I'm considering a purchase of a 1998 Arcitc Cat Bearcat 454 with just under 2000 miles, for $3200.00. Looking for pros and cons on this model including the price.....??
Thank you.

 

Does it have the actual Bearcat graphics, or does it have the same graphics as the 99 models? There is a world of difference between the original Bearcat 454 and the improved 1998 model 454 (without the bearcat name). Steering geometry, hydraulic rear parking brake, carburation. $3800 would be steep for me if it was the older model. I almost sold my 99 500 for $4500 a few months ago, and on top of being in excellent shape and scratchless, it is also designed much better than the bearcat model.

Basically what I'm saying is that you can find better stuff in that price range than that particular bike. Now if it is a newer 98 model, and is in good shape, then it could be a prospect.

 

Thanks for reply.....the seller claims it is a 1998 Bearcat 454 with 1950 miles in Excellent condition!
No problems whatsoever! Comes with windshield and rear extra seat w/storage compartment. Actual selling price is $3200 plus about $450 to ship to my address.

 

Hey RBarr,

It might be in great condition, but like Andy was saying, there were two '98 454 models. If the one you are considering is a "Bearcat", you may want to pass on it. The Bearcat had quite a few problems that didn't get worked out until later on in production.

 

Thanks for the reply Andy......As you can see I'm new to this, but was able to get a serial# 4UFACAT16WT011123; if this is any indication to a later model 98. The seller actually wants $3200 plus shipping. To make a whole long story short, I'm looking for a good utility 4WD 4x4 to handle rocky wooded trails. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks again. RB>

 

It sounds like the seller is a ways off from you. I personally wouldn't do anything until I got to see the bike. First for condition. I have about 1700 miles on mine and it is in perfect condition. Some folks have bikes with 500 miles and they are totally shot. You can easily distinguish the newer 454 from the old. It has 454 in bold red, orange, and yellow lettering on the side and doesn't say Bearcat anywhere on it.

The frame and almost everything else is the same between the two, but the Bearcat was AC's intoductory model into ATV's and needed quite a few small upgrades. For 98, they did away with the suck *** mechanical footbrake actuated parking brake and gave it a handbrake mounted lock for the hydraulics all the way around. They also changed the steering a ton. Major difference there. The carburation was dialed in a lot better, though it still needs a CR6E NGK spark plug instead of the CR8E to keep it from fouling out fast. They did away with the ugly gold wheels and got grey ones. They also got rid of the crappy dunlop tires, and replaced them with Titan 489's which are the same things used on the newer 500's. It also has the plastic skid plate, and I don't know if the original model had it or not.

I would try any way possible to check on the condition of the quad. I wouldn't take any chances without being able to ride it first and look it over good. It could be as good as gold, but still, $3200 is a lot to gamble with.

Good luck to you. If you have any questions, there are a ton of people here that will be glad to help out.

 

Andy; thanks so much for your wise input and support. I've received quit an education by reading the forums. I will also look into a new AC 250 4X4. Again, thank you and this forum.

 

Is the 454 the one listed on Ebay ? Just curios.

 

It was listed on Yahoo.........RB