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Posted by: BansheeX
I have an 03' 500I manual shift that I really like, but you can always use more power. For those of you with 650s that have had or ridden 500's, does the power even compare? Looking to go big soon.
Posted by: BansheeX
Hey Oldcrow, I usually do business with Pro Cycle in St. Cloud because of the great service. Country Cat is good to but are a little higher priced. As far as the 500 I just put the pipe on this winter so i havent gotten a chance to give it a good testing. The jetkit and filter were pretty helpful though. The tires can be a little much in really heavy deep mud, 1st gear low is a must. Other than that i have no complaints, its been an awesome machine.
Posted by: BansheeX
Hey, thanks for the reply's. My brother is going to buy my 500 so its pretty much decided im getting the 650. Just wondering if I should wait to see what 05' brings or not. Any suggestions?
Posted by: BansheeX
The 500 is great for hunting and pulling. For me, 95% of my use is going to be trails and deep mud with aftermarket tires. This is where the 500 falls short every now and then. Its like the spacing between gears is too great in some cases and I find myself running 1st low in heavy mud alot. When you shift into second is just wont pull it. This is where I would think the larger engine and belt drive would really shine. Just my opinion.
Posted by: CatKrazy
DONT DO IT SEMOUR!!!!!
Im telling ya, keep your 500 for a while. its not worth it in my opinion.
Posted by: CatKrazy
BANSHEEX When you find me a atv that will pull in 2nd and third in the stuff i ride in, I will buy it for you. Its just not going to happen. The stuff I ride in once my momentum picks up i can pop her in 2nd and sling the SHIZNIT out of some the most thick mud in the south and west of the mississippi. But that is due to my tires being as light as they are. Also the auto is the same way , you just dont realize it because your foot is not doing the work, its an auto,just like in cars and trucks. when you pass a car on the hwy do you take it down in first, no it goes to the next lowest gear adjusted for that speed. Just like with the 500. you will not be going 45 mph then take it down to first, you will probly be in 5 and take it down to 4th when you hit a mud hole "small one" same goes for lower speed deep mud bogging.
Hope this makes sense
Posted by: CatKrazy
but what happens when you get in water?
Does the AC do like most belt drives? I dont really know a whole lot about them
Posted by: CatKrazy
well i guess if you ride in shallow water then you are ok but the kind of ridding the AC is capable of, the belt will get wet just like in all of the auto except the hondas.
Posted by: peteyz24
im with catkrazy there is plenty of pulling power in going between gears. I find that first is useless when in the mud because it turns the wheels just to damn slow, even at a dead stop in mud or really deep snow, i kick it in to 2nd and give her hell, it doesnt bog or anything, just takes of throwing mud or snow like a mofo
Posted by: peteyz24
the ac belt is sealed so as long as the seal is sealed and no water gets in the vent water should not be a problem
Posted by: oldcrow
Hey BansheeX,
I too was thinking of jumping up to a 650 but I just bought my bike last august and would take a beating on resale.
Your bike is set up much in the way I want to do mine, how does it perform? Anything you would do different?
I don't live to far from you. What dealer do you do business with?
Posted by: oldcrow
I have to laugh, I hope to sell my bike to my brother one day then I get to go bigger. It's rumered Suzuki is coming out with a 700cc EFI single cylinder. Sure bet it will end up in a Cat one day
Posted by: Cat650
Dear Bansheex,
I have owned two prior artic cat 500's and I can tell you there is a huge difference between the 650 and the 500. The 650 is an updated and upgraded ATV with all the new and improved gadgets and designs incorporated into it. The power difference is considerable. I now have close to three hundred miles on my 650 and I am truly happy with it. I am sure you will be to if you decide to go that route. Cat650
Posted by: AC650
If you use your 500 for hunting, climbing, towing/pulling then you will not be happy with the 650. The 500 gives you so much controllable power. The 650 is a great machine but it is belt driven and it just does not perform the same when it comes to tough chores. I have an 05 AC500 and an 04 AC650. I love the power of the 650. Its fun for mud and trails but the 500 manual is a better climber, better puller and a better work horse.
Posted by: AC650
Your right. When you get in the mud the belt drive is nice.
Posted by: Cub
I just traded my '03 500i for my 650 and there is a world of difference!!!!!!! My 500i manual had a jet kit, k&n, and Black Magic pipe and was slow as pond water compared to the 650!! The feel of the 650's mid-range is awesome!! I lost a little in trade money but made it up in eye watering POWER! My personal opinion is "Just Do It"img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif" border="0">
