Which would you pick if you were buying new ?

At first i thought sure the 650 but the more I compare them I am considering the 500 then if you consider the 500 the 400 is almost the same for less $$$$'s so why not just go with the 400.

Then the question is automatic or manual.


Thanks for any help. This is really turnin in to a big decision.

 

I like them all. You'd be thrilled with any of them. However, the power of that 650 is in a league of its own. The locking front diff is a nice thing, too.

Having said that, I've lived happily for 2 years with a 375 (same engine as 400) and decided to keep it. It is an amazing machine. The 400 with IRS would probably be even better, with the added ground clearance and shift on the fly 4wd. Also, I'd bet the 500 is right between the two in terms of power.

You'd probably be looking at 2 grand less for the 400. That decision would be pretty tough for me. That's why I kept both!

 

I had the same problems deciding, but I am going to be using mine for working and playing, so i decided on a manual. I wasnt sure how big an engine to get but went with the 400/cost, I havent ridden much yet, I just got it a week ago and temps dropped to below 0, but it seems to have lots of power and the gearing is great at the low end. After growing up with 3-wheelers this thing has got so much more power I love it.

 

I would probably go with the 400i, its cheaper its pretty much the same machine as the 500i except motor wise, and the cheapiest i have found them is for 5100.00 asking price that is. 650 is way to much money, its a bad bike though,

 

this is a really hard decision.

I just got to ride the 300 I sold a few months ago and afterthat I believe i might just wait a little longer and get the biggest one of the bunch. the 650. after riding the 300 it just plain sucked compared to the bigger boys.

but that is a lot of price difference for the same amount of product.

 

I’m sure the 650 is a great and powerful machine. Ill just let you know that I have an 03 400i that blows me away every time I’ve taken it out.

- Once I went out with another rider. 2 dudes over 200 pounds and gear. Pushing the 500 lb max weight for the 400.... The suspension barley shrugged at the load and the engine was impressive. Low speed riding over tough terrain was crazy. Lots of stuff I looked at and thought I wouldn’t make it with a rider on and the thing just pushed right through. At the high end, got up to 45 with the heavy load.

- With just me on it and no gear, its all the machine I feel I need. The size of the AC 400 is comparable to the larger 500 and 650 machines and it has a ridicules amount of ground clearance.

It would definitely not be worth it to me to spend another $2500 or $3000 on a 650 when the 400i is so capable. But that’s me...

Good luck!

 

I had the same question. I was looking at the 400 for the most part due to the cost. But the 04's came out and i had to re think my decision. I landed on the 500 due to the new features. I like the box hitch, and the digital display. I have read that the old gas tank gauges suck so the digital is a no brainer to me. I also like the electric 4x switch idea. The extended fenders add some value as well. Order the dvd if you don't already have it. The extra power is great when you have it to take for granted, but the lack of power will suck if you don't have it. Manual transmission is a no brainer too for me. I will be using mine for work too and that us no place for an auto. The manual will get slightly better gas mileage too. When i am ready to buy in a few more months the 500 will be my choice. Also the re-sale value will be there too when it comes time. In the resale market not too many people are looking at smaller than 500.

 

 

I have a 2003 400i with 27" mud light tires on stock rims. Wow this is a great setup, this is a very peppy and super smooth machine. I am going to try install rubber gaskets on my exhaust system, to help with low speed buzz, the 400 is known for. I have the manual transmission and love it's vercitility. Another plus with the 400 is it cannot have a water pump/cooling system problem. Its very basic and reliable. Ride on be happy...

 

hey diktok, how do you like the mudlites in the snow, i am trying to decide between the 589 m/s or the mudlites, maybe we can get together sometime and ride, maybe at chena lakes or something.