what is the cost to maintain the AC 500. ( cost: oil, filter, any other items requiring service).
Also how well does this machine handle abuse and mud? I Plan on buying an Ac 500 and want to get the pros and the cons regarding this machine!
Thanks for any responses!

 

Oil filter is around 9-10 bucks at the dealer. An STP filter is about $6. Maintenance is nothing on an Arctic Cat. Probably all of these guys will tell you the same. They are pretty much proven by now. Seem to handle mud as good as any other also.

 

Trust me, they handle mud and abuse VERY well.

I have outmuded 450es's with 26" vampires(is anybody getting tired of hearing that besides the Honda owners?) with my factory tires and just flat out embarassed them when it come to performance.

Abuse? I jump my cat about 6ft in the air(got the pics to prove it), ride on 2 wheels, pull 8000 lbs trucks, load it down with 750+lbs of weight, rolled it 2 times, almost went end over end(it threw me over than handle bars), drowned it ATLEAST 2 times, pop the clutch on cement, have pull offs, and about every other thing you can think of that is hard on a bike and it has taken it VERY well if you ask me.

Only problems so far are a bad thermostate, bad water pump seal(thermostate caused that), bad battery(my fault), bad rear end bearings(kinda my fault-- but mostly AC), and I needed to get the carb cleaned out from all the mud that had built up inside(my again).

Considering what I have done to it, thats not much trouble at all.

ps. Today I was doing about 7-9 mph in bumper deep water with my 27x12x12 Tri-Claws on ITP silver wheels(twice as heavy as stock), with front spacers, in Low range 2nd gear-- so it HAS ALOT of power

 

Thanks alot for the info.

 

Want2Bmuddy:
Yeah, Boner and Andy are right, the 'Cats are tough as hell. As for how much abuse they can take, you should look at Boners photo's, he takes the cake there. Definately cool, and amazing to see what he rides in. Some of those mud holes appear to swallow the big 'Cat whole, yet it must decide it didn't like the taste, as in the next frame, you'll see Boner 6' off the ground coming out! If that's not a good example of being hard on a machine, I don't know what is.

Andy's right, the oil and filter are the expensive part. However, after the warranty period, you can switch to an aftermarket filter, and different oil and cut the cost in half, at least. It's too bad you are no longer able to scroll back a couple months in the forum and read old posts, I've got a few up about hard work on the auto. I think you'd be amazed at what these machines are capable of, I know I am.

I'm not sure about the guys in the Minnesota area, but I'd guess that Irichard sees the greatest weather extremes, up in Alaska, so that should tell you how the machines handle the cold. I don't think he's ever had a problem in the last couple years (I think) of service.

I've got roughly 760 VERY HARD working miles on both my 'Cats, with no problems what so ever. I change the oil every 300 miles, with filter, and clean the air filter as it needs it. -I get a lot of dust in the air around here, so I have to clean the filter a little more often. That's the nice thing about the air filters, just rinse them off in water, let dry, and you're ready to ride in a matter of minutes. Very easy, and efficient.

My Dad rolled his 'Cat several times both sideways and end over end, about two weeks after he got it. It was a very steep hill, and due to a lack or rider skill, he lost it. I had to winch the 'Cat back up on it's wheels, then clear to the top of the hill. Once there, I had to straiten the handle bars-they'd been pushed flat against the gas tank-but it fired right up, and has been great ever since. You wouldn't even know it had been rolled, except that it did break the speedometer cover. Speedo still works, but the cover is missing.

I got stupid on my 'Cat once, and wasn't paying attention to the ground. Jumped the 'Cat (on accident) over a small hill, and landed on a small stump. it went right up through the frame, and hit the air box. Knocked out a hole in the box about the size of your fist. That was my own fault, and fixing it was as simple as getting a new box for around $18 if I remember right, and about 20 minutes of my time. Just like new, and you'd never know it ever happened.

Basically, if you're worried about actual maintenance and reliablity-don't be. I think over the last few years, the AC's have proven themselves to be very reliable, and maintenance free. They are sealed, so you basically only have to change the oil, filter, and clean the air filter. I'd even venture to say they could be compared to Honda in this respect, though in all honesty, that wouldn't be able to be proven for a few more years. After say, 10 years, if it's still running, you KNOW it's reliable. Yet, in all reality, how many of us actually plan to keep their machines for a full 10 years? I see a lot of guys wanting a new machine each year, like a new pickup. Myself, I plan to keep my 'Cats for the long haul, so while I say they are reliable now, I'd be better able to tell you for sure in another 9 years, to be completely fair! Heh Heh Heh.

Go with the AC 500, you won't be sorry!

Mike

 

Sorry, after posting below, I forgot that you were asking for pro's and con's, so since nobody has responded to that bit, I'll start.

Pro's-Ride one, you'll know immediately!

Con's-This is tough, and controversial as well. I own two Auto's, so I can't speak for the manual at all. Basically, if you plan to keep the machine completely stock with no add-ons, or modifications, it is a great machine, but could be improved in a couple areas. A few people think the steering is tough. I really didn't notice this much, until I installed my 'Claws, then I noticed how much easier it was to turn, compared to stock. Steering could be lightened a bit.

The front differential is a concern to some, as there is currently no locker available. From what I've seen, and done on my machine, this is not necessary for ALL people. It depends greatly on your style of riding, and the terrain you'll encounter. For MOST circumstances, I personally don't think a locker is necessary, as I have gone everywhere I have ever wanted to go on my 'Cat as it is stock. For the places I couldn't go, it was due to being completely impassable by atv, or I just didn't have the ground clearance to get there.

If you plan on carrying weight on your machine, I personnally found the shocks to be a little soft. I carry at or just over 100 pounds on the front end, including winch, mounting plate, ****** block, roller fairlead, mortar box completely filled with recovery gear. With that weight, it sagged a couple inches in front. I easily fixed this by installing a set of 3/8" spacers on the shock/spring assembly. Not only did I eliminate my sagging problem, but I gained ground clearance as well, and further stabilized the machine.

If you do a lot of riding at night on dangerous trails, I'd suggest adding a set of accessory lights. The stock headlamps are only 35 watt, and don't do much good. They're fine for slow driving on normal roads, but can be dangerous if in serious off-road terrain at night.

That's about all I can think of that might be of concern. Again, if you plan on keeping it completely stock, you'll be fine. The weight thing was just my own personall opinion, as was the light issue. Both can be easily fixed for fairly cheap. I made the spacers for roughly $4.00 total, so it wasn't even a concern. Lights are optional, and will vary on price depending on your specific taste. As for the steering, that will lighten up if you ever add taller, more aggressive tires.

Hope that helps,

Mike

 

I still don't see where you are getting that the ITP wheels are twice as heavy as the stockers. They aren't even twice as heavy as the Magnum aluminum (though its only 1 lb. from being true).