Should I buy a Cat??

[m74me]

I will try to post pictures when I get it done. I am not coming up with much time to work on it the past few weeks. Work has been too busy. I've worked out most of the design now and just need to get time to get it all fab'd up. It will likely be a few more weeks before I get to that point.

[Uncle]

m74me,

Thanks for the update. Will look forward to seeing pictures of the completed project.

[badmoose]

I know this going to start a war of words, but have you looked at what polaris has to offer? I had a 05 650 v2 I was not impressed with it. The major gripe I had was the kawasaki motor that was in it. Now given this is the only arctic cat I have owned or even ridden I am not an expert on AC quads. I believe that AC made some changes to the steering geometry since then. I knew I was on the wrong machine when my buddy let me ride his 05 800 polaris. It rode like a cadiallac compared to the AC I had. I now have a 06 800 polaris, besides the melting plastic due to the hot exhaust and the ability to snap an axle quicker than you can blink an eye I love it. The 05 V2 I had only 2 oil seals that started leaking other than that no problems even while running 28 inch outlaws.

I quess what I am trying to say is try to find somone that has one you can ride thru the woods over the river type thing not just around the parking lot at a dealership. Test ride as many different brands as possible to see which is the best fit for you. my 2 cents

[travjen]

Well - after much research, I decided to go Can-Am and picked up on '08 650 H.O. Max XT today instead of the Cat. The three year warranty and positive reports on this brand that I have heard locally swayed me to Can-Am. I paid more money than a Cat but think I got a good deal in comparison to the same model I shopped on Ebay and three other Can-Am dealers in the vicinity.

Thanks to all for your comments, much appreciated!!

[leslie70]

Thats a big no dont buy a AC period,

[leslie70]

How did you break a axle a have 1000 miles of hard riding and never broke an axle I even pull a dics I dont beleave your broken axle story.<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: badmoose

I know this going to start a war of words, but have you looked at what polaris has to offer? I had a 05 650 v2 I was not impressed with it. The major gripe I had was the kawasaki motor that was in it. Now given this is the only arctic cat I have owned or even ridden I am not an expert on AC quads. I believe that AC made some changes to the steering geometry since then. I knew I was on the wrong machine when my buddy let me ride his 05 800 polaris. It rode like a cadiallac compared to the AC I had. I now have a 06 800 polaris, besides the melting plastic due to the hot exhaust and the ability to snap an axle quicker than you can blink an eye I love it. The 05 V2 I had only 2 oil seals that started leaking other than that no problems even while running 28 inch outlaws.



I quess what I am trying to say is try to find somone that has one you can ride thru the woods over the river type thing not just around the parking lot at a dealership. Test ride as many different brands as possible to see which is the best fit for you. my 2 cents</end quote></div>

[hoytultratec]

been a few broken axles on the polaris forum!

[buckaroo50]

Buy what suits you. If a soft plush ride is the most important thing then look for a machine that gives that to you.

If you want a machine to deliver the highest success rate of making it through the most varied terrain then AC is a very good candidate for that.

My AC has always got me where I wanted to go and always got me back home.

I turn the key and it starts and it runs until I shut it off.

AC's are big strong and heavy and I might add, the best ground clearance and in my opinion the best front locker.. And there is not too much that is going to stop them. Most owners will agree that they are reliable also. By comparisons the AC's problems are less critical and not as major as some other brands.

If you read through the forums you will find that a lot of the discussion about AC's deal more with "how-to's" than major problems.

[buckaroo50]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: travjen

I've been looking at every maker under the sun with the Grizzly being my preferred machine but I haven't been able to strike an acceptable deal. Today, I stumbled upon the 650 TRV at Gander Mountain and the deal I was offered was pretty good.



Just wondering how satisfied those of you that already own these machines are? Can you give me any pointers on them, likes, dislikes, etc.???



Thanks in advance for any reponses....</end quote></div>

Some food for thought. My local dealer is AC and Yahama. He is also a personal friend and he sells way more AC's than Yamaha.
Not bragging but just stating fact, my 400 has left several Grizz's stuck scratching their heads. I trail guide out of state riders so I have seen many different machines and setups. I have always gone out and gotten home which is more than some that were less fortunate to experience.

[mudblaster]

not true i had lot of trouble with my cat and i have two other friends with 650 cats and thay had the same problems.
after 1500 miles i had to replace all the front end bushings because thay were shot.3 broken rear axels and 1 fron diff.
i will admit i had 28" gators on my cat but i stll was in the shop more then out of the shop.
if you do get a cat dont go any bigger then 26" tires or you will ware out parts alot faster then with the smaller tires.
i have 1 friend who has never had a problem with his 400 cat but he has had stock tires on his since day 1.
me and my other 2 buddys have had lots of problems with the bigger tires.
we ride alot of mountain trails out here in BC Canada and theres no room for a quad that likes to be upside down as much as being on all 4 wheels.
cats have the best GC smooth ride and a good diff lock but they lack in handling and stabillaty and thats a must where i come from.