Looking at buying an AC, but not sure which one would fit me best. I'm an experienced rider, ride a lot of mountain trails, ride with a lot of sport quads. Looking at either a used '05 650 or a new '07 500. Opions on either or both of these rides?

 

Opinions? or Options?



Is that a 650 H1? Or the Vtwin?

Personally, I'd go with the one that has the duramatic transmission. The Vtwin does not have the duramatic last time I checked. If you're considering the 07, maybe save yourself some cash and get the 06. There's almost no difference in the 500 Auto.

 

The H1 wasnt made in 05. The V2 is an awesome machine, with plenty of power to keep up on the straights with the sport quads, but the Arctic Cats arent going to hang with a sport on the tight turns. I love mine. Plenty of pulling and plowing power, and yet still able to reach 70mph

 

I love my V2 also, it's a great trail ready utility. It is however, still a utility. As much as I love it, it isn't going to keep up with a sport quad, turns or straight, it doesn't matter, there is too much of a weight difference.

I would definitely suggest the V2 650 if you will be anywhere near sporties, because the 650 will definitely keep up better than a 500, especially with a few upgrades.

The tranny is not an issue if you take care of it like you should. This means checking your belt deflection (tightness) and putting in new clutch springs will help a lot.

 

The '05 650 is a single cylinder machine, not the Kawasaki motor. The owner claims they were a LE machine that only came in black and that the dealers only got one each in 05. It has 2000 miles on it, but looks and drives really clean. Is that excessive for an ATV?

 

Yes the 650 H1 was made in 2005, that was the first year - I had one of these. 2000 miles is not much, if it looks good. You can tell if someone beat on it or if they just drove down the gravel roads to get that mileage. Yes, the 650 came in black only with front and rear bumpers and nice rims. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I would pick that over the 500 if it is in good shape.

 

Thanks alot. Another question on 650s; is the twin cylinder motor better than the single?

 

The twin cylinder engine will produce more horsepower, but the singe will out pull it. The single has a MUCH better clutch setup. Also, one cylinder is easier to work on then two.