I've been lurking on this site and ArcticChat's for quite some time on my work computer during lunch hour. Finally got a home computer so I thought to dive in.

I've been quading about 15 years with the following progression of quads:
1992 Yamaha 350 Big Bear, 1995 Polaris 400 Explorer 2-stroke, 1999 AC 500Manual, 2003 AC 500i Manual, and 2006 650 H1 SE.

I'm a big rider, far heavier than I need to be. So I can give a large man's persceptive. I love quading and ruffed grouse hunting. I've learned quite a bit visiting your site and hopefully my experience will add to your pool.

 

Welcome, do you have any pics?

 

Can I insert photos directly into the posting? Or do I have to place them in the Gallery.

How? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the site, alot of great people to chat with and to answer your questions!

 

Big question for you, GrouseHunter:

I've been riding my 500i Manual for five years, just love it's crawl anywhere ability, cozy ride, and bulletproof reliability. Darn good workhorse for my farm, it hauls firewood every weekend, and pulls a pretty heavy load with no complaints. One reason I wanted the manual, just wasn't sure that a belt would hold up pulling trailers full of hardwood across rough trails and hills.

Been eyeballing an H1, probably a TRV. But... no manual transmission.

So how was the change from manual to belt? Any regrets? Also, how is the 650 compared to the 500? Still have that great low end grunt?

Just want to hear from someone who's made the change from manual to belt drive. It's the one thing that has me a bit cautious.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: GrouseHunter

I've been lurking on this site and ArcticChat's for quite some time on my work computer during lunch hour. Finally got a home computer so I thought to dive in.



I've been quading about 15 years with the following progression of quads:

1992 Yamaha 350 Big Bear, 1995 Polaris 400 Explorer 2-stroke, 1999 AC 500Manual, 2003 AC 500i Manual, and 2006 650 H1 SE.



I'm a big rider, far heavier than I need to be. So I can give a large man's persceptive. I love quading and ruffed grouse hunting. I've learned quite a bit visiting your site and hopefully my experience will add to your pool.</end quote></div>

 

I can also comment from experience. I went from a manual to a belt with my 650V2. I will never look back. Ive pulled my silverado with this belt, which is still stock! Also, the H1 belt system is even better than the one i have, so i wouldnt have ANY doubt that it will perform when you need it to.

 

Hi JohnO

I liked the AC 500 manuals for exactly the same reasons you listed. Manual transmissions are a little more efficient in power transfer so the 500cc Manual has 2-3 horsepower more than the 500 Auto. So if you go to an Auto, I recommend upgrading to a larger displacement like the 650 or 700 and you'll notice the difference.

The transition was easy because the belt transmission makes all of the decisions for you. You select Low or High and steer. The AC 650 H1 has lots of low end torque - I wouldn't be concerned in the least about not having enough low end grunt. The H1 engine has at least 2 years under it's belt (pun intended!) and is proving to be very reliable.

The TRV is slightly heavier than the standard H1 but I think it is worth having the extra 8" (I believe) of wheelbase. It's such a versitile machine. The 650 H1 powers the Prowler side-by-side that weighs probably 400 lb. more, hauls 2 people, etc. so you know it has some grunt.

Here is one fact to prove how serious AC was in making the 650 H1 bulletproof. It is the only engine in ATV history that I know of that is both liquid-cooled and oil-cooled. I didn't even know when I purchased mine, the salesman showed me. This engine is made to last.

The auto's outsell the manuals probably 10:1 if not more. I don't think you'll see a big-bore manual utility quad in the near future. The AC auto's are strong, efficient, and reliable so I personally won't let that hold me back. Check out the new 2008 lineup.

GrouseHunter

PS. I am a heavy rider and my 650 H1 hauls me through any terrain I've put in front of it. I have not smoked my belt once in 600 km. They are tough.

 

GrouseHunter,
It was talking with you today at the AC dealer. I had to see if they had any news on the Thundercat and had the chance to talk with you. I am sort of an old timer on the Kawi side of the forum been around since this site pretty much started. This is a great site lots of information on all brands. Hopefully one day we can go for a ride.

Have fun take care.

alltoys

 

Likewise. I was nice to BS yesterday. As you could tell I could talk quads and bikes all day. Sorry for not letting you get much of a word in edgewise - I don't get out much.

I take you up on that ride some day. I posted my H1 in AutoTrader so I'll see what happens. Maybe I'll surprise you and buy that new 1200 V-twin Kawi (just kidding!!).

Later.

 

You should advertise in the for sale section of this site and others.