I tip out about 300 lbs and hould like to make artic cat my first ATV. Although I like the 650 cat verry much but the rear suspension does concern me. Yes in normal operating conditions as discribed by dealer probablly the best. Being new and going a little too fast and hitting a sloping curve, dipping trail, ocational rock OK losing my balance. How does the rear axil handle with out the sway bar that other ATVs have. The dealer says no problem but he wants to sell the cat. He has offered me a test drive. But with above average snow fall and an ice storm last night here in the laurel highlands; I don't think I can find the conditions mentioned above. So I would like to hear from some big men or even big women who ride the Cat. Thank you all and hope if I become a rider of the CAT to responed in the future.

 

I don't think your concerns about the lack of a anti-sway bar should be a major problem for the riding you describe. The Cat 650 really has stiff suspension & has 5 Shock adjustments to meet anybodys needs. The biggest problem on the Cat 650 are the soft sidewall Radial tires, switch over to a set of non-radial tires, stay with the 26 inch size tires & a 6-ply rating, adjust the shocks to your needs & you will be another 100% satisfied owner of a Cat 650.

 

i weigh 240, my girlfriend 140: together with us and a full pack of beverages my quad probably holds up close to 400 lbs, we go riding together all the time, through the thick stuff, ice, snow, everything and my 500 handles the weigh great!! go for it you will not be disappointed

 

Dont buy a cat.
I am over 300 pounds and i bought my first ATV about 6 months ago. I bought a Suzuki Vinson 500 and love it. I can jump it, rock craw, and all in between and it does great. if you read some of the reveiws on the cat i think you will change your mind on what atv you buy.

 

You will NOT have any problems with the 650.Your dealer is right,I wiegh 250 and ride an 02 400i.It has the same setup as the 650 and I have no problems with the IRS not having a sway bar.Like luvtomud said you won't be dissapointed.

Vince

 

Don't listen to tboneelliot2002, he is one of those people who thinks everyone should be riding the same machine as he has. The Cat will be perfect for you, with the adjustible suspension and all that travel.

 

Hello all, Do the home work and think. Why do you think they put IRS on the military hummers. They are the best for off road. Same goes with ATVs You could get the vinson with the solid rear axle and ride off center over obsticals. Or you could look at the cat 500. Has IRS and the same engine as the Suzuki Vinson with a larger carb and bigger cam. Even with out a locker I have yet to find a place were my cat couldnt go. As for how it is at high speeds thats why you can stiffen the springs. Also do you plan of doing 50 mph in a area that is unknown not knowing what obsticals is coming to you. also I think if you are in the woods speed is not a concern with all them trees well that is what i think.

 

Let me start out by saying I am a big fan of AC products, sleds and ATV's. I am about 6'3" and 340lbs and I had the same choice to make. I tried a Grizz and thought it was nice for someone, just not me, too tippy. I really liked the AC 650 and it felt much better than the Grizz but I still didn't feel quite comfortable in off camber situations or when taking corners at speed. For me a solid axle felt better although you do give up ground clearance. I would try out as many as you can before you buy. You might not feel the same way I do about the machines. The great thing now is there are so many good ones out there, try something with a solid axle and then try the Cat and see what feels best. I bet with a tire switch you would be happy with the Cat

 

Like mobyguzzer said. There are so many great machines out there everyones tastes are different. The real thing is that everyone is out there to have a good time with the machine that best fits there comfort. For me I go into the woods with mine and get to lakes or ponds that have not been fished that offen that is also the reason why I went with the slick mrp rack. plus I also come across many fallen trees and that is where the IRS and ground clearance come to play. I can crawl over most things as for if I had a solid axle I would get caught up easyer.

 

I'm 6'4" 300lbs and I'm very happy with my 03 400i.I run my suspension pretty soft too...The high speed handling is no hell,lots of body roll,BUT,I cant say I felt as if it was going to roll at any point.OTOH,it does keep all 4 tires on the ground in the slow stuff very well.
Steve