Would there be a noticeable difference? Also I test road a demo 2006 400 auto TRV and seemed to have a lot less power than my dads 05 Rancher 350 ES. What would the difference between 400 Auto and 500 Auto be? Whould the 500 auto have more torque/power/speed than the rancher? Thanks for all your input.

 

Not any power difference between the 500 autos and manuals. However the manuals can go a mile or two per hour faster on the top end. The reason the 400 TRV seemed to have less power then the 350 Rancher is that the Arctic Cat 400 engine needs to be broken in before the power comes. Expect it to be pretty gutless until the 300 mile mark, then it will blow away the Rancher. There is a good power difference between the 400's and 500's. Some stock 500's can wheelie. Both the 400 and 500 will have way more torque/power and speed then the Rancher. Plus you get the diff-locker (Not on the TRV though [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]) IRS, bigger gas tank, better suspension, and MRP racks. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks. I didn't know about the break in period. I was thinking of getting the 500 but wasn't sure if I wanted the auto or manual. My dad is going to be trading in his rancher for a rincon 650 next. I just want to make sure the machine I buy has at least more power then the rancher. It should be comparible to the Foreman I suppose.

 

The TRV also weighs in at well over 700 lbs, which is a bunch more than the Rancher.

 

Is your dad holding out for a 2006 Rincon? It will be interesting to see what the changes are. The Cat 500 will be more powerfull then the Foreman, but not by a whole lot. For 2006 the Cat 500's have a different exhaust that is suppose to make a nice power difference too, but I have yet to see one. As for auto and manual I think it all just depends on what you like best. Ride each one before you buy! Good luck!

 

The dealerships around here are alll out of the 05 Rincons so yes he is waiting for the 06.

 

It would be cool if HONDA added a diff lock to the Ruby or Rincon this year!

 

I have the cat 500 manual and I am using to riding race quads. Dont get me wrong, its no wear near a race quad in HP but when riding it I dont feel like I need any more power. The manual is a torque monster. you can fell it pull hard in the first 3 gears. It accelates to 35 real fast then takes time to climb to 55. Reverse has a lot of power also, it doesnt feel governed at all. To sum it up, it real comfortable, BIG, lots of lowend power, great workhorse as it feels like it could pull alot of weight in first gear, perfect if your the type who likes to ride over or through things instead of around, but not the greatest handling once speed picks up in the trails but not bad. Handling improved when tighten up the front suspension and put 7 psi in the front tires. This is all stock with just over 100 miles. Hopes this helps. I havent driven the auto to make comparisons.