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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

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?

 

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

 

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

 

DONT DO IT SEMOUR!!!!!

Im telling ya, keep your 500 for a while. its not worth it in my opinion.

 

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.

 

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.