I was wondering where does AC fit in against the 660 Grizzly and Polaris Sportsman's for ride quality. Yes I know there is NO sway bar but I'm talking about pure ride quality, as I am looking for the ulitmate in ride, I'm thinking of getting a SP, I've driven the Grizzly and its really nice but I find it tippy.
The H1 from AC coming out looks like it will be tough all around, I don't want belt and limp mode problems. The duramatic and Yam system have been well known to get 5000 miles out of a belt no problem too, where the others don't compare.
I basically am looking for ride quality and durability, I have a traxter XT right now with 3000 miles on it and haven't done anything except Oil changes, but the ride is harsh for 100+ mile trips with the wife on the back of it, so I'm thinkig of selling it but want to replace it with something as tough.
THanks

 

Come on someone must have some comments on the AC's ride quality over all.

 

If you found the Grizz to be tippy then the AC will also fall into that catagory. With no anti-sway bar that is part of the package. However, without the sway bar the Cats roll over bumps, rocks and through holes alot smoother than the others will. This is easier on my old beat up back, legs and arms because of the softer ride. Once you learn to deal with the body roll it is not a problem as a good rider learns how to ride his machine and not expect the machine to conform to his style.

 

I liked the ride of my ac 500 auto's better than the other brands so that is what I bought. Evidently somebody else liked the ride also because they sole them. Everybodies rear likes a different feel, so test drive everything. If you like to ride double try the 500 TRV, a longer wheel base gives a nice smooth ride either with or without a co-pilot. I've riden the big bore's and when I buy again I will stay with cat's, hopefully the V1 will be out and I can test it also. If I was to buy today I'd buy a V2650 and a 500 TRV to replace the stolen units.
just my .02
usedtohave

 

When I first got my AC650, I was concerned about the somewhat tippy feeling of it also. However, it was my first quad and I was an inexperienced rider. I had ridden my friends SP500 and felt it handled better but didn't clear obstacles like the Cat.

Now after some experience and a couple of weeks in Utah riding Moab and the Paiute Trail, I have a much better feel for the AC. Although it may lean a bit more, it keeps the rubber on the trail really good and I didn't have any problems slinging it into turns or learning it's slide characteristics after a while. And comfort? I rode almost 70 miles one day with my wife on the back and rode 111 miles solo one day. We were fine although my wife did wish for a back rest. That will be the next accessory.

 

ive owned 7 different 4x4s in the last 5 years.every make except polaris but i ride my good friends pol 700 all the time.the artic cat is awesome and it feels better the more i ride it .admittingly you do have to get used to the feel of the bike and its handling but once you do its awesome.iwouldnt trade it for any of my old bikes. and it does sit high,but doesnt feel tippy or unstable to me but you just need to ride it and adjust to it likebear4570 says.i was unsure when i first was gonna buy the artic cat.never owned one before and i had the same concerns as you.handling ,tippy.but i was expecting it to be alot worse than it actually is .in fact i feel very stable on the bike.it doesnt do anything it shouldnt.well good luck[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]