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Posted by: jefffoxsr
Arctic Cat must be reliable because I don't see too many posts about various problems. A few here and there and that's it.
I still haven't decided between the AC and the sportsman 500. I haven't had the chance to ride the AC yet. I'm concerned about the steering ease.
I am thinking about the 500 over the 650. I don't need all the acceleration of the high HP engine. Been there done that (see signature). The question I have is whether the 500 has adequate power to tow logs and trailers around. If any of you 500 guys could tell me that would be appreciated.
The magazines try to make you thinks that you have to wrestle the AC down a trail and would be exhausted at the end of the day. What's the truth?
The polaris forum seems to report more problems. Yes, I know, polaris sells more units and there are more posts in that forum. The ratio of problems with AC quads seems MUCH lower though.
Thanks.
Posted by: jefffoxsr
Thanks guys.
Spikeland,
I won't be working with it regularly, just once in a while. I also had a 650 prairie. I would love to hear more about the ride differences between the AC and the Grizz or other quads you have owned.
Would you say the steering is easy enough and the quad isn't as much as a handful and the magazines say.
Thanks.
Posted by: jefffoxsr
Thanks for all the info guys. It's very helpful.
Posted by: WhoDatInDaMud
I have Polaris, Honda and ArcticCat. All are ready to ride. For higher speed and more aggresive trail riding I choose the Polaris as it is faster. But for more practicle every day use dragging the trailers around the yard and more casual 2up trail rides - the AC has my vote. It is geared lower so it doesn't have the top end speed but is torgued to the max. I just put Highlifter heavy duty springs on the AC and it raised the quad hitch 4 inches. I would estimate the tongue weight to be well over 200 pounds. Steering is easier than any of the other quads and I don't know where the mags get their information from. Maybe they should quit buying product evaluations off of Ebay.
I don't know anything about the 2005 machines and/or if any of the drive train has changed. Someone else may comment on that.
Long story short - whether mountain, forest, swamp or trail - the first choice is normally the AC. Go fast testosterone challanges - the Polaris hasn't failed me yet. oops - I did blow a belt after my nephew smoked the snot out of it.. not bad for a 01 500HO.
Good luck -
Posted by: WhoDatInDaMud
I have a 03 with Dunlop and I admit they are not an aggressive looking tire. But.... Those tires have taken me everywhere I wanted to go. Up mountains, through mud to the top of the tires (the black swampy stuff) and they do well on the roads. I have about 700 miles on them. And they do work well in the sand also.
When we talk about tires - I just want to point out one issue and ask that everyone not go bizzerk - but aggressive earth scooping tires are without reproach the biggest issue with ATV's on public land and our being unwelcome by the naturalists and environmentalists who have the ear of government and public. To demonstrate my point, imagine if we left no mark on the ground, no trace of our being there. The only issues left are the noise and smell of the ATV's and to be honest - those issues have not found a foot hold in the ATV vs. everyone else coliseum. unfortunately the ruts, defoliation and erosion scars along the highways, in ditches and grassland and off-trail in designated riding areas are what is ruining our access to more riding opportunities.
Our Minnesota DNR highlights unnecessarily aggressive tire tread as the #1 enemy of recreational ATV riding.
So when you consider tires - keep in mind that those tractor lug earth scoopers might be the more competitive mud runners, but they are not doing anything favorable to improve our position when it comes to trails and public land.
(steps off of soap box)
Posted by: WhoDatInDaMud
I've been on a 500 manual and no thanks. I'll take the auto any day. And I agree there was something wrong with your 500. Likely the choke was stuck as my 500's weigh in at over 940lbs + 400 pounds of riders and they will do 50+ via the GPS. There was something not right on your 500 machine. But I can agree the 650 has some serious torque and speed. BTDT.
Posted by: swissalps
I just got the AC 500 this past weekend. I have not had a chance to ride it much yet, but so far I think it is a great machine. I stopped considering Polaris, as an option, a few years ago; I have been looking for quite a few years at ATVs and more recently I nearly stopped considering anything but an AC.
I once had a polaris/yamaha dealer tell me they get way more polaris machines in for repair.
good luck.
Posted by: swissalps
Hey Jim,
Were you commenting to me or the entire group. And why dont you like the stock tires on your '03 500 (I assume AC)?
The '05 AC 500 comes with Carlisle tires which I think are good for general use.
