I'm in the market for my first ATV. So far I'm interested in a 2001
Sportsman 500 (2000 miles)or an 2002 Arctic Cat 400i (new). The reason
I've chosen these bikes are the independent suspensions and money. I
will be selling my Honda VFR800 to make the purchase. Having no
experience with atv's, I don't know if a 400 would be enough for me.
I've read a review in ATVnews that makes me wonder.
Quote; "The 400i 4x4 feels nearly identical to the 500i, though it
comes with significantly less power. Actually a 371cc liquid-cooled
four-stroke, this 400 will provide enough power for most working
situations. But when the hills get high and the loads get heavy, this
powerplant feels a bit weak. " To see the entire article, go here;
http://www.atvnews.com/output.cfm?id=49501
Just to let you know, I do have some skill when it comes to operating
motorized toys, having owned a snowmobile, dirt bike and now a street
bike.
Here are my questions;
1: should I go used, with more power, or new with less?
2: Does anyone have any feedback/advice concerning either of these
ATV's. I've heard lots about the Sportsman, but nothing about the AC.
3: Should I even be thinking about selling my bike for an atv in the
first place?
4: Which is more fun?

 

They are all fun it just depends on what you want.
A quad with 2000 on the clock is a risk, Polaris has a poorer record than other brands but is still a good machine. The AC's lean more to work than play but will do OK at both. The 400 may be a little down on power if you are heavy but will still take you where you want to go.
Both have very good clearance, left hand brakes, (many riders dont like their integrated
braking systems). GOOD LUCK

 

If the Sportsman been well takin care of it would probably be fine. However takin into consideration your new to atv's, going with the AC400i might be a better choice. It will be fine for hill-climbing, trail or muddin. Plus you will have warranty. I've heard alot of good about the AC machines. Which ever you go with, your gonna love the independant suspension.

 

My chioces have changed a bit. Here are the new ones. new Sportsman 400 ($8000cdn + tax)or new AC 500i ($8260 + tax). Both come with winch. So what advice can any of you give me? Do these prices sound reasonable?

 

AC are not know for arm jerking wheel standing HP.But I they will out pull anything on the market.The 500i will have more ground clearance than the 400 and weight is about the same I think.Given the 2 I would go with the 500i

 

I HIGHLY recomend the Sportsman 500 (we own 4) but 2000 miles is ALOT of miles for a one year old machine. Be very careful with a machine that has that kind of mileage!

 

Save your money a little longer and go for the 500HO. It has twice the power and speed of the Sportsman 400. The independant suspension and the four wheel drive system are TOP NOTCH! I know the Polaris delaers down here are dealing on 500s.