The 2005 650 V2 is an excellent bike. I've put on over 600 miles since September 2004 no serious issues yet, just a few minor adjustments.

 

I have an '04 A/C 650 with the stock radial tires. I ride with friends who have Polaris Sportsman and Yamaha Grizzly's. I like my Cat (650 twin with recoil starter for back up; 6.5 gallon tank; high ground clearance; long suspension travel). But - it steers like a tank. My wife and daughter won't drive it. They will drive the Grizzly or Sportsman.

This week I went to a dealer that had a new A/C 650 sitting beside a Grizzly on a tile floor. I could turn the Grizzly wheels with two fingers. I had to yank the 650 to get them to turn.

If I was positive a set of 589's would make my 650 steer as easy as a Grizzly and still ride smooth on hard pack, I'd buy them tomorrow. Then the Cat would truly be the perfect machine.

Good Luck!