Hi Guys,

I have a 2003 500i manual. I like the bike. My only complaint is that the rear suspension is so firm that I feel it does not utilize enough of the travel in normal use, even though I have it on the lowest setting. I didn't think much about it until this past weekend I tried a 650 and I could not believe how plush the suspension was. So I grabbed both rear racks and pulled them down to compare. My bike is WAY stiffer. We also had a 04 400i auto there and even it was way softer suspension. Any idea if they changed the springs or shocks between 03 and 04?

 

OK, so no one knows the answer to this. Well, maybe I should ask a different question. Does anyone know if you can get softer springs or shocks for the Arctic Cats?

I do know that the 2004 650 I tested had way softer springs at the start of the suspension travel when compared to my 03 500i. It made a huge difference in the comfort on the trails. I gotta get that ride!

 

I am pretty sure the spring rate on the 500's is the same as the 650. You might be able to find softer aftermarket springs but I don't know of any. Make sure the bolts holding the shocks on aren't to tight that there restricting the articulation.

 

Thanks for the info. I think that might actually be part of the problem. I have checked out quite a few similar bikes and it seems to me all the bikes from this dealer have stiff suspension, whereas the four bikes from another dealer seem softer at the beginning of the suspension sction. I'll look at the bolts.

I see you have the same bike as me. How do you find the ride?

 

I love the ride, shocks on setting 2 I think. Your not going to get 10" of travel out of trail riding, but I definatly keep all 4 planted more than my brothers grizz and definatly more than the old polaris even though the front suspension is worn out on it.

 

Also, remember that the 650 is running radial tires and has a 6.5 gallon gas tank right on top of the rear wheels. Those two factors make a significant difference.