Just a word of thanks to all who responded to my thread 400 AC vs. Big Bear vs. Kodiak Vs.AC 500. Twice I posted longish responses at the end and while the # of posts went up my responses did not hence this thread. After reading everything I think I will go with the AC 500. Incedentally I wonder how the 500would do in a race with the Big Bear or Kodiak not that it will change my choice. Thanks again and happy holidays.

 

Having an AC 500 for 3 years now (with no break downs), I think your making the best choice. I don't think you will have any regrets. (Lots) of power, great ride, low maintenance, great reliability, and low price.

 

I'm with Irichard, I doubt you'll be sorry. Though I've only had my 'Cat for about eight months now, and 760 very hard miles, from what I've heard from my dealer and others in the area, the 'Cats reliability is up to par. While they don't have the name associated with Honda's reliablility, they also have only been around for 5 years or so. Give them a few more and I think it will be very close between the two. As for the race, I couldn't tell ya. However, I'd venture to say that I'd put money down that you could work them, should the need arise.

Best of luck, and though your decision may vary from now to the time of purchase, I hope whatever you end up with works well and gives you exactly what you want from it.

Happy Holidays All,

Mike

 

I also think you will be VERY happy with the Cat. I DOWN RIGht love mine.

I would be willing to bet the Cat would put the Big Bear down with no trouble at all, but the Kodiak might have a chance. That combo of Auto trans, light weight, and good power would sure make me wonder if it would beat the Cat. Maybe I will find out first hand one day.

 

Depends on how quickly the Kodiak accelerates. The Big Bear wouldn't stand a chance. Same engine as the old Kodiak, and not a speedster by any means. I don't think the 401cc Kodiak is all that fast either. Just probably accelerates better than the old one, and has better handling characteristics. The AC is slow compared to the Griz and Sp500, but not really compared to the smaller quads. 450 Hondas and that sort still have to play catchup. As well as the Traxter. I've heard so much BS on how fast that thing was from dealers, and then ATV Connection shows the shootout where the AC500 whips its *** good in the drag.

 

Andy I can personally tell you that 450's just can't hang with the cat. With my factory tires no 450 can even come close in a drag race(from 27" Mud Bugs - factory tires), but a 450 with 27" Mud Bugs is only about .5-2 mph slower (in topspeed)than my cat with factory tires-- but I still have my throttle limiter set, so I think I can go faster.

Since a Kodiak 401 can Race a 450 thats why I say nothing about which beating which. Maybe one day I will find out. I have a freind of mine that owns a Big Bear 400 Buck Masters, and another freind that ride's his dad's 401 kodiak with ITP wheels and 27" Mud Bugs. It can race neck and neck with a 300 ex untill it tops out and the ex pulls away.