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Posted by: Andy Bassham
for sport, don't get the AC. For just about anything else, its my pick. Better ride than any of the others. I've seen what a Rubicon can do, first hand, and while I was impress, it wasn't so much faster than a 98 454 cat that it blew my mind. It beats it easily, but not like you would expect. My 660 blew it away so bad its not worth telling.
The ACT suspension is a must over any other straight axle if you ride in the rough stuff. Construction is as tough as any out there, and the raw pulling power is a major plus.
Cats are hard to steer in general. Get off an AC and get on a yamaha, and you would think you were turning a motorcycle. Other than that and the sport handling factor, the AC is top notch. Its a utility quad. Great hunting quad, as it will haul about anything, and has the best racks you will find. Pretty hard to tear one up too. The fenders are tough to tear. I sold my 500 after 3 years, and it looked pretty damn good. Top speed on a 500 is around 50-53.
I prefer the AC 500 over a kodiak any day, and the suspension alone is enough to make me want it over a Rubicon. The AC 500i looks to be a hell of quad too.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Have they really made a difference in the steering ease on the 02 models, because if they have, that ups the Cat's stock big time. Both my 99 and my cousin's 98 turn like crap compared to almost anything. If they improved it by 10%, then it was worth it. Another thing, you think it might be the 8" tires compared to the old 10" 489's? That makes a difference. I would hate to steer Boner's quad down a windy paved road. Nightmare!!!
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Easiest steering and tightest turning utility I ever rode was an 86 YFM 225. So loose it was almost dangerous. That is yamaha's forte. As far as tires on an AC, I had those 10.5" 495's and they were rough to steer. When I got the Bi-claws up front, it was a lot easier. I think 8's might be the trick here.
Another thing about 4wd systems. The AC is better. My Grizzly isn't near as good in 4wd as my AC was. The limited slip Yamaha gives you is probably one of the worst out for traction. Maybe thats why they steer so easy though. I can't complain on the 660 though, because the diff-lock has got me out of a couple situations that my AC would have been helpless in. Sideways out of a creek with one front in the air? Not a problem. I amazed myself this weekend on that one, and I even had the crappy stockers on.
Still, I think if AC put a lock option on the 500i and popped in a quicker motor to keep points in that drag race category that shootouts seem to over value, then they would have the bad boy atv to beat. 500i just impresses me.
Posted by: BONER
Can you please explain to me where you got the information about the different gearing of the 02 models?? After looking at the specs, the only difference I coudl see effecting the bottom end power is the carb adjustments. They went up on the amount of front diff fluid too (new diff) and thats about it for the changes according to the manual. The manual gives identical gear ratio's accross the borad for the 500 manual. Didn't look too much into the auto's tho.
Posted by: BONER
The 2002s not only went with new front tires, but the entire front frame design is different. The front stance is probaly alittle narrower with the way the wheels are set (not sure what it's called but the bottom of the tires are narrower than the tops).
Posted by: ATV_MAN
I went to a local dealer and I was looking at a '02 AC 500 Manual, very nice, the guy said the bushigs are sealed(and no maintenance) and he said no one has had any problems with the new '02 cats, the only parts that people have ordered are Brake pads, Oil filters and air filters....I was amazed.
Now for your input on comparason...I looked at the Ruby, yes I know its alot more, you get all the gadgets and gizmos, everything is electric, I'm affraid of the electrical system being damaged by water, and the electrical is going to be a pain when it gets old, it also had drum brakes, I hear nothing but trouble when water gets in them...I have past experiences with my Honda TRX 200, not very good. I also looked at a Blue '02 Yamaha Kodiak SE(Blue Kodiaks are only avaliable here in Canada if you wondering) It has good features on it, CV boot guards, On-Command 4x4 , Full skid plate(unlike Honda)...What would you choose between these 3, I am leaning towards the AC 500.
