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Posted by: JKB
I bought mine from G.E. Johnson. Eugene is the sales guy and he is awesome. He has never let me down and has always been very truthful when asked a question about some of the problems he has seen on the cats over the years. The prices there are the best around as well. Glen Johnson owns the business but Eugene is the sales and service guy.
Cheers Jim Bell
Posted by: thenewfiebullet
Hey NeWf,
Did you ride across on the railbed? I'd love to do it across country, as I've always thought that a trip on the tracks would be boring. You have to ride single file, it's dusty, and there's not much challange.
What part of Newfoundland are you from.
Posted by: mudcat47537
I think I can answer your questions.
1. Yes, They are all on the left fender. The 02s are much easier to engage & disengage, while stopped or moving.
2. No it is on the left fender. I have mixed feelings about this. It works better but if on a hill your brake and shifter are all done with your left hand. I think it was just that I was used to the right hand shifter.
3. I can't tell but, I think it does have more topend. No proof yet, I may get the gps out this weekend. I do know that it will hit the registered 60mph on the speedo, but they are known to be off quite a bit. I do know that it will run with a buddys Kodiak. My 01 auto wouldn't even come close.
4. It looks like the same engine to me.
If I can help anymore just ask.
Posted by: NeWf
I haven't seen the 2002's yet and I have scoured the brochure, but a lot seems unanswered. If someone could answer these questions it would be great.
1) Is the 2wd to 4wd shift lever changed to the one on the left fender?
2) Is the reverse lever still on the right side of the gas tank? It looks like it isn't in the pictures. And if it is moved, where is it?
3) Is the gearing higher on the 500 manual too. I heard it was on the auto but I didnt' hear anything on the man.
4) I thought I heard that they made the engines slimmer, is that true?
That is all i can think of now. I would be very interested in knowing the top speed of the 2002 500 manual if anyone knows it.
thanks
NeWf
Posted by: NeWf
Mudcat: thanks for your help. I don't think I have anymore questions... until I see the machine in person anyway (I don't think they have arrived at any of the dealers here yet). But, if you would, post any troubles/comments/stories about your 02 500 as they may arise. It is always good to hear from owners as to how thier machines fair out in the long run. But by the looks of things it probably will be the machine for me.
Thanks
NeWf
Posted by: NeWf
Jeepersmitty
I was out to Toad's Cycle Works on Friday i believe. He said they were "on order" so I don't know what that means in the way of when they will be there. He still has a few 01's left. I think 3 500s and 1 300. I wasn't that impressed with the place though. It was more like a Hog club then a AC dealership. I couldn't tell who even worked there because EVERYONE was wearing Harley shirts and the place was a clutter of half assembled bikes and accesories. I will probably call Johnson's and see when they will have some. I was also considering going to the ATVANS Annual Rally to see the ACs there. I think artic cat usually has a tent there and stuff and I believe they are partially sponsoring it. Maybe I could get a test drive. I don't plan on buying, however, until next spring so that it is well broken in for summer at which point I am atving across Nfld again. I just got back about a week ago from this years trip. WHAT A RIDE!! I recommend to anyone! When you get the bike please post your comments!
NeWf
Posted by: NeWf
Thenewfiebullet:
Yea I was going across on the railbed. It is true that it is dusty and you have to stay single file and it is unchallenging... but as for boring.. I didn't find it at all. It was like one big camping trip and you meet all kinds of other Atv enthusists doing the same trip. The track goes through communties where you can stop at restaurants and so on. The scenery is amazing! We would often come by large groups of ATVers in tours and they were all very friendly and willing to share adivce on things they came across on the track in the direction we were travelling and so on.
I am not actually from Nfld myself. I am technically a Cape Bretoner. My mom is from there and we frequently visit. I fell in love with the place over the years and will move there myself, eventually. Our family is from just outside of Clarenville in Elliot's Cove on Random Island.
NeWf
PS There is a tour that I found out about in Nfld that is a more rustic experience. There is a guy that runs an adventure-like business or something and he has atv tours trough the Nfld interior. For $600 and your own bike everything is taken care of on a, i believe, 5 night 6 day trip. I do have more info on it as I was considering it myself sometime. But anyway I just thought I would add that.
Posted by: NeWf
Jeepersmitty:
I was out to Johnson's today and he does have 2002s in but they are still in the crates. I still saw the very machine i want: red 500 man ACT because it was the only one with a tear in the crate cover so i could look in. He said that he probably wouldn't have them out till next week sometime. He seemed really nice and the place is nice too. I am sure that will be the place I will get mine. He was also selling off the 2001s and the 500 was $7300. He said that it is only $100 more than what he payed. Anyhoo I thought would pass it on. I also saw some 02's in a dealer outside of digby. I guess they are finally arriving.
NeWf
Posted by: jeepersmitty
NeWf
I'm waiting to see the 02's also.Looks the the 500 manual for me. I like the idea of IRS but two problems with it. One is it's 2 1/2 inches wider, that's a problem with some of the trails around here, and two, sounds like it will be a couple of months before they are available. I want to buy in September, so I'll be ready for hunting. I happened to be in Sydney last weekend and visited Brad's A/C dealership.Great guy I would buy from him if it wasn't so far away. He said a week to ten days, but he has been hearing that for awhile. I going to visit Johnson's next week, just to check out the dealership. They said 02's around the middle of the month. If you see or hear of any 02's in Nova Scotia, let me know and I too would like any feedback on the 02 500 manual.
Thanks
Jeepersmitty
Posted by: jeepersmitty
NeWF
I was at Johnson's yesterday, Thursday. I was the one he cut the crate on the red 02 for. I left around 11:30, probally just missed you.He gave me a price of $8000. I called Corbits in Liverpool $7814 and the dealer in blockhouse $8100.I have a buddy that is interested in a 400 A/C and Johnson's had a 01 for $6600. The guy in blockhouse said he had sold a couple and had a red with winch installed and green on the showroom floor. I'm going to call High Gear in the valley and Donkin Tire to see what the prices are. You're right about Johnson's they seem to have a great place and are easy to talk to.I called Toad's yesterday, they didn't even know when the Cat's were coming in. A buddy of mine stopped at the one in St. Margarets Bay the person there said Arctic Cat would not finance them this year so they are no longer selling Cat's, I was not impressed with their operation. I'm now thinking about the 01 vs 02 500 manual. I'll post the question and see what opinions I receive.
Thanks, Jeepersmitty
