I know what you mean. Always sucks to have to admit the some factory **** might actually know what they are talking about. But then again the high vacuum, to suck fuel makes sense and works too. I think it's the need for throttle to start a hot engine that gets us in trouble. If it needs throttle when warm, then it must need it when cold. Not so with the enrichment system that the newer carbs use. A choke plate is before the throttle plate, making the throttle position irrelevant, as the whole throttle bore sees the engine vacuum. But an enrichment system doesn't have a choke valve (found to disrupt the air flow throught the carb to much).

 

Hey Mat.
buy a honda.
just pull the choke out and it starts every time no matter how cold it is.
sweet.
But if you insist on an arctic cat then i would go with the 500 manual.
i had one and i loved it but i put to big of tires on it and it was always braking axels.
so i traded it in on a honda and put smaller tires on it and i've had good luck with it so far.
and as for cold starts my cat started right up i just pulled out the choke and it started right away.
but i found after a few seconds (20 to 30) i had to give it throttle to stay running.
the hondas not like that.
it starts and stays running untill it warms up and then it stalls if you dont turn the choke off befor it stalls.
the cats a good quad just dont put to big of tires on it or you'll pay for it later.
and anyone who says that they havent had a problem with big tires dont ride much.
or dont ride it very hard.
i put 2500 miles on mine in one year, and beleave me they brake when you ride lots and have big tires.

 

Actually the axle problem for the 400 and 500 cats has been addressed. The 2005s have the same axles as the 650s so put the big tires on, I don't think you will break them without being real stupid and probably endanger yourself, can you spell "extreme abuse".

 

John only thing I don't like about mine
is no front end locker not an issue if you are
going new but I would consider it if buying
used . Nothing worse than being stuck and
looking down and only 3 wheels are spinning

Best of luck Enjoy

 

Here is my thoughts on AC...! I had a arctic cat 2003 400I auto that was real slow when I first bought it.
It was noisy (BELT/TRANS cover). It was a loud bike but it rode better than any honda 300 or 450 forman.
I was dissapointed at first because of the lack of speed but after 130 miles on the atv (break-in period)
the bike really started to impress me! It started running faster and had more power. I took the cat threw some really nasty stuff that the hondas would get stuck in. The auto was great and the ride is fantastic. I kept the 400 for a year and sold it. Over all I really liked the 400 but did not keep it long enough to experiance its full potential. I recommend it but it needs to be broke in. The top speed on hard road with dumb Dunlap tires was 56mph. That's enough for me.

I now own a 03 AC 500 auto that I bought that has only 7 miles on it. I seems to have more power and torque that the 400 and the 500 does not have the winding noise. I am happier with the 500 and would recommend it over the 400 if you have the money. If not, get the 400. Like it was said before, you are more likley to want more power than less. Ac has a great ride/ground clearance on the trail. Can't comment on any other atvs except the ones that I have ridden such as honda and yamaha. They are great bikes to and have there pros and cons. All and All, I LUV MY AC......!! GOOD LUCK!!

 

Well boys and girls....

I just got back from a dealer that is about 2 1/2 hours from my house with my new 05 400i automatic. Paid 5500 for it. Not sure if it's good or bad, but I liked the dealer and he answered all of my questions honestly. Guess that still counts for something.

I havnt ridden it yet except to unload it from the truck and put it away in the shop. All of 25 feet. I can't wait to see how it does in the mud and snow.

As it's the 05 it has the push button 2/4 wheel drive, lockable front diff (I was under the impression that it was always locked, but its not. It has a switch on the handle bar to engage) digital display, and some other cool stuff I didnt know about.

Thanks for all of your input. I think I'll be happy with my choice. I'll let you know.

 

Good price, I paid about $500 less for an '05 400i manual and my dealer wanted more for the auto too.

 

You will enjoy your quad! One thing, be sure to brake the engine in, it needs a good 300 miles or so. That makes it a totally different machine. Good luck!

 

Congrats bkcntyxplr
You going to love it ! If your not impressed with the power at first just weight ,give it some time and miles .
My 400I auto had no sack at first now It's got plenty for what I need it for .
As for the 500 verses the 400 I have no problem in fact an easer time going through the swampy / mud .

 

catteman,
i noticed you have your share of cats.Why did you choose the 400 over the 500?I have looked at both and the dealer is saying that basically the difference is the 400 is oiled cooled and the 500 is water cooled.The 500 seems a little quieter. i am impressed with the cats 2 yr. warranty> have your previous cats been reliable from a durability standpoint? By the way really cool web shot photo's.