Posted by: ATV_MAN
I was looking more into these, and I think the Kodiak is what I want, I wont be hauling things, or using it for heavy duty work, just mostly trails and the odd mud hole, The Kodiak is cheaper, but its Automatic over the manual what I was looking at, Yamaha has a deal on, get a Warn winch for free or $300 Yama bucks which is good, but they all have offers like that with the winches. I know the Cat will be stronger and tougher feeling but the Yamaha is a good deal and looks more sporty what I like.
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Posted by: ATV_MAN
Whats the big difference in the front end??, they both have limited-slips dont they??
Posted by: JKB
For sure the Kodiak is sportier, but not nearly as good as the Cat in the goo, due to its front end design. Also I don't no how well the belt drive is sealed, as I was with a guy last winter that got a belt wet on the lake we were driving on. The lake was frozen but had a thin top crust and lot of slush and water underneath. When he broke through the crust at 30 mph there was a big spray, and there he was stuck due to the belt being wet. I was doing the same thing on a manual Cat and had no problems. Just my opinion.
Cheers Jim
Posted by: JKB
yes, but the AC is far superior. It does not use clutch plates, but instead uses ratcheting cones. This design will still 3 wheel but it puts alot more torque to the wheel that has the traction then the clutch design. If I remember correctly the torque bias is 25% for the designs using clutches and 50% for designs like the AC. This is as good as gets until you lock the front end. I have riden with a Polaris and he admits the same thing. The differance is quite suprising.
Cheers Jim
Posted by: mudcat47537
Well I chose the AC. Allthough they all are good rides it is just what suits you the best. I chose the AC because of the simplicity of it gear drive, manualy in & out of 4x4, brakes, heavy very well built machine (some like them light but for a utility machine I want it strong & heavy like a 1 ton truck)and the ride most important of all. But if you are looking for a sporty ride I would look at the Kodiak. Even though the AC is no slouch on the trail. I now have over 600 miles on mine in 5 months with no problems yet. I guess I should mention that this is my 3rd AC and have yet to have a reliability issue. Ride them all then decide what suits you best.
Posted by: mudcat47537
My 02 500 is much easier to steer than many other quads. I think it is comparable to a Kodiak, it is much easier than any other AC that I've had. I have a buddy with a Kodiak and he also thinks they are pretty even in that area. I can also out run one on top end with the higher gears in the 02s. But I would rather have the lower gears in the earlier ones.
Posted by: mudcat47537
I was told that they (AC) went from a 3.6:1 to a 3.1:1 ratio for the 02s. I know that they have more top end and not as much bottom end, and they will out run a 01 by at least 5 mph. I can't spin 27" tires like I could on my 98 either. I rode them all within days of each other 98, 01, and 02 all 500 manuals.
Posted by: mudcat47537
I'm sure the 8" tires would make a difference. My dad has a 98 400 8" 489s on front and it allways steered easier than my 98 500 10" 489s. But I've only drove mine with the 589s on them, 01a & 02m and there is a difference in them. I never really noticed how hard it was to steer my 98 until I sold my 01 and was waiting for my 02 to come in. My dealer let me ride my old 98 (27" vampires) for a couple of weeks. Man I couldn't believe how hard it was to steer. I have rode most of the other quads on the market and it steers easier than most. It does give a little up to the Yamahas, except the older Grizzly & Big Bear.
Posted by: chunkyboy
Hey dudes , ATV MAN My cats are a John Deere ,They aint the fastes horses in the feild . BUT THEY WILL PLOW ALL DAY LONG . I got two arctic cats and a third one ordered . In 16 months riding 1 bad speedo cable 1 bad circut broard , 2 quads that aint bad , none of my riding buddies can say that . Im extra pleased matter of fact , never had JD THAT GOOD , BUT the next one might be a lemon , but if it is ,I trust my dealer to make it right . He a good guy after the sale . Im like mud cat there like a good ton truck built to work , pull, haul butt, my cats do great on trails to. dealer says my 400i be here 2 or 3 weeks i can.t wait either , You try a cat YOU WONT BE SORRY .2001-400-4x4 2000-250-2x4 1997-22o-bayou
