Has anyone noticed the change in the shifter linkage on the 650's? I have an early (Sept 03) machine, and under the seat, the shifter linkage is finished in a black coating. It is a 1-piece design and holds to the gearbox lever with an e clip. Twice it has come unattached (the e clip popped off) while I was out riding. I noticed at the dealer today, on some new 650's that the linkage is different. The bend angles in the linkage are different, it has an added adapter (held by two fasteners) and the linkage is finished in a zinc dichromate (gold) plating.

I think AC snuck in a design fix for the linkage to reduce the force on the clip so it won't pop off, and to improve the quality of the gear change feel.

The shifter on my 650 is sloppy and sometimes feels like it wants to fight to go in gear, putting an enormous upward force on the E clip.

Also, does anyone know if AC keeps an updated "Technical service bulletin" with the new changes they keep rolling out on the newer 650's? I hear of belt changes to the 700 prarie belt after Dec 03, but called Artic cat today and they did not admit to any. Thanks.

 

I've got an 04 650 with the old, black linkage. My shifting is also sloppy & was missing a bushing when I received it which made it even worse. From what I can see, the new linkage was created to enable better agreement between the shifter & the transmission (i.e. the length of the linkage can be adjusted easily). The only adjustment of the old linkage was to skip a tooth on the trasmission arm.

I've got mine in at the dealer for the belt indicator light around 100 miles & requested they look at the sloppiness of the shift linkage. Hoping they update with the new style linkage.

I don't know of any "technical service bulletins" but would be interested as well.

 

I have just join the form..but i havea 04 650..i am having shifting problem.........(it is in the shop as i write this for that.....it wont shift from low to high......and when it does it grinds.hard.....Also..i seem to be having carb trouble......it will idle good..and then all of asudden it will start to rev up.............if i change the idle it will die then.......so it is in shop for that too....also my belt failure put me in limp mode in about 3 feet of water and mud...Dam..that was at about 90 km..............hope u all have good luck.Thanks