The '05 AC 650 comes with slightly larger Goodyears.
Dave
Posted by: swissalps
My AC (auto) '05 500, simply put, has a lot of power and I hit 51 mph once and the upper 40ies a couple times (probably wont do this very often - there is really no need).
I notice strong engine breaking and I also have to use the throttle to get down fairly steep hills - if not, I will come to a stop. I have also towed a large boat around the yard without trouble at all - in low gear - in forward and reverse without trouble.
I could see that at some speeds the 650 twin could have a very small whisker less vibration, but I have no complaints about mine. I think it is very smooth and has a lot of power when you need it. I find it hard to believe the 650 could have that much more power over the 500- but I have not riden one of these. My guess is even the 400 is pretty good. My dealer tells me he sells more 400s than 500s.
About other kinds of transmissions... why would anyone want, say, a 3 speed auto in an atv as opposed to the CVT type - I will turn the tables here... I believe the cvt technology actually has found it ways into one kind of honda civic car and I think companies like JD have been putting in their lawn tractors for years.
The CVT seems like a great idea for an atv and seems to me works great for a large range of speeds. Actually, if I had to guess, over the next 10 years, more CVT may appear in cars. Also, if there were multiple gears, there would have to be speeds at which the machine would want to hunt back and forth between two and I would think this would make riding at such speeds annoying.
I am not an engineer, but I would guess a cvt is lighter weight and less complex than standard multi-speed transmission-- Well, maybe others can weigh in here as this discussion has grown to many topics.
It seems that either a manual or a CVT are the way to go.
Also, I read some people are worried about weight. For those that do not want a heavy (heavier) machine - the Kodiac 450 is about 600 lbs I think - vs. the AC 500---about 700 lbs. Indeed, this is a decent difference for what I would say are roughly comparable machines. I can understand a smaller person may like a little smaller machine, but on the other hand, is getting the 15 mph on the trail 1 second quicker really a big deal (if that can even be measured, if any atv was, say, 50 pounds lighter)?
AC machines seems a little heavier than some of their counterparts on the market. Well, do your homework and good luck everyone.
Any of you out there like the AC '05 camo model 400 from Gander Mountain? I think it is over priced, but it looks very interesting.
Posted by: maddog56
AC has very reliable machines. They use suzuki engines and the atvs themselves are well built. The 650 problems have a lot to do with the kawasaki prairie 650 transmission and belt. Kawasaki fixed these problems for the Prairie 700, but AC is still getting the old stuff.
The AC would be a much bettter choice IMO than the sp. The suspension is better, power is great, and the machines are more reliable on the whole. The four wheel drive is a much better system. You also have the option (i believe they still offer it) to have an auto clutch manual if you dont want to run a belt.
Posted by: mudblaster
just dont go with too big of tires or you'll start to brake parts when you start to work it hard.
stick with 26" max and you shouldent have any problems.
Posted by: markie
I own a ac 2001 400 4wheel dr and a 2003 polaris 700,I know the ac 500 Is a work horse and a mountain goat.the thing that I don"t like about polaris is that the ebs only applys to the rear wheels only and that gets scary going down steep hills.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: HogCat
I'm sorry but the 500 was not a demo it was in fact a 2005 with 0 miles I put 30 miles on the machine breaking it in, (and I beleive in breaking in a motor by riding it hard) and paid the dealer for the use of this machine when trading it back to the dealer for the 650 and gladly paid $200 for the useage to get rid of it! As far as something being wrong with it I don't know it seem to run just fine, but it just flatly lacked the power to move the big machine. I know this is not what some want to here but this is my honest opinion of the 500. The Suzki motor and trany just was not the right combo for that chassie. by the way this was the Automatic model. Maybe the standerd trany behind the 500 would be just fine. We never tryed one so I don't know, but if I was looking at the 500 again I would be checking in to it first... I have a qestion why don't they put a standard trany behind some of these big machine's and complete the true off road package ??? there has to be a market for a wheeler like this!!!
I think you must have had a bad machine or maybe it just needed to be fully broken in. My father has a 2000 500 auto and that thing has plenty of power, and the best engine breaking I have experienced. Even now I ride a 400 and it has more power then I use. I was able to pack out a 1000+lbs moose with no problems, and tow my truck two miles to the shop with no problems. So I feel that power is all relevent, remember it wasn't too long ago when the biggest ATV's were 250cc's. While the 500 may have been under powered for you, most people wouldn't have that experience. Thanks for sharing your opinion though
Posted by: cat5004x4
jefffoxsr I got the 500 verstes the 650 and it does just fine pulling logs out of the woods with almost better than my dads tractor does. for pulling trailers it pulls my 995lbs trailer around with no problem just remmber to use low range.
