When we first rode Arctic Cat’s TBX we discovered that its looks were deceiving. We really liked the rear box and rear fender compartments on the TBX. Unlike some of the other ATVs of its style, the Arctic Cat’s rear box did not hinder its mobility in trail riding. In fact, you can say that the box never seemed like it was there, even in tight trail applications. You can utilize the rear box to haul a large workload or you can be the pack mule during a
day of trail riding with friends. The rear box tilt/dumping action was great for removing payloads, and draining out water while cleaning up. The rear storage compartments kept water and dirt from entering and their large capacity allowed room for lots of cargo and supplies. However, take caution to the small bolt ends toward the top of the compartments so you a shirt or other fabric item is not ripped on them.
The TBX’s suspension soaked up everything the trail has to offer, even when crawling over downed trees 10 inches in diameter.
The all-around disc brakes provide good stopping power, whether the rear box was empty or full. We also found that long days in the saddle could be very pleasurable due to the comfortable seat and the just right stance on the floorboards. The gauges on the TBX provide all the necessary information you need in a day’s work or ride. Traction was fabulous; even with an occasional tire spin, the Arctic Cat eventually pulled its way through just about anything.
We listed some items we would change around on the TBX to suit our taste. The 4-wheel drive engagement is smooth as silk, but the gear selection can be a little notchy at times and hard to shift. The location of the 4-wheel drive engagement is located on the left side, below the gear selector next to the side of the engine. In difficult terrain you would have to remove your left hand from the handlebars to engage the 4-wheel drive. The mud
protection could have been enhanced a bit more with the aggressive tire pattern on the TBX. We did not favor having a single handbrake on the left side since it can be a great inconvenience when you find yourself in a tight spot. For example, when you become stuck on a hill, you have to take your hand off the front brake lever to shift into reverse. If the degree of the hill is to steep, you will be sliding backwards using only the back brakes while you are trying to shift into reverse. An occasional vibration noise can be heard from the rear box while riding at half throttle consistently. This noise is so minute that only the people extremely easy to aggravate would notice it. The biggest
complaint of this evaluation was the steering on the TBX. When we were riding Arctic Cat it became apparent that it was easy to over-steer this machine. Over-steering can be a big problem especially in slippery conditions. In addition to over steering, you will notice some bump steer feedback through the handlebars in aggressive terrain such as, a collection of boulders.
Overal
l, we enjoyed riding Arctic Cat’s TBX model; it gets our applause for its design and quality. Purchasing the TBX will provide you with a two-in-one ATV package, a 4x4 ATV and a dedicated working ATV. The TBX is capable of play riding, and we had our share of fun experiences aboard it. Be sure not to get it confused with some of the big bore sport/utility hybrids on the market today. This is a unique and superior machine when it is applied to the right purpose.
Arctic Cat has released several new additions to their ATV line up for 2002. The new line consists of a 90cc youth model; a 375cc 4WD automatic and2WD automatic; a 400i 2WD and 400i 4WD both with an automatic transmission; a 500i 4x4 standard shift and a 500i 4x4automatic. The other new ATV in Arctic Cat’s line up that caught our eye was the 500cc 4x4 TBX model with a rear box that tilts. There are several new features that were applied to the new Arctic Cat models including the TBX model especially designed with new features to set it apart from existing ATVs. ;)
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