Go with the 500 or 650 water cooled
and the tires 589 m/s way better tire

 

I wouldn't trade my 2003 500 in for anything even a 650, The price is right, on the 500 you get loads of power I find it quick i've had the speedo buried , it has a very comfortable ride and everytime i'm on the trail someone stops me to look at it even some grizz owners the only thing it lacks is a locking diff but usually a little side to side action will get you out and everyone seems to tell me its the biggest looking bike out there! In my opinion just an opinion the 500 rules![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks to everyone who posted.

and to those reading this why havent you posted something yet ?

 

Hey Guys,
I live in between Wasillla & Palmer and own a '03 400i auto and I'm wanting new tires for my machine. The stock tires seem to roll too much onto the sidewalls, plus they are not that great at pushing snow. Do you know where I can purchase the mudlites locally? Let me know how the rubber gaskets on the exhaust system install goes because both my quad and my wifes 400i have the buzz thing happening. Have you heard of anybody making an aftermarket exhaust system for the Cats? Keep Warm!
retirednak

 

hey retired, not sure about dealers in wasilla, but northern power sports in fairbanks has aftermarket tires, i am considering the ITP Mud Lites, Diktok has them and he really likes them in the snow. on your exhaust i would look at an 04 and see if you can do something like A/C did they made rubber mounts like a car exhaust.

 

retirednak,
The only 'buzz' that I got on my machine (and others had it too) was a vibration thing that was happening between the bottom floor plate and the frame. Just loosened some of the fasteners and added spacers. Voila....end of buzzing sound. Are you sure your buzzing sound is related to exhaust? Just a thought.

 

I've got a 400 with stock tires and it pushes snow like a champ. We've got a diesel tractor with a blade and I'd rather use the Cat to move snow rather than the tractor. Quicker and easier! Tires haven't been a problem at all.

 

Hey bblomert,
The noise sounds like it could be coming from the floor plate,I've not looked too hard for it. My wifes 400i just started making the same noise with 200 less miles on it, so I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the info. Keep Warm!

 

Thanks for all the replys.

 

Got my 400I 4X4 Auto (MRP) in Feb '03. Paid $5400 and change OTD with plow & winch. Went with the 400 to get the auto trans. Used it to push alot of snow last winter. My Brother in Law was impressed enough with the AC look and performance, he bought a 500 auto. Came in @ about $600 more than mine without the plow ( he did take advantage of the $69 winch).
Having had the chance to ride the 400 and 500 over the same trails and conditions, I am in a position to give an un-biased opinion. The 400 is very adequate. It will go anywhere any bike will go. Top speed on blacktop with my 200 lbs aboard is 51mph (speedometer). The 500 is more adequate from the low end power standpoint and has quicker throttle response. Top speed on blacktop is probably a little over 60 mph (I no longer have the desire for speed I once did as a younger fella, especially on a short wheelbase, high center of gravity). I guess it gets down to the $1000 base price difference. You do get noticably more power with the 500 if you want to pay for it, but, as I said the 400 is very, very adequate.
Can't speak to the 650. From what I have read, it's a King - of - the - Hill type of bike. My guess is it's probably another $1000 - $1200 over the 500. Gets down to how much habit you can afford.
I'm just glad to read a thread where the 400 is even mentioned with the 500 and 650![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]