Posted by: weez440
hey jeff i live on a farm and had 2 500's previous to my 650 and that thing could pull a ton and the good duramatic tranny with a suzuki motor never have to worry bout the belt slipping unless ya get it wet but that is with anything the arctic cats are very underrated in many categories BUT they always make them out to be a workhorse for a farm and stuff which is where they are very good but the handling isn't bad on them either i drive very aggressively down trails and stuff and i am usually in the lead my uncle has a 04 400i and he lets his 7 y o son tool around with it in the yard in low range real slow and he drives it around for hours without tiring from the steering i dunno why they keep hammering on arctic cats steering and handling but the sportsman 500 ho does have more power but i do firmly believe that the ac can outpull it but then again the sportsman weighs about 50 pounds more then the ac
Posted by: westpamudder
I have no problem with the steering or handling of my 650 AC. The turning radius isn't the best in its class but it is not as bad as it is made out to be. My 8 yo cousin rides mine in the fields, my wife loves it, and so do the rest of my family who rides. I think it is a great machine. I haven't had any problems with the belt either. Even when the bike is in water up to the racks.
Posted by: spikeland
i own my first artic cat . its a 05 650. i was very unsure in making my decision because of the somewhat negative feedback from certain atv magazines.the steering issue was also one of my concerns.and the handling was too. for some reason the magazines underate and overcriticise artic cat atvs.i bought an artic cat anyway after input from these forums.im very satisfied with it.and found that the steering wasnt like they claimed it to be.i owned previously a kawi prairie 650 , three different honda 4x4,s and a grizzly 600.i didnt notice the drastic difference in steering effort.the ac turns a liitle wider but not major amounts.the more i ride the cat the more i like it .i think you will be fine with the 500.how heavy a trailer you towing ?.about.and how heavy the logs you pulling?
Posted by: spikeland
hey jeff the steering on the artic cat doesnt feel different then the prairie in terms of effort.if there is a difference its not very much.and the major difference to me from the prairie to the artic cat is its sits alot higher than the prairie.thats not a bad thing though it does take a little getting used to ar adjusting to.but ill tell you what.i wouldnt go back to the prairie if i had the choice.not that there was any thing wrong with the prairie.but after adjusting to the artic cat its really a nice machine.though the stock tires suck but that can be easily changed.
Posted by: spikeland
sorry editing mistake
Posted by: oregoner
I have an 03 AC500 4x4 auto and love it. There isn't a big deal about handling to me, but it does take more effort than the Yama Bear Trcker 2 wheel drive I also run. The only thing I get tired from is waiting for the rest of them to catch up.
Posted by: HogCat
Just got them a week ago !! two 2005 650v2.. We brought home a 500 first had to wate a day or two for the 650 I did not like the 500 at all I'm sure that it's a fine machine but it was all I could do to get the thing up to 25 MPH no power... it's just to heavy. We took it back and got the 650 Wow what a dif. not only that, but the engine breaking was very poor on the 500 my drive way is 1/2 mile long and is very steep I should say very very steep it's is mostly un useable in the winter months we plan on doing alot of steep trail riding and the 500 was going to be my wife's machine after running it around the property for 2 hours I was so disapointed in the machine that I was worried what the 650 was going to be like. I thought that I had made the wrong choice in getting the cat's. The 500 would almost free wheel down hill !! you had to ride the break the hole time. that made me as nervess as a tom cat I would never feel safe going into step terian with my wife on that 500 I want to be able to crawl down hills in control of the machine only breaking when I want to stop completly. what would happen if you where to come down severaly thousand feet and your breaks heat up and fail ! your in deep doo do that's what!! For $700 bucks or so more why woulden't you get the 650 good engine breaking and 4 times the power. It's a safty isue for me, not only dose the 650 have better Braking with the extra power you don't have to race up the hills ether nice and slow under control that what it's about. The 650 and 500 are a world apart. wife loves the 650 too.. spend the money !! Love the 650 Great Wheeler !!
