I have been reading and enjoying this forum for about the last 8 months after purchasing my 1st atv, a 05 Arctic Cat 300. I'm now ready to move up to a little bigger machine and am trying to decide between an 05 650 and an 06 500 auto (I'll be keeping the 300 for my wife and kids). The price between the two at the dealer in my area is only about $200.00 different and he has no 05 500s left. Reliability is probably my number one factor and as I understand the 650 seems to have a few more problems. So my question is this, how have the 05 650s been as far as problems? Have they got most of the problems ironed out that they were having? Performance is nice, but for me, not at the expence of reliability. I have two very good friends who ride Outlanders, and they love to mud and they ride in some pretty rough stuff, which both of the cats should handle pretty well, but could I expect any difference in transmission durability ect? Any input or comments on this would be appreciated!
Thanks

 

I have 500 miles on my 05 650 with no problems at all. I have been up to the headlights in mud and rode some very rough trails on the Piaute trail in Utah. I have ridden 4200' to 11,000' without rejetting and not even a sputter. If most of your riding is in mud and rough trails, the 500 is all you will need, if you will be doing a lot of trail riding as well, I would definitly get the 650. The 650 is just seems to cruise the trails better. For $200 more....... I would get the 650, JMHO.

 

If you are wanting the v twin model, Use low gear as much as possible. That keeps the belt working good and no problems.Use high for basically fast roads and trails.

 

Actually AC addressed the belt issue in the '06 model by lowering the final axle ratios. Thereby relieving the stress on the belt.

 

But still, its kawasaki cvt. The best suggestion would be to use low gear. ITs not like its slow, it could easily go in the 40s in low. But hey, Its not like i have a kawasaki or anything. haha

 

Thanks for your responses! I decided to go with the 05 650 and will be picking it up tomorrow. I will definately use low gear when going slow or under load. I was aware of the difference in the 06 650 regarding gearing but the price difference was just to much.
Thanks again!

 

hey let us know how well it works against the outlanders in the mud oh and both machines would be great only the 04 650's had problems good luck and keep us informed as to how well you like your new six fiddy

 

congrats on the new ride. enjoy