changed with the release of the new 2020 Polaris Scrambler 1000 S! There is a problem that is important to fully grasp, however.

Performance

Polaris went ahead and threw in the same Pro Star 952cc Twin Cylinder engine they have been putting in many of their other 1000 machines, so no real change there...I mean, other than the fact that they finally put it in the Scrambler (and its pushing 89hp)! The 2020 Scrambler does have few new features worth noting, however. The first is Throttle Control. The Scrambler now has a "standard" and "performance" mode allowing you to control if you want all that the Scrambler can throw at you. They have also added variable-assist steering that they are calling ProSteer (sounds fancy). I like to explain this as the "Dynamix" of Steering...sort of. Basically, the Scrambler is taking into account your speed, riding, and other features to give you the proper amount of electronic power steering.

Suspension & Wheels

The new Scrambler 1000 comes with adjustable *Walker Evans 2.0 shocks,* which, Polaris claims is the most adjustable and premium suspension they have ever put in an ATV. Polaris has also included **High Clearance A-Arms giving this machine 14.5" of ground clearance! To put that in Perspective, the Can-Am Renegade X xc has 10.5 " of ground clearance. I should also mention, Polaris went ahead and gave the Scrambler long-travel suspension with 12.5" travel in the front, and 14" travel in the back, that's pretty impressive!

When it comes to where the rubber meets the trail, the Scrambler 1000 S has 12" aluminum wheels with **27" Duro PowerGrip tires**. I can also say with excitement that Polaris has put the same size tire on all 4 wheels (thank you, Polaris).

Lastly, I should mention that Polaris claims to have reinforced a large portion of the machine (seems like the theme for Polaris in 2020). They have made the **chassis 31% tougher, transmission parts 25% stronger**, and took the front differential from the RZR 1000 S. It is always great to hear when brands are focusing on making machines tougher, especially on a machine built to take a beating.

Style

When getting a quick glance at the 2020 Scrambler it may seem very familiar. They have kept a lot of the same style from previous years but you will find a few features that stand out. First is the P**ro Armor Lightbar they have included. Then there is the **3" adjustable riser, and finally, the exhaust is centered right under the back of the machine. Oh....one last thing, it's 55" wide!

Which brings us to the one single reason I won't consider the 2020 Polaris Scrambler 1000 S. By widening the Scrambler, Polaris has changed the entire dynamic of the ATV. There are many trails that do not allow ATV's over 50". Ironically, this is especially true in the state of Minnesota (you know, the same state that Polaris houses its headquarters). Now I am not against wide machines, after all most Side by Side's are over 50". When it comes to ATV's however, 50" is the sweet spot. You are open to all the more narrow trails, which are now out of the question for the Scrambler. Many people who ride ATVs versus Side by Sides prefer to ride more narrow & technical trails. There are times where I will leave the side by side and grab the ATV specifically so that I can ride those style of trails (and I know I'm not alone).

This leads me to another issue, want to throw the ATV in the back of your pickup? Gone are those days of convenience. You are now stuck bringing a trailer, even if you are just taking one machine with you. That's an issue I could get over, but still very inconvenient. There are many times where I am traveling to another state for a trip and if it is just me and the people I am meeting there, I will throw the ATV in the back of the truck instead of worrying about the trailer.

So while the idea of a wider ATV may seem enticing, it is the single reason why I won't consider the 2020 Polaris Scrambler 1000 S. That says a lot considering the Polaris Scrambler has spent a couple years as my favorite ATV on the market!

What do you think? Is it something you would consider? Leave a comment down below so we can continue the discussion. Otherwise as always, thanks for watching and I hope to see you on the trail!