I read over on highlifter.com that a dealer recieved the impression, from the Cancun unveiling, that the 500 AC lineup wasn't gonna be around much longer. I was wondering if this is true? It seems like the 500 lineup is a huge seller for Arctic Cat and if they did away with the 500's then they better replace it with something worthwhile. Maybe another manuel! If I were to buy an 07' 500 manuel and they discontinued it I would be pissed! Mainly because I would imagine parts would be harder to come by with a motor they no longer carry. What do you guys think?

 

I am in the process of doing some engine work on my AC 400 manual. In my many calls to a couple of dealers I have been given the impression that they may soon be producing less manual transmission machines as there is a higher demand for Auto's. One salesman thought that by having less supply it might bring the price up on a manual tranny 4-wheeler.

As for not making parts its a Suzuki motor and you can always cross reference parts and order from Suzuki.

I am pretty sure the 400 and 500's are the top sellers for AC so unless they plan on coming out with a 450 or something I don't see them getting rid of them.

I would be scared buying a new 4-wheeler just due to all the electronic crap they have shoved into them. Almost as if they figure if they put enough electrical crap ona 4-wheeler you won't try to fix it yourself when you have a problem. Gives their mechanical technicians job security I guess. This is my personal opinion though.

Then again, lifes too short to be waiting for the next best thing to come out. Go get what you want, enjoy it NOW, and have fun while you can.

 

I was told the same thing about the 500 - I didn't hear anything about the manual transmittion going away

I think they really want to push the 650 motor they make.

 

Does anything need to be cealed on the 500 manuel before I put it into any water or mud? What about the 650 H1?

 

On the 500 manual I belive the only thing you have to worry about getting water in is the air intake.

On the 650 or H1 you can get water into the air intake and the belt drive housing vents (as its an auto tranny). If you get water on the belt drive you are not going too far until it gets dried out.

Also, mud packed into the water or oil cooler can decrease its cooling efficency.

Course this is assuming you have good tight electrical connections or that you have put dielectric grease on all your electrical connection to ensure they remain good.