I've been out of the forums for a while, but definitely not off of my 500i, still rolling along after 1400 miles of rough craggy farm use. But I have a hankering to get something newer, something a bit more powerful, so I'm looking at the 650 TRV. Being able to replace the seat with a rack did it - I can haul my wife or my tools. (but not both, why would you want to?) Given the fact that my 500i has been rock solid and very reliable, I'm really not interested in anything but another Cat.

So somebody with real experience, bring me up to date:

Has the H1 been a reliable engine?

Can the TRV be had with a locker on the front? I've only needed one a few times, but when I did (and didn't have one), it was break out the winch.

Any plans to offer a H1 with a manual transmission?

How is the handling of the TRV as compared to, say, my 500? I'm more interested in rough ground handling than speed on prepared trails. (the 500i is the only quad normally on my trails, it got amusing when a neighbor with a 650 Prairie tried to follow me)

Thanks for any words of wisdom...

--John

 

Hi John, here is my quick thoughts

1) The H1 has been great with the reliability. They dyno spin all there H1 engines for 30 minutes before they install them in an ATV.

2) Only the H1 TRV comes with a front locker.

3) Not that I know of.

4) Handling is even better due to the longer wheelbase and stiffer springs.

I give the thumbs up. My next ATV is going to be a TRV, but I am waiting for EFI [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

H1 reliable? Thats up for debate for sure. Ive read more bad things about the H1 than ANY other quad engine ever. They had issues with blown head gaskets, bad heads and notorious for busting bevel gears leaving you not moving, read posts on here and arctic chat and for sure check out high lifters forums for too numerous posts on H1 problems. Being you want a work horse Id rethink the H1, they seem to do well as a regular atv but when worked hard seem to be breaking a lot.

 

As far as the H1 I am not sure. But as far as the TRV, I can answer that. I bought the 06 500 TRV for my wife. She loves it. Very stable and she says she loves the power. I do know we can both get on and ride together with no problems. I had my fat butt on the back of it and felt very secure. I myself have a V2 650 and feel the TRV is more stable then mine.

 

Well, the 05's were the only ones with head gasket issues, and that was a very small %. I have never read a post about an H1 bad head. Bevels gears have been breaking under extream abuse only, and againa very small %. I am a member at both Highlifter and Arctic Chat as well. Your statement is just false.

 

I think a Cat hater wondered into the wrong area

 

The H-1 has been problem free when compared to the V-2, the pig of the AC line, otherwise it would still be around.

 

The 2006 models are almost flawless, i havnt had a single bit of trouble with mine. I think it was a mistake to drop them for 2007, they had the bugs worked out.

 

Well, I managed the trek to the Cat dealer, and they had a 650 TRV in stock. So I can answer a few of my own questions...

First off, the 2007 H1 TRV definitely has a locker. This one did.

No manual transmission, now or in the future, but I've heard nothing but great things about the Duramatic. So I will finally become a rubber band rider.

Seating is quite adequate, I didn't feel compressed at all by the shorter saddle, and I'm 6'3" with long legs. Back seat wasn't too bad, either - fortunately it's my wife that'll be riding there. Definitely will get the rear rack, that's where the chain saw goes. Let's see... I can haul my wife or my chainsaw... tough choice... that sure has been a reliable saw...

Only real downside is you lose 2 inches of GC, but it's probably worth the tradeoff.

Now, all I have to do is sell the 500i... hate to see it go as it's been so utterly reliable, but the future and people hauling awaits.

 

What do you mean by the pig? I love mine!! oink oink
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