Hello everyone,

I just learned that the 650 V2 engine (kawa) will no longer be offered for 2007. What do you think about this ? Is it bad ?
Is a V Twin is better than only one cylinder ? Should I keep my 2005 650 V2 ?

Regards,


Chris from Québec

 

Na, the V2 is junk compared to the H1 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

JUST KIDDING!

A lot of people are upset about this that is for sure, the V2 people are pretty loyal to that engine. Arctic Cat just can't continue to make it because it competes with there own made 650 H1 and the 700EFI. Because Arctic Cat has to purchase the V2 engine from Kawasaki the profit margine isn't as high on them as the H1, or even the 700 even though the 700 is a Suzuki engine (reason is because Suzuki owns 42% of Arctic Cat).

Arctic Cat isn't dumb though, they know people want a v-twin engine. There is a new Arctic Cat engine plant just finishing up with the construction here in St. Cloud and the rumor is they are going to make a 950 v-twin. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

950 V Twin ????

Oh my god !! Maybe 100 MPH !

 

i loved the v2 motor it was smooth and had that good low end grunt the second you hit the throttle but i hated the tranny and clutch on it. i say good riddence to the v2 and hello to the H1 which will hopefully soon be a 700 efi. i would go with the suzuki 700 efi in a heartbeat but i heard it has lag right when you hit the throttle and i hate lag.

 

I will bet you my V2 that they will not make a standard class 950cc motor. Minnesota DNR says nothing over a 800cc can be licensed as an ATV. Arctic Cat is based in MN, the engine plant is in MN, there is no chance in hell that we are going to see a 950cc (licensed for trail use) four wheeler coming from a state that doesn't support it.

I really love my V2, and I really love the power curve of the v-twin. There are tons of people that prefer a single cylinder engine though and it is merely a riders preference. I would hate to give up my Cat in favor of a Kawie model v-twin, but I'm not saying I wouldn't ever do it. The way I figure it, I have a few years before my 05 V2 turns to dust, so I guess I'll wait and see what is offered when I am ready to buy another.

It makes sense to drop a motor that they have to purchase, but I think it would have made more sense to never come out with the 700. They are making their own 650 single, why offer a slightly larger engine in the same config? I would have much rather seen them go with the 700 Kawie twin instead of the Zuki 700 single. Just my $.02, I love twins and it shows.

 

Suzuki owns a good share of AC (30%) and formerlly had a business lash-up with Kawasaki. Hence, the Kawasaki V2 engine. A couple of years ago the business deal between the two terminated for reasons unknown to me.

My dealer and I have very frank discussions about AC, AC the company, and ATVs in general. He's also been a AC ATV dealer since AC began making quads. When I asked - 2 years ago - what was going to happen to the V2 because of the split he said it didn't look good. On this forum (different user name) I suggested the V2 was toast. I got hammered.

Yesterday we again talked. He indicated AC had a lot of $$ tied up in their new engine plant and wanted to see some return on that investment and get the H1 out in the market, BUT were working on a V2 950 (here goes the speculation). Also said feed back from AC was they didn't want to go there, but AC also understands they had to play with the big dogs in order to stay in the market. Right now the market says AC has to have a twin, its size and configuration is the question. A new engine plant, a new engine, and now a new twin, well, that's A LOT of cash outflow and represents a very large committment for AC. Bet they are watching the balance sheet, the market, and state ATV laws very closely.

Now all that said, Chumley makes an excellent point about MN and the max size issue. There must be other states with a max size requirement as well. ...but, AC (and most other mfgrs) sell a road version complete w/turn signals, horn, windshield, etc., overseas and although these models are also made in MN they are not available in the U.S. So just because a 950 cannot be sold in MN does not mean AC will not attempt to get a leg up in the marketplace. It's all about business and staying in the game.

I hope AC doesn't make the mistake they made with EFI. They had it ready in 2001 but didn't believe the market was ready at the price point. They were wrong and it cost them. There is every reason to believe that anything larger than 500cc will have EFI within the next few years. Can-Am has already come out with a 500 V2 EFI. We, the customers, are the ones that benefit.

 

if this 950 v2 rumor is true maybe it could be something for the prowler. they are an OHV so i believe they would be put in a different class motor wise as an atv.

 

950 + steering wheel? Maybe, but I think not for a while.

950 + handle bars? Nope, not gonna happen

 

I am one who loves my V2, and will not it go for quite a while. (or until AC has an 800, or similar V-Twin of its own[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]) I was a little dissapointed to learn of the discontinuation, but on the other hand, i have the last year V2 made

 

I too have heard all the rumors about a 950 V-twin. My dealer is also a good friend and one of the top dealers in Indiana, so I trust what he tells me. Don't forget that Arctic Cat builds snowmobiles. Snowmobile racing is big business and 100 mph snowmobiles are a common thing these days. A 950 V-twin could be scaled down to 800cc with no trouble at all. Don't look for a 950 in a ATV anytime in the near future. A 950 in a Prowler would also be doubtful. Way too much power and big liability issues. I'd say new engines are in the works, like a 500cc, and I doubt the KQ engine will be around the AC stable very long. Yes Suzuki has an interest in AC but, AC needs it's own identity. Just my somewhat informed thoughts.