Thoughts on this machine....low miles. Who makes the engines for AC?

 

I have an '08 650H1 motor in my TRV. I've put close to 1100 miles of trail riding & snow plowing on mine since I bought in new in July of '08 and have had absolutely NP with it.

The H1 platform motor is made by Arctic Cat in MN. It's proven to be an incredibly durable/reliable engine with a TON of low end torque and top speeds in the 55-65mph range.

The '07-'09 650's are CARB'd not EFI, so re-jetting may be nesessary depending on where you ride because of altitude. I've never touched mine, but I ride on the prairies on ND. It has an electric choke and a hand-primer plus an idle adjustment screw if needed.

Every machine out there has a list of dislikes. My only NEG thought(s) on the '06-'08 AC quad platform from other riders and personal experience is:
-they tend to ride rough
- they CAN have some serious issues with kick-back thru the handlebars.
- some have reported front differential "implosions" on late '07 thu '08 because of a faulty ring gear weld in the front diff assembly. (AC fixes outside warranty)
- poor/weak brakes
- some have complained they are "tippy"ue to ride hight clearance

On the side of POSITIVES:
- durable workhorse & trail machine
- ton of low end towing towing torque w/built-in 2" reciever hitch
- ride height clearance and width
- SPDrack accesories up the wazoo...I've got MORE than a few....
- ok...it's looks!
- personally - it's wide-open set-up for ease of maintenance
- overall length (TRV only) for incredibly better rider comfort & stability

MOST of the handling issues can be "fixed" by replacing the stock tires (crap) with a thicker ply & tweaking the suspenion by adjusting the shock preload(s) front & back. The brakes can be improved w/better pads.

One just has to remember that the AC platform is more of a "tractor-like" machine and as a result of design is a big & heavy machine compared to othe brands. (I see you've owned a few) But if your looking for a durable/relable quad that can work & play - I highly recommend it.

I luv'd ours so much after one yr - we bought the wifey her OWN '09 550H1 EFI last spring. Almost 500 miles wth NP.

I'll NEVER own any other type of quad...and the newer ones just keep getting better.

SUMMER

WINTER


GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks so much! Actually this one Im looking at would be for my wife. Thanks

 

I purchased a leftover 08 650 H1 and use it primarily in the winter coyote hunting. I usually have 2 people on it, a dog box with 2 or 3 large dogs on the front rack, and I run the 27" 589 MT tires which big and heavy and I'm in deep snow. I have the power to turn the oversized tires and I love the holdback when going down the steep slippery hills here in Pa. I had to put a new starter on. Still under warranty. Love the machine.

 

I have an 08 650 H1 and love it, i have had no problems and ride it pretty hard, do alot of mudding. I also disagree with the rough ride, i have ridden a polaris sportsman and then ridden this cat before i bought it and it seemed to have had a much nicer ride, you can always soften up the suspension on them too but mine rides nice. the lock in 4x4 feature is very nice too.

 

I have one that's a TRV, and it's been great. Bought it new last year (it was excess inventory for a dealer that liquidated), and it's been flawless so far. In contrast, I also have a 2006 AC 650 V-Twin. Both have been excellent machines.

Of my two, the V-Twin is smoother and has a bit more torque. Both machines pull like crazy, and the workmanship on both is excellent. I use the V-Twin for hunting and the more backwoods-type stuff, and the TRV more for trail riding and more relaxed riding around the farm. Both engines do well in cold weather (0F, give or take 10 degrees) on up to everyday summer weather. The climate at the farm (NE Wisconsin) isn't the hottest in the world, but it can get into the 90's pretty easily.

I love the looks of the AC's, and they're very comfortable. The power and ergonomics are great as well. If you've found one that seems to run well, you're probably going to do okay. Hope this helps -- good luck!

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