Thanks mtnridgerunner!
I went with the 400 because the dealer had is mis-marked on the showroom floor, I saw that price and said "I'LL TAKE IT!!!" Otherwise, I would have got the 500. The 500 does have a lot more low end grunt as well, but then again I have never ran out of power in the 400. If you are looking at 2005 models the 500 has the new body style, it won't age as bad as the 400. Good luck!!!

 

I researched all ATVs for about 2 years before I bought one. It came down to suzuki or Arctic Cat. I liked the way I sat on the Cat plus I wanted the IRS. I ordered an '04 400 auto mrp. The dealer got an '04 400 manual shipped to them 3 times before I got offered an '03 500 auto MRP for the price of the 400. While the 500 was getting the speedometer gear thing replaced, I ended up getting one of the 400's that was sent over for a decent price. I really like the 400 more than the 500. I think that if you don't need an auto you can get just as much out of the 400 manual as you can the 500 auto. The only complaint I have with the 400 is how high the reverse gear is. As far as the 650, I bought that just because I could and I told my wife it was for her.

 

Ya know Crumley, the high reverse gear would be my only real complaint too. I've gotten into situations where I really wanted to back up a slope and it just wouldn't do it. I had to make a more dangerous three-point turn to get out. What were they thinking???

 

I bought the 04 500. I use it as a work vehicle on 10 acres of heavily wooded rough terrain property for tree removal, hauling, snow plowing and misc. other jobs. I am absolutely impressed with the power. The clearance also is more than you will find on most machines. I am very happy with mine.

 

Hey Ripcord1, I know the area you are at very well, I have a waterfront lot for sale on Lake Nebagamon, My aunt has a place on lake Minnsuing. I always go on the trails up there in the summer, Did you get your quad at The Arctic cat dealer in Iron River. Happy Wheeling

 

I agree the high reverse gear is a major drawback in the overall design. The designers weren't thinking because they are not real riders or they would know better.

 

You should come ride in the winter too, as almost all snowmobile trails are open to atvs in both Douglas and Bayfield counties. There are hundreds of miles of well groomed trails for riding. I bought my machine at Brule River Sports. Get me more info on your land for sale, as I know someone who may be interested.

 

Ripcord1, that is the powersports dealer I was thinking of had it pictured in Iron river though, I went there to see if they could fix a tire after it found a Railroad spike on Wild River trail they said they couldnt fix it so I took it to a tire shop in Bruel. Thats a nice trail that goes through the town of Maple, Popler, Bruel. The lot is on the south side of the lake in the Timber ridge subdivision it is a empty wooded lake front lot it has a sighn nailed to a tree from the road. That road is a dead end street.