Anyone got any idea or heard anything? I'm ready to buy a 500i manual this weekend unless I can get an 03 by Aug. Caribou hunting opens the 10th.

One more thing. Think the new 500i engine is that much more powerfull than the 02?

 

I seriously don't think that the 2003 models will be out for August, so you can either skip the ride or get you a bike now.

About the power difference, not many people on this forum will really be able to tell untill they ride them for themselves. Or untill one of us hear's from a very knowledgeable and honest Arctic Cat salesperson that is at the dealer's show and has gotten to ride the 2003 models.

 

My dealer said the 400s will be out end of summer while the 500s will be out in November he said. So add 2 months on to both and you get the real release dates.

The motor is the same power difference that the Vinson experienced from the move from the quadrunner. So in other words, you will notice the power. It feels more alive, like a SP 500 HO. I think I'll be getting that slime green color next spring and the much needed power increase. I like to stand out and that slime green will stand out, hehe.

If you want to know what quads Arctic Cat will be coming out with for 2004, then watch what Suzuki releases in 2003 and thats what Arctic Cat will have in 2004 but in their frame. Suzuki will always have the big bore and sport quads first.

 

My dealer in Martville, NY, (central NY, North of Syracuse) already has 2 400s, a 300 and a 90cc. When I picked up mine for the ball joint recall I asked when they'd be released and what was coming. They looked it up and mentioned the above atvs. Said they just came in and were still out back crated up. They were way busy with the recall stuff they hadn't gotten to uncrating them.

 

I got got back from the show and some models will be shipping this next week as they already have some ready to go. Go talk to your local dealer, he may be able to give you a good price on a 2002 model unless you want the 2003 with a 10-15% increase in power.

 

powersport- I just made a deal on a 2002 yesterday. I can't get my dealer to budge on price. They say they pay extra to get them shipped here to Fairbanks. I have'nt picked it up yet or actually even given them a deposit but they want $6799 for a 500i man $6999 for an auto. They don't participate in the AC sales deals like the Spring Mud Fling. They give a WARN 2000 lb for $149.00 installed or a 2500 for $249.00 instead. 27inch outlaws for $500. They are going to put it together next week and hopefully they will have new ball joints in. Sounds like I should talk to them more about price or wait a couple weeks to see what happens. Thanks for the info on the 03's.