Do the AC 500s front end push in the turns as much as the magazines say they do? If so does this make them more difficult to maneuver? And does the semi-independent suspension in the rear cause them to lean too much in turns?

 

Sorry about the double posts

 

Turning hard at 30 mph is about all that I can see it in. (or 20 depending on the turn). Its no racing bike by any means, but I can control it fine enough for my tastes, and I do like to ride fast from time to time. The difference I see between it and my honda 300 2wd is that the suspension will dip on the AC where the honda comes up on two wheels. I can manuver the honda more easily, but the AC is five times as good a bike. Magazines note a lot of things, that are noticeable, but some things aren't as big of issues as others. Say for instance suspension and rack capacity. Although it sounds like something when you read it, there isn't much difference between 5.9" of wheel travel and 6.5". There also isn't much difference between a 200lb. capacity rear rack and a 180lb. The heel toe shifter and the body lean are other examples. Neither is any factor that would sway a person who had ridden them I don't think. Sportsman 500's will lean in turns also, but that doesn't take anything away from them being good machines. I have found that over all kinds of terrain, the AC 500 is as stable a quad as I have ridden. It does lean a little in fast turns though, but to answer your original question, its not anything to worry about, and I have never come close to flipping over on account of it.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

Back on that body roll thing are ya? When are you going to get over that? I think the 500 is fairly menuverable. It takes a little heeve ho o get it to steer at slower speeds, but thats nothing I ever really worried about.

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No, my Arctic Cat 500 does not push in turns with, with out a load. Now put my 350 couz on the rear rack with nothing on the front. Thats when it pushes, just like any other quad loaded down like that.

As for the lean. My freinds with Foremans tell me it leans bad. I KINDA notice it. What does that mean? I have gotten so used to it that I use it to have fun.

I get a open spot. Get going about 25-30 mph coming around a long corner. I start the corner with no throttle, then in the middle I nail it and put all my weight to the outside. The inside front wheel comes up and I ride a 3 wheel circle. Sometimes if I turn sharp enough I can get it on 2 wheels.

 

Believe it or not , i can do donuts on my 454 if the ground is wet enough.
My buddy has also got it down pat on his 500.

 

Yyea I forgot about that. Get that inside front wheel in the air, put it in 3rd and nail it.