I am considering buying a 500i, but I haven't had the opportunity to test drive one yet. However, I have drove the 375 and didn't particularly like the way it accelerated. The machine felt like it was in 4 low even when in 4 high. I was curious if the 500i auto behaves the same way. I really like the looks of the new Cats, but I'm hoping the 500 is geared a little higher. Perhaps I would be better off with a manual and starting out in 3rd gear. Also, the 375 had quite abit body roll -- Is the 500i similar in this aspect as well. Thanks for your input.

 

I have rode a 375 also and i thought it was terrible. I had a chance to ride 500i but didnt take it. My neighbor is a AC dealer and he has both of them he is always on his 500i.

 

Well I got to test drive a 500i today. The acceleration felt much better than the 375. It didn't seem to rev nearly as high as the 375 does. Also, the body roll was much less on the 500i. Overall I am impressed with the looks, build, and performance of the 500i. Now i just have to decide between the Cat or the Vinson - price is basically the same around here - $6400 otd.

 

Why not try riding the manual? I you might notice a difference in the low end power. As for body roll, you're right, the 500i has much stiffer suspension than on the 375 (plus it is adjustable). The Vinson is nice, the only beef I have with it is the pathetically fragile black plastic that is supposed to be the bumper. Stay away from the tree branches if you get that one.

 

Icecat, I agree with you about the front of the Vinson. Last fall I thought that teh Vinson would be the quad for me, until I went to see one. In less than a minute I knew that it was no good for me to get a quad like that.
Something intersting I read in a shoot-out today was that the Vinson makes 20hp, while the AC 500 they tested only made 14hp. That's a big difference. Big enough that I would consider buying a Vinson and adding a front bumper. It will still be 50lbs lighter than the 500i, and will perform a hell of a lot better.

 

I think the Vinson would be almost perfect if they could have came up with a stronger looking front end. Of course, under that plastic bumper lurks some steel tubing. I'm not sure the Cats have much more protection for those nice looking halogens.

 

It is true that the front bumpers on the new Cats is not nearly as strong as the older ones. I bent mine from hitting a tree( not that hard either ) it went all the way back into the radiator. It didn't bust it but it did bend some of the fins. The bumper is ok but the brackets that support the bumper are pathetic. I guess this is what you get when you try to watch your weight.
The Vinson is in a whole different class from the Cats. If you want a sporty trail rider the Vinson is the way to go. If you want a haul all your gear explore that hill, kind of crawler, the Cat is the way to go. They will cross over but the Cat isn't that good of a fast trail rider, but it is by no means slow, or not for trail riding.

 

Don't forget that on a Vinson your going to get that dreaded 2wd action when you lift 1 front tire in the air & the other quits pulling because Suz has dropped their semi-ind susp in favor of a solid rear axle carrier!!