if you aren't gonna be mudding with it then i can't see why you would need a 650 specially beings you are green on an atv. the 500 is a good solid atv with the duramatic tranny and clutching in it which is bar none the best on the market. plus you get the same chassis as the 650. but if you get the 650 get the H1. i love my 650 but well there are a couple things i hate about it but they did fix it for 05.

 

I would also wait for the 06 H1, in 06 they beefed up the frame, put rubber engine mounts down to lessen vibration, they changed the gearing on the V2 and they changed the secondary clutch on the H1, plus the 06 500 has the H1 exhaust which will give it a little more pep. Plus on the 06 models you can get an optional sway bar, which will make cruising the trails a little nicer. The 06 400 and 500 will be coming any day now, and my H1 is supposed to be here in Aug. Hold out if you can.

 

Both prices seem pretty fair, with the 2006's coming out you might have more room to bargin. I would say you would be happy with the 500, however two years from now are you going to be thinking back and wishing that you spent the extra $500 for the 650??? Most people do, however some (like me) don't. My next ATV is going to be a 500. Good luck!

 

For working, I wouldn't go with the 650v2, even in low it will haul you around at 55mph. Get the H1 that has lower 'Low' or the 500.

Unless of course you are a speed/power freak, if so, get the 650v2. But it does sound like either the 500 or the H1 are for you.

 

I was in the same boat a couple of years back - wanted a bigger quad than my old big bear to get me around the farm, something that could clear rocks better than the bear, something that wasn't boring but would also haul a trailer full of wood or rocks.

Bought an 02 500i with manual transmission. Almost three years later, I am still using it on the farm. Very reliable - fouled a spark plug last year, and the gear indicator lights went out, but otherwise it's been gas and go.

Pulls a heavy load, too. Never had a problem with a wet or slipping belt because it doesn't have a belt at all.

I highly recommend the 500 - it's not scary fast, but it's not slow, either. Reliable, tough, crawls over anything, rides smooth.

 

I have the AC 400 auto and it is enough for me. If you plan on working and towing, I would recommend the 500 manual. The 500 auto is an awsome machine. I owned and 03 400 and 500 then sold it for the 05 400. I wanted the locker and newer features. I would choose the H1 650 over the 650 V-twin. I know the Kawa belts have been a problem for some and I don't like problems! They may have been fixed for 05 models. The H1 is a great bike with alot of power and speed if you can find one. The V-twin is more of a trail/speed bike and it can be used for work but I think the 500 and the H1 would be better. I really like my Cats and this is my 3rd one. I am waiting for the H1 to be out for a couple years then I will be upgrading to one.

If I had to choose an atv for work it would be in this order.

500 manual
500 auto
650 H1
650 v-twin

I would also like to say that the v-twin really takes off when you hit the gas, Hang on!! Good luck and buy a Cat!!

 

if i was to buy another i would buy the 06 v2 if its true cat changed the diff ratio to 4/1,i think that would keep belt adj down to a minimum. if not my second choice would be the 06 h1 from what i hear from h1 owners there very pleased with this machine right out of the box also if i was to purchase the 500 it would have to be a manual there very well known for being good mudders

 

Well, thanks for everyones help. I just put a deposit on a 2005 650 4x4 auto LE. I think the extra power will be nice even though I probably won't use it very often. I would like to have waited and bought the H1 but the price is too high compared to this 650.

 

Congratulations! You won't regreat it! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Congragulations Kert. I have been a Polaris / Honda man for years. But now that i have an AC dealer that just moved into town, and they are less than 2 miles away. So i still LOVE Polaris and my lil Honda. But since im selling my Honda, im rethinking getting another Polaris or Honda quad. And since i just seen an AC 2006 500i Camo, and it just looks great. Im really serious about buying this machine, it looks great and now i will be able to keep up with my bro when he rides the Po - Po.
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700
27' ITP 589 M/S Tires
3000 lb. Warn Winch
High Performance Dayco Belt - NEW! (on the way)

2001 Honda Rancher ES (2wd)
2.5 Warn Winch
(For Sale)