Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

OK, guys (and girls)...

I picked up a 2003 arctic cat 500 auto 4x4 about two weeks ago. It was brand new, with only 2 miles on it. Prior to this I didn't have a lot of experience with an "utility" atv, just my Honda TRX 450r. I must say there are certain things I love about my Cat comapred to my honda but, that is like comparing apples to oranges.

Now, for the questions:

1. I want to get some good muddin' / trail tires. I do a lot of riding in Calhoun County in IL and there are some wicked hills and mud holes. I've done some research and I have narroed my choice down to the following: Maxxis Mudzilla 26" on ITP Cast Type-6 wheels or ITP 589 M/S 26" on ITP Cast Type-6 wheels. As a package the 589's are $100 cheaper. With that in mind what would you guys recommend. Also, I've read that putting to big of tires and wheels can mess up your ATV (rub, burn out bearing, etc... ) Do you think that would be a problem with either of these packages?

2. I've seen some lift kits on the net. Do any of you guys have these on an arctic cat? If so did it cause poor handling or steering?

3. Do you know of any good aftermarket front bumpers for arctic cats?

Thanks in advance for the help guys!

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

1. I think if you stay with 26's it'll help out allot, both of your tire choises are heavy though.
2. If you want to go all 1for the mud pit out you can lift it, yes handling will suffer some and it's harder on your cv joints.
3. I like my ac bumpers.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

wook -

Thanks for the reply. I am sure my questions are basic but, I want to make sure I do it right the first time.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

Thanks Steve. But, I think I'll pass on a windshield.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

Don't have near the same Cat for comparison but have something to throw out. I try to read up on the other models so that I am informed when ever I pick up something new. The "tide" seems ot flow in the direction that as soon as you get in to the deep lug X/T tires, which come in, generally, at the 26" mark, the drive line starts acting up on a lot of cats. The general concensus is the extra weight in terms of rotational mass is a little much for axles and CV's. The motor and trans are happy as usual. Also, if you think about it as 26 vs. a 25 you only gain 1/2 of clearance at most, depending on how true the tire measurements are from the manufacturer. Then there is the fact the thing has killer clearance to begin with. Just something to throw out. You may want to do some searches or post a topic with a more specific subject to get some other input from guys who actually know what they are taking about (compared to me)!!!!

Take care,

brent

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

i had 28" gators on my 03 500 and every time i got into some sticky stuff or had to work it, it broke an axel.
but if you stick with the 26" tires you shouldent have any trouble.
i have mud lites on my honda and i think there a excelant tire they work great in the mud and ride good on the hard pack and are an excelant trail tire also.
like someone said befor the tires you are sugesting are a very heavy tire and that also is hard on parts.
the mud lites and the mud bugs are the lightest tires on the market and im sure you'll be impressed with eather tire.
the mud zillas will brake parts and itp says there mud lights are there best mud and snow tire.
and i agree with them.
just dont get the zillas or you'll spend more time in the shop then on the trails.
just my 2 cents worth.
good luck with your choice.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

u will have no prob with 26" tires and of the two i would go with the 589's as they will give u better trail performance than the zillas and they still kick butt in the mud. i have 1500 miles with 26" 589's and no probs so far.

i have a lift kit from highlifter and dont notice any ill effects.

and finally it is hard to beat the bumpers that arctic cat offers. they are super tough and look good also (check out my pics)

of course all of this is just my 2 cents and looking back i think i would get 26" or 27" mudbugs as they are a good all around tire and super light with good tread wear unlike the mud lites.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

hey outlaw.
your pics of your cat.
those are not 589s there eather mud bugs or gators.
whats up.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

Thanks for all the feeback so far.

I'm going with the 26" 589's for sure.

Another question for you guys. After playing around in the mud / water for a few hours I noticed my cat was kind of sluggish for awhile. It seemed that it was loading up a bit. A guy I was riding with said he has that same problem once in a while and its because water gets on some belt and can make it slip, he said get out of the water for awhile and it'll be fine so, I took his advice and road on the dry stuff for a while and it went back to normal.

Ever hear of anything like that? Just wondering if its a known "thing" or if maybe something is wrong.

I can't wait to get the 589's strapped on this sucker! This thing is like a TANK!

BTY - I added 3 pictures from my first time in the mud with the new Cat, I just uploaded them so it may take a while for approval.

Thanks again guys.

Just bought an 03' 500 Auto 4x4 and I have some Q's
 

Those are outlaws. Hence, his username. But I don't doubt that he's got some 589's someplace too.