My brother has a '00 A. Cat 500 auto, and this will be the first time he has taken it out in the mud and water. I'm still skeptical about auto's, just because I've never been on one, but if his runs good, maybe I'll have one in the future. Is there any tips or advice about riding in mud and water with the autos? I've read about the belts getting wet, is this a common problem? Is there anything to do to prevent this? Thanks, Chris
'00 Grizzly
'99 Big Bear (wife's)
'92 Suzuki LT250 Qrunner (8,000 miles, still going strong)

 

you say you have never rode an auto but you have a grizzly in your signature. Isn't the Grizz an auto? Also, I have a Polaris but but the belt on it has never slipped and one of the things I love to do the most is plow into water at pretty good speeds.

 

Sorry, I posted under my husband's screen name, I've got the 99 Big Bear. Chris won't let me take the Grizzly, he doesn't trust me much yet, I've only been riding for about a year now, I was hoping he would buy me an auto in the future. I like to be in control with what gear I am in, makes me feel safer. Chris hasn't had his out yet much, he still rides the Suzuki. It's his mess around toy. He babies the Grizzly, it's not been in the mud yet. That's why I don't know about autos. I only get to be the passenger! I'll specify next time who is writing, thanks for pointing that out to me! Audra
'00 Grizzly (husband's)
'99 Big Bear (wife's, mine)
'92 Suzuki LT250 (his tear up, don't care if it breaks, ATV)

 

Hey there.. Also, a polaris.. well FORMER Polaris owner, BUT it was an Auto so I may be able to help a bit. For the Auto's, it seems that alot of my experience has seen people bragging about what obstacles can be conquered in highrange. this inevitably leads to belt slippage and premature wear, so one of the first rules, is, in extreme terrain, LOW is best. Before any Adventures into Water and Mud, besure everything is sealed well, Not just the belt system, check al lElectrical connections, carb joints, etc.. trust the Factory for NOTHING!, It only takes a short time for the Initial check , and from then on youll have peace of mind. In water Crossings, all belt drive systems have a breather, they must or the belt and Pulleys generate so much heat, damage is done. When in Deep water, its best to stay on the throttle enough to force air out of the vent, in order to keep water from coming in. hope this helps at least some!

Happy trails!

 

I woudln't worry about it , from my experience with Arctic Cat and my auto Sportsman , not much slows them down. I go through allot of water up the the front rack several times a month and no slipping.

 

On the 2000 Auto Cat, The outlet for the clutch vent is right behind the rider's right knee when sitting on the bike. You'll see a tube coming off of the clutch housing, if you'll feel the back (engine) side of this tube you'll notice the hole. It is my advise to keep this hole above water if possible & if water happens to get too deep keep on the throttle heavy & maybe you'll be lucky. If the belt housing does get water in it there is a drain plug (bolt) on the bottom of the housing right by the floorboard bracket to let the water out. The only thing you need to worry about regarding mud is clogging up the radiator causing an overheating situation. I've never had this problem but it is something to keep an eye on. Enjoy yourselves & let us know how it goes.

Lance

 

auto is nice..ive had manuals before but i really like the idea of not having to worry about what gear i was in..the auto works excellent,if you ride it right you wont get the belt wet,as stated before if you put it in low like it should be for mud and water,and keep an even amount of throttle so the vent tube pushes the water away from the tube,it`ll be fine..i learned the hard way about belts,i sunk the bike twice up to the gas tank,a manual shift wouldnt have mattered here..rider error..now i dont fly into water and make sure im in low and just keep steady throttle it goes thru anything a manual will..thats a shame the grizz hasnt been christened yet..maybe you should take it out and see how it rides.. j/k.. i dont think youll be disapointed in an auto,no matter which one you buy..good luck