My beloved 1998 Yamaha 350 Big Bear is about to be retired. It has been a wonderful ATV and it has met my every demand (and I have demanded a lot). It is time for me to upgrade and I am considering the 650 H1 TRV. My wife is an avid AVTer (as long as she is riding double with me) also. I thought that the two seated TRV could be a good option. But first I have a couple of questions, my Yamaha Big Bear has been a tank. No water, no mud, no work has slowed it down. I once was passed up by a load of pine poles that I was "pulling" over a hill. The hill was so steep that the poles started to slide and passed me up. Of course when the chain became unslacked it flipped me forward over the handle bars. --- My point to this is--- it has been a tough ATV. I am a true believer in the term All-Terrian-Vehicles and believe if I am going to pay $8,000 for a new one it should be worth. I don't want to worry when I sink it in a mud-hole that is deeper than I thought that it will take on water. I want it to be durable to stand up to minor flips. If it won't, I don't want it. I know they can, because I own one that has. So, in saying all of this is the AC 650 H1 TRV up to the challenge or should I look else where.

 

I seen an article in ATV trail rider where they rolled an 07 700 cat. It flipped end for end and rolled side to side down the hill.

It landed on its wheels. its only problems were the handle bars slipped down in their clamps and the instrument pod had popped off. According the magazine article it was a 2 minute fix to lift the handle bars and plug in the instrument pod again.

The cat fired right up and they ran it for the rest of the day.

Mind you its not a trv but they are built the same way. I have noticed that cat's racks are considerably bigger than most other brands, this probably aids in the protection.

 

The AC is one of the, if not it is the strongest, most well built ATV available. That goes to also show why they are heavier than the other quads[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img] But i will take the extra weight, for a quad that will take a beating

 

I just took delivery of an H1 650 TRV and it seems like a well built machine. I don't have much experience with ATV's and I decided on this one because many of the guys I know who are really into 4 wheeling say Arctic Cats are the toughest around. Some guys really liked the Polaris machines, but the ones I respected and trusted the most said the Cats were the way to go. So I took the plunge and so far I really like it. Wife likes it too, but she said it's a little big for her to handle comfortably. So she rides on the back.

It feels very solid and seems like it could climb a tree. It feels real torquey as well. With a 2500lb. winch and a 60" plow and grip heaters it ran alittle over $8400 plus tax. So far I'm happy with it.

Brian

 

I too recently purchased a new 650 TRV and am very impressed with the machine. The motor has very good power and the ride and handling are fine. The ride from the rear seat is awesome. I've only got a 100 miles on it so far but river crossings, slick muddy inclines and rocks have not even caused it to break a sweat. I was thinking Polaris at first but glad I went with Arctic.

 

What top speed have you had your H1 TRV to?

 

I decided on the Outlander 500 Max, but after experiencing dealer issues I am taking a closer look at the H1 and X2.
Here’s my opinion:

650 H1 TRV:
• Good price.
• Comfortable seat.
• OK underneath protection, but not great.
• It bothers me that there is no back rack, although a Kimpex rear rack and trunk is available.
• It’s new so reliability has not been established although AC machines in general have good reputation.
• 50/50 Utility/Recreation.

X2
• Good price.
• Polaris has been refining the Sportsman for 10 years now and it’s a solid reliable machine with a great ride.
• Has a “urf mode”.
• Underneath protection is excellent.
• It has a goofy seat/box arrangement – if you use the seat the box/rack is useless!
Passenger seat is not as good as the other two.
• 70/30 Utility/Recreation.

Outlander Max
• More expensive then the other two.
• Great seat and rear rack combination.
• Good ride.
• No underneath protection. You’ll need $500 for skids right away!
• Great warranty.
• Great engines (twins).
• 30/70 Utility/Recreation.

Three great machines- for me little “personal preferences” and the dealer will be the deciding factors.
Text

 

Hey ebel, the underneith of the H1 is a polyurathane skid plate, it doesn't get any better then this. What do you mean by "OK underneath protection, but not great."? ALso, with the TRV you can get a rear rack from Arctic Cat, or a dump box. THey can be changed in seconds, but they are pricey. AC also has a 3 year warranty. Other then that, you made some excellent points.

 

I said the underneath protection is ok because I didn't see much protection for the floorboards.

I missed the point about the 3 year AC warranty!


Ebel

 

If the outty came with skids, alot of people would probaby say get that one. On the other hand, i personally like AC because of the durable machine, good protective skids, good 4x4 and diff lock system, ground clearance, and speed rack system.