I'm glad you got rid of the vibration. It was very annoying on my machine! My dealer told me it was the skid plate, but then I found some good suggestions here and got it fixed.

 

So, is it a big secret or you gonna tell us what the problem turned out to be?
Chuck

 

ah.... it was a vibration problem with the heat shield on the exhaust pipe. However, this was stated further up in this thread.

 

OK, thanks...
Chuck

 

So Im hearing some differences in the 400cc and the 500cc. I too, am looking to by my first ATV and the Arctic Cat is on the top of my list. Im really looking at the 400ACT. Im not an extreme rider, but I do tend to take the road less traveled, and I do tend to like getting into areas that make pucker factor an issue, so to speak. hahahah

I have 3 questions....

Should I go 400 or 500? (I understand the 400 will do everything I want...thoughts?)
Should I go ACT or FIS? (the ACT is 3 inches narrower wich I REALLY like)
Should I go automatic trans, or 5 speed? (I like the idea of more control and maybe more gas mileage with the 5 speed, and I hear that they don't rev as high?)

Thanks for any input

Matt

 

500 manual IRS

 

If you can afford it,definatly get the 500.I just bought a 05 400 manual in july.It is a great machine,with the locking front diff and all that ground clearance it will go over or through anything.My only complaint is not having low range in reverse.I have had to get off and push and throttle it a few times already to get it to back out of some sticky situations.It would also be nice to have a little more power sometimes.If you buy the 500 you will never wish that you had the 400,but i have wished that i had the 500.

 

I am on my second Cat in 5 years. I had a 2001 250 4x2 that I enjoyed...no trouble with it and now a 2005 400 4x4 that is great! My single complaint is the cold weather starts on Cats is horrid. However this site has some great members who offer useful tips that help over come this. Good Luck![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

With my '05 400 I have found that a hard start is usually caused by an over aggressive throttle thumb. The box says "Don't touch it" let the automatic choke do it's job and the engine will start in short order. If not after 3 trys, pump the primer and try 3 more times. Well so far and in as cold as 14 degrees the 400 has started everytime, without throttle, and stayed running. Everytime fat thumb has to screwed around with the throttle even in 40 degree weather, it's been a major b!tch to get started. Usually if the carb is set up right it will start if you don't get creative. My 250 is the same way except for the manual choke, choke on full and crank, no throttle please. You need the throttle closed so the throttle valve will be closed to get the engine will pull max vacuum to pull the fuel thru the carb and into the engine. Crank open the throttle and less vacuum=hard start or no start. Also if you set your idle speed with the throttle instead of the idle speed needle you will have the same problem. The throttle valve needs to be closed for cold starts. Now warm starts is a different ball of wax.

 

Bear, I've had the same problem if I just can't keep my darned thumb from trying to 'rev' it up at crank-up. If I just follow the instructions in the manual, it starts right up. I hate to admit that the manual has some worthwhile info in it - ha.