I only have a couple of posts on these boards, but I've been lurking for some time... soaking up all the info I can...

I finally ordered an '05 AC 500 4x4 auto and took advantage of the 2500 winch deal... but now the waiting is killing me!, lol. I won't be able to pick it up til 8/28... And to make matters worse, my little Honda wont even look at me when I walk by- I think it's pissed!

In all seriousness, though, when I compared apples to apples it just seemed like the AC is best suited to what I want a bike for. And with the diff lock now offered (which made me take a long look at the new 400, especially since they went digital) I couldn't say no.

It's been interesting talking to the people I know with quads and getting their reaction to my choice... they ride polaris' (500 magnum, 500 H.O., 700), suzuki's (400 Eiger), Kawasaki (?, full time 4x4) yamaha's (600 grizzly), Arctic Cat (400 auto), et al, and when we get to talking about bikes feature for feature they always seem impressed at least once… (even the AC owner, lol, his ‘03 400 has an anolog speedo and no diff lock) It was my abilty to “test ride” the AC 400 auto that really sold me…

My question is this-

You folks out there that already have an ‘05 AC with the new body styling… what’s your first impressions of the new extended/wider fenders? The “old” style fenders with the extensions seemed to have some give. Has anyone found the new fenders to be a liability in tight places? Obviously this didn’t affect my decision to go AC, I’m neither a speed freak nor an adrenalin junkie- yet (keeping in mind that for me, 25 mph is hauling, LOL...my Honda is a great little machine but it can be a vertebra killer)

Any input would be greatly appreciated-

MB

 

I've got a 04 500, I have a buddy that has an 03 500, and as far as the wider fenders go in mud, I get less muddy than he does since I have fender flares.

 

I got the new 05' arctic cat on the 4th. I decided not to go with financing through arctic cat so I did not get the winch but I can get one installed for $225. Anyways I did some muddin this weekend and the whole time someone was riding on the back and the outside of my boot are about the only thing got muddy. I am new to this site also. Does anyone now how I post a pic. There some pics of the 4-wheeler at www.cardomain.com/id/robert97dodge . The pics of the atv are on page 13. The rest of the pics are of my truck.

 

For pictures of our '02 500i-Auto, surf: - Press Here -


For me, the easiest way to post picture is:
- Register "free" on www.webshots.com
- Download their Client software
- Update your pictures into Webshots albums
- Set the picture or entire album as Public
- Wait up to 20 minutes
- View picture or Album on the Web
- Copy its URL (CTRL-C is using Windows)
- Create a post (or reply to current post)
- Use the above htts button (when in edit mode) and paste the URL (via CTRL-V)
- Add some text and others should be able to link to it.

Hope this helps...

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I thank you will love your new 05 ac 4x4. I just got mine Friday afternoon:-) and now i need to change out the oil. I put on 75 miles this weekend, it shure is an eye catcher with the new look. I all so got an Ripad Blind with it and I love it. It is olmost beter the a Wife, because you can ride it when you wount to :-).................

Lonnie


05 AC 500 Auto Lime green
2500 lb. wench

 

Our 05 400 auto is great. the fenders dont seem wide at all. I have ridden through some thick trees and its fine. I just have to remember not to follow my buddy on the raptor sometimes.

I ride a 03 raptor and and I have to say I have the same if not more fun on the AC. It jumps great. Crawls over and up anything. The thing that amazes me is the ground clearance.

It is the Kawi lime green and I think it looks great. Does need some bigger tires of course....

We also got the winch deal but we have yet to use it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]. The AC is so good I doubt it will be needed except to yank out a raptor or 2.

I cant really give an unbiased opinion as the only quads I have ever ridden in my life are the raptor and AC. (3 wheelers and dirtbikes dont count.)

But I can guarantee you made the right choice. The only problems I have had was the fuel tank vent tube keeps coming off and the gear shifter linkage sucks and keeps coming loose but I think thats fixed.

Wow, sorry for the rant.

 

Thanks for the responses, keep them coming... The only bike I've ever owned is my little ancient Honda, but I've ridden quite a few working up to this purchase. That is my main concern is in tight hardwoods. The Honda embarrasses bigger bikes in the trees because of where it will fit, but in the mud or going over things it is woefully inadequate.

I'm totally stoked- Saturday can't come fast enough....

 

What kind of deals did everyone get? I'm picking mine up AC 650 v2 this weekend. $7199 (no tax title ...)

Zeke65

 

lol