I am strongly considering the 500i manual(haven't looked at one yet-just read about it alot). Are AC machines as bullet proof as I have read about? Will the suspension handle fairly fast trailriding without killing a guy? Will the motor and drivetrain handle high rpm riding? Are these machines as unstoppable as some say when in deep mud/water? I have read the speed isn't great-does this mean slow or just not as fast as the Grizz or Prarie 650-will they run with a Vinson or Kodiak 450 in acceleration and top end? I have narrowed my search to the Vinson and the 500i manual because of the manual offering, but I like the IRS of the AC. I haven't been around either so I'm sort of clueless(the reason for all of the questions). Any and all info will be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section as I am new to this forum thing, this is my first post.

 

you're in the right forum. i have a 03 500 manual. i have broken one factory defect axle and had it warranted for free. the motor on the 500 is bullet-proof. however the ac is at home in the mud and difficult terrain. it is not fast like a p650 or grizz. the ac is more of an oozer. i looked at all the other models very closely and went with the ac for the manual and irs. i am very pleased with it so far but i wish there was more after-market stuff and a locker. all the other machines out there are great you just have to decide what you want to do with it.

 

To answer some of your questions, yes and no.

Just kidding, it has the same engine as the vinson just not as fast because it is heavier and you loose a little top end thru the independent rear suspension. It is not slow by any means. I only have an AC 400 and I pass honda 450's and kodiak 400's, I suspect the 500 will keep up with the kodiak 450 but will not hang with the 650/700 machines. As far as trail riding don't let anyone tell you not to get one because they are tippy or unstable, they have 5 way adjustible shocks and most people that think they are tippy have ridden one on the softest setting which gives the best ride but at high speeds seems tippy. All you have to do is adjust the shocks for your style of riding.

I would get the AC 500 but when it comes down to it you have to live with it so test ride them all and then get the one you like.

 

i ride with a 450 kodiac 450 honda and a 500 rubicon all the time and my cat will beat all 3 in a drag race with no prob's. and when it comes to the rough stuff it's the rider that make's the quad perform but for the most of it my cat kick's but in the mud- snow-steep rocky hill's.GROUND CLEARANCE RULE'S. and so does ARCTIC CAT.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] ok sorry bob i have not raced you on your kodiac so i cant say i beet you.but if you wish next time we go out we will have a race and see whos quad is faster.ok.ok.

 

i have a 500i manual and love it. I was set on honda but i figured i would try the cat after my buddy bought one. The honest truth is
"I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING BUT ARCTIC CAT AGAIN". the ground clearance makes it crawl through stuff that other wheelers get caught up on (downed trees, other wheelers ruts), the ride is as smooth as you are going to find (great for having a passenger), the power is great, the amount of weight that you can pull or tow is awesome, the engine stays nice and cool, and the warrenty is best you will find! The lack of aftermarket parts will soon be non exsistent and this is the right place to figure out how to lock it up. I don't think that you will be dissapointed! Go for it!
One more thing after mudding all day, clean up on the machine is a breeze! use the hex head screwdriver thing that they give you and you can take off every panel on it in about 15-20 minutes! pressure wash and you are done!

 

luv is right. among other reasons, i bought the ac because you can "see through it". clean up is a breeze. the other big bore bikes seem like they have too stuff on them.

 

Dirteater were you the one who was asking about prices on ac's? If so the 500i man. in this part of the country costs $5,700.00 with winch, that's the 03. A friend of mine is going to buy one ,he was going to buy a grizz. his dad has a big bear. After riding my 500i manual he changed his mind. Aug. 15 he picks up
his 500i, he can't wait.




ARCTIC KATT 500i manual......... the I stands for very IMPRESSIVE!!!!

 

Yeah that was me that was asking about prices. I ended up getting my dealer down to $5,800 after tax, this does not include a winch but I did get a two year warranty. I'm picking it up Sat. and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm so excited that it has now turned to nervousness that the machine will somehow not be as awesome as I expect it to be. I'm sure that will not be the case but I'm in worse shape than my kids on Christmas morning.

 

Congrats Dirteater ,
I know the feeling ,I had my 400 on hold almost a month ,I couldn't find the time ,It was a 7 hour drive total ,It got so bad I left work at noon for my 1 hour lunch brake and went missing the rest of the day (I still have my job )
the boss was understanding ,my wife wasn't .
Your going to love it . Good things come in time [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

just calm down. you need to put 100 miles on it before you get too carried away. take it to some rocky hills the first day. feel it ooze over crap and look down at all the tires touching the ground. if you have not had irs before, you'll love it. also you need time to get used to the rocker shifter.