Question.AC500....Kodiak450
Jun 18, 2007 | 06:40 PM
#1
Thread Starter
|
Trailblazer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Question.AC500....Kodiak450
Hi all,
i was wondering if anybody could tell me if the ac500 is that much more powerful than a kodiak 450?I had an 03 kodiak450 and it was nice bike.Moving forced the selling of the bike,but i want to get another quad with a bit more power.I'm just a trail rider,mud,woods.I think if the 500 isn't that much more power than maybe an h1650 might be on tap!But i think a 500 should do me.Like you said Buck to much power is no good.To much of a hit with the big bores.And also Atv magazine really ripped the 500 for poor handling.They say anything over a casual pace it felt unstable.I just can't believe that!If it was that bad they would'nt sell right?The more i read these forums the more i see problems more with other brands of quads.And i'm slowly gett'in sold on AC.You boys out there are hav'in to much fun with these kittys,and i think i need one.Ok,any info.would be helpful thanks.
i was wondering if anybody could tell me if the ac500 is that much more powerful than a kodiak 450?I had an 03 kodiak450 and it was nice bike.Moving forced the selling of the bike,but i want to get another quad with a bit more power.I'm just a trail rider,mud,woods.I think if the 500 isn't that much more power than maybe an h1650 might be on tap!But i think a 500 should do me.Like you said Buck to much power is no good.To much of a hit with the big bores.And also Atv magazine really ripped the 500 for poor handling.They say anything over a casual pace it felt unstable.I just can't believe that!If it was that bad they would'nt sell right?The more i read these forums the more i see problems more with other brands of quads.And i'm slowly gett'in sold on AC.You boys out there are hav'in to much fun with these kittys,and i think i need one.Ok,any info.would be helpful thanks.
Jun 18, 2007 | 07:48 PM
#2
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Question.AC500....Kodiak450
cedarbush,
My best advice is that you visit both dealers and take a test ride on each. Even if it is only in the parking, it will give you a feel for each machine. Best yet would be to find a dealer that sells both. These quads are physically quite different in size and stature so comfort may be a deciding factor. Another quad to possibly consider is the new Suzuki 450.
The AC500 may have a slight power advantage but being a larger-framed, heavier quad negates that advantage. If you are looking for a quad that can ride through the nastiest terrain, the Cat can't be beat. The Kodiak 450 could probably get through the same terrain but not with the ease of the Cat. I have found Cats relatively hard to steer so I think the Kodiak would be the more nimble of the two.
I wouldn't place too emphasis on the poor handling comments. The 10" of suspension travel and 12" ground clearance contribute to the handling concerns. If you stiffen the spring setting on the front shocks, it should help with cornering. AC also sells an accessory "sway bar" that improves the cornering/handling but you lose some of the 10" travel. These test riders are not trail riding, they typically bash an utility quad than does not perform like a sport/util or sport quad.
Test each quad - you are the best judge.
PS. The AC 650 H1's does not have "scary" big bore power, it just pulls like heck. Very easy to handle and doesn't weigh much more than the 500.
GH
My best advice is that you visit both dealers and take a test ride on each. Even if it is only in the parking, it will give you a feel for each machine. Best yet would be to find a dealer that sells both. These quads are physically quite different in size and stature so comfort may be a deciding factor. Another quad to possibly consider is the new Suzuki 450.
The AC500 may have a slight power advantage but being a larger-framed, heavier quad negates that advantage. If you are looking for a quad that can ride through the nastiest terrain, the Cat can't be beat. The Kodiak 450 could probably get through the same terrain but not with the ease of the Cat. I have found Cats relatively hard to steer so I think the Kodiak would be the more nimble of the two.
I wouldn't place too emphasis on the poor handling comments. The 10" of suspension travel and 12" ground clearance contribute to the handling concerns. If you stiffen the spring setting on the front shocks, it should help with cornering. AC also sells an accessory "sway bar" that improves the cornering/handling but you lose some of the 10" travel. These test riders are not trail riding, they typically bash an utility quad than does not perform like a sport/util or sport quad.
Test each quad - you are the best judge.
PS. The AC 650 H1's does not have "scary" big bore power, it just pulls like heck. Very easy to handle and doesn't weigh much more than the 500.
GH
Jun 19, 2007 | 02:13 AM
#3
Trailblazer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Question.AC500....Kodiak450
1 of my friends has a Kodiak 450. Stock v stock both '07's, the AC 500 is quicker and faster. I was kind of surprised at this b/c the AC is heavier. I can also wheelie mine, but not real easily, and that is with a front brush guard and winch. The 450 is almost impossible to wheelie, and it does not have a winch or larger bumper. The 450 is lighter, handles a little better, and steers better. I would still take my AC over the Kodiak. I love the 500, but if I could do it again I would have talked the wife into letting me get the 650 H1. Maybe I can get something a little bigger next year and let her have the 500. GET THE AC!!!!!!!
Jun 19, 2007 | 10:05 AM
#4
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 0
Question.AC500....Kodiak450
The AC can handle considerably better. Just takes some time and patients. If you want to invest about $180 the handling can run with the best of them including SRA's. Cheap fix as compared to other machines trying to get the clearance and wheel travel of the AC.
A good starting point on the AC handling is to adjust the air pressures and preloads.
The AC is tall and heavy, and puts alot of force on the front tire while turning this causes the sidewalls to roll-under. The biggest thing is to get rid of the 'roll-under', 6ply tires help but not really needed, what is needed is more air in the front (you can also add tubes in the front (cheaper than 6ply tires). Staying with the stock 25" tires helps too - tall tires have more sidewall. (e.i. 50 series car tires vs 70 series car tires). Why taller tires - already have 12" GC, if you need more then maybe HighLifter springs - 1-2" lift. - stiffer and the ride and handling may deteriorate but you will have more GC....
A good reference point is to put:
front tires 8lbs of air - rear tires 5lbs of air.
front preloads on the softest - rear preloads on next to softest or middle setting.
From there you adjust for push or loose. (soft is grip - stiff is slide (loose)), if it oversteers then soften the rear, if it understeers then stiffen the rear.
You do not need a swaybar! With wheel spacers ($180, also cheaper than a set of 6ply's, with a benefit factor of 2 and 3 times) you can get the thing to feel like a 'go-cart'.
A good starting point on the AC handling is to adjust the air pressures and preloads.
The AC is tall and heavy, and puts alot of force on the front tire while turning this causes the sidewalls to roll-under. The biggest thing is to get rid of the 'roll-under', 6ply tires help but not really needed, what is needed is more air in the front (you can also add tubes in the front (cheaper than 6ply tires). Staying with the stock 25" tires helps too - tall tires have more sidewall. (e.i. 50 series car tires vs 70 series car tires). Why taller tires - already have 12" GC, if you need more then maybe HighLifter springs - 1-2" lift. - stiffer and the ride and handling may deteriorate but you will have more GC....
A good reference point is to put:
front tires 8lbs of air - rear tires 5lbs of air.
front preloads on the softest - rear preloads on next to softest or middle setting.
From there you adjust for push or loose. (soft is grip - stiff is slide (loose)), if it oversteers then soften the rear, if it understeers then stiffen the rear.
You do not need a swaybar! With wheel spacers ($180, also cheaper than a set of 6ply's, with a benefit factor of 2 and 3 times) you can get the thing to feel like a 'go-cart'.
