I am buying an '04 Arctic Cat 500 4X4 manual shift and was wondering what the differences are between the '04 and '06 models? Looking at the AC brochure, the overall length is about 3" shorter in '04 and the height is .08" lower. The '04 specs also say the rear suspension is "FIS" and the '06 says "double A-arm FIS"- is there any differences in the functionality? I fugure most of the differences in height/length are cosmetics (plastics) abd the other specs are identical- can someone help me?

 

the 04 has different body, shorter in length, different racks, different speedo, smaller gas tank 4.8g compared to 6.5, no diff lock in front.

 

There is no difference in the suspension, but they did have problems with axles on the 04 650's if you put bigger tires on them. I do not believe they had many axle problems with the 500's. My parents have the 04 500 and the only problems it has had in 1400 miles, is the 4X4 solenoid leaked gear lube but it was replaced under warrantee and the seat latch broke. (The seat latches on the 04's suck compaired to the 05-06's.

 

Broke 8-axles on my 03-and that ranges from stk tires to 29.5/12/12 outlaws... And 26 27 28 inch tires in between.... I love my 03 since i did all the work to it and added the locker...

MArk

 

I was looking to buy a new - 05 or 06 AC400, 'til I found out how much they are! I shopped around and found this '04 500 4x4 with 600 miles , new tires, 2nd rider seat and 1 1/2 years of warranty left on it. Paying $3900- I think I'm getting a great deal. (from a dealer, too) Picking it up on Saturday-haven't even seen it yet.

 

That sounds like an AWESOME deal.