Looking for opions on 500cc class bikes. I like the cat the best so far but would like to here what others who know way more then me on this topic. I have a 95 400 sportsman and want to move up to a more realiable (newer ) bike. Drove a 05 honda 500 last week. loved the trans and its pep but didn't like the rough ride. Have not driven a cat or kodiak. I farm and trail ride so that is what I use my bike for. I don't want give up any of the speed or pep that my old bike gave me. The 2stroke was able to stay close to the big bikes I run with. just looking for comments and help on this. Thanks.

 

the cat is a good farm worker. its got the best in class rack capacity(300lbs), highest ground clearence(12"),big fuel tanks,the new 2' reciever hitch,ect...its also a good bike on the trails with the FIS(fully independent suspention.) but its not like your 2 stroke so its not gonna have the powerband your used to. infact i dont think an arctic cat can out run a kodiak. top speed of a 500 is around 50mph. the ac 500 has been a good bike for me, i do alot of trail/mud riding and its held its own. a plus is the front diff lock also. im sure if i missed any thing ,someone else will fill you in with more details. good luck!

there is the new ac 650 H1 coming out at the end of this month (so we've heard). its supposed to be a power house.

 

Of the three bikes you mentioned, if you want an automatic, IMO, the Honda Rubicon is the very best automatic on the market for a number of reasons, and if you want a manual, I would go with the AC over the Rubicon or Kodiak. I'm not a fan of the belt drive auto's, and Honda is the only one who makes an auto that's not belt drive. I know the new Kodiak's have independent rear suspension, but for me, that's not enough to choose the Yamaha over the Honda or the AC.

 

I have both a 2004 AC 500 manual and a 2005 Kodiak 450.

Haven't put to many miles on the Kodiak yet but it handles like a dream on the trials, which are very tight in this area. It has good ground clearance and the suspension and steering are very sport like. I bought it for my wife but after using it a few times plan on using it alot myself for hunting. Also there are places that the Kodiak got threw easier then the AC.

The AC is great but a little large in the woods. It will go anywhere you can fit it and is a real work horse. I use it to hual wood ,plow the driveway and other thing around the house. Also it rides smooth over very rough trails. I am usually on the seat when everyone else I ride with are on the feet. They mostly have Hondas, Rubicons, Rincons & Ranchers.

In the end it's all a matter of choice. I like them both, they each have their advantages. Doesn't help much does it. Good luck. Which ever way you go you'll be happy.

 

Try reading this springs ATV magazine. It has a test of the big bore atvs but it gives you alot of info about the manufactures. You can get a good idea of what each one is best suited for. The AC 500 is much like the 650 which in this test beat them all hands down on the "handling with loaded racks" test. They said in a pure utility environment it performed best. It comes down to what type of riding or work you have in mind.

 

euihter one will probably be good.

 

I didn't realize the kodiak's were that quick. I really still don't know what I'll do. It really sounds like the new 650 h1 is exactly what I want. it is suppose to be a little cheaper then the twin. A little slower then it two. I have driven a twin and it was scary enough and I tend to try to compete with the expert riders on the trails even though I am not in their class of driving. The single 650 just might be slow enough not to kill me. Any more thoughts or other bikes I should look at?

 

I have had both. The AC 500 was an 02 model with IRS. When I used the AC on the farm loaded down with a sprayer it was very tippy. Haven't had a chance to do heavy loads on the farm with the 450. However, I am much happier with the Yamaha. Steering is so much easier. My 450 with the front locked into 4 wheel drive is similar to how the AC was in 2 wheel drive. Also the lighter weight of the 450 makes it so much easier to handle, load in the pu, etc.