Posted by: HogCat
I'm sorry but the 500 was not a demo it was in fact a 2005 with 0 miles I put 30 miles on the machine breaking it in, (and I beleive in breaking in a motor by riding it hard) and paid the dealer for the use of this machine when trading it back to the dealer for the 650 and gladly paid $200 for the useage to get rid of it! As far as something being wrong with it I don't know it seem to run just fine, but it just flatly lacked the power to move the big machine. I know this is not what some want to here but this is my honest opinion of the 500. The Suzki motor and trany just was not the right combo for that chassie. by the way this was the Automatic model. Maybe the standerd trany behind the 500 would be just fine. We never tryed one so I don't know, but if I was looking at the 500 again I would be checking in to it first... I have a qestion why don't they put a standard trany behind some of these big machine's and complete the true off road package ??? there has to be a market for a wheeler like this!!!
Posted by: JimJa
One thing I haven't seen mentioned about the steering is front end alignment. After riding my 300 for a year, the the 500 felt very heavy. I expected that since the 300 is a 2x4 and the 500, in addition to being a bigger and heavier machine is 4x4 with a winch. I got used to it as many of you noted, but after a minor incident (don't ask), I was checking the machine out and noted the toe-in just didn't look right (not related to the "incident."). Turned out there was 1 1/4" of toe-in! It shouldn't be more than parallel to 1//8". It took some fiddling, but I got it. Makes it steer A LOT easier with a lot more control.
IMO all the posts about the factory tires are correct. Not too much to impress with them. Too much pressure and the ride is rough and the front will wash. Not enough and the steering is difficult. Darned if you do, darned if you don't.
Question? What are some good tires for me? Most of my riding is gravel, sage brush, single lane - rutted - dirt roads, with only a little mud. I like the Titan 489s on the 300, but the Dunlaps on the 500 have to go. Comments please. Thanks.
Jim
Posted by: JimJa
Dave, the alignment comment was a general comment. It's something we easily overlook with significant bearing and I'm willing to bet the dealer doesn't check it when setting up a new machine.
I was raised in North Iowa so ...Mud and Dave - no Iowa jokes. I'm also older than most, if not all on the forum, I've had the good fortune of living all over the globe as well as the U.S. so I'm very well versed on how a few can and do ruin it for many that want to enjoy the outdoors in a manner that suits them. Wyoming has designated ATV/moto trails and I stick to them. Out here if you get caught out of bounds you get hammered - it's not right or worth it. That said, there is constant pressure by "non-riders" to reduce or eliminate riding areas. This will always be so and those folks are a powerful group. It is a subject to be taken off line or for a separte Q&A fourm.
Both my machines are ACs. The 300 has Titans 589 (489?) and the 500 has Dunlops. The tread on the Dunlaps is not aggressive in the same way as the Titans. As a result the front end will wash in corners and the Dunlops clearly do not have the traction in light mud the few times I'm lucky enough to be able to ride in it. The Titans turn in is much better also. I've tried letting the air out of the fronts on the Dunlops but then the front end "rolls" (leans) too much in the corners. Pumped up they will slide out. The Titans are much more controled. Many of the folks on this forum are into mudding and I certainly don't need that type of tire. There is very little rain here (wettest in history this yr..3 1/2" fr May to October) so I just need something with a little more pull and less side slip. My experience with various ATV tires is limited, I just like the OEM Titans on the 300 much better than the OEM Dunlops on the 500. There are other tires and there are many out there with a lot more experience than I. The advice they provide is invaluable - I'll just weigh their recommendations with my judgement and go from there.
Jim
Posted by: JimJa
HogCat. I'm sorry you had so much trouble with the demo 500 prior to receiving your 650s. Don't be too harsh on the 500, however. I suspect something was clearly wrong with it. My 500i Auto will easily top 55 (as fast as I've had it so far with a little more left) and the engine braking is good enough to the point the manual brakes are not required going down 1/2 mile 60% mountain slope. I have to use the gas on that slope - it's too slow otherwise.
You didn't say how old the 500 was. It's my understanding the early AC automatic transmissions did not have engine braking. Others with more knowledge weigh in for the correct answer.
Jim
Posted by: millsd
Just got my 05 650 yesterday, and I kind of have to agree about it having tight steering. Keep in mind that I've never had a 4x4 utility atv, but it does seem like it would wear you out after a while on the trails.
As for the power...ohhhh baby! Any more power and I'd be afraid to hop on the thing.
