I thought I had my mind made up on a BB, but then I saw the the M4 500 cat. Im' trying to decide between an M4 manual shift 500 camo, or a BB 400 exploring edition, I like to mud, but I dont want to be dissapointed that the BB tops out at 45 to 50 mph. I have gotten to ride a BB and loved it, Only got to go 30 t0 35, because of the size of the track. I do not know alot about Cats, longevity, the weird trail riding characteristics I keep reading about. I was wondering if any one can shed some light for me on CATS, and the manual auto shift if possibe, or any info in general, the good, bad and ugly. I also have read about a bevel gear breaking, and the 08's have a special hatch to access this gear, what the hell is a bevel gear and why are they breaking. Sorry for the long post. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

the bb would be the best mudder, with the stock mudlights and super-low first gear. in my opinion yamaha is a lot tougher, and you could get some performance parts for a bb to make it go faster. (i was going to get one, but decided on the grizz 700.) i'm not sure what the price difference is though.
also you MIGHT get some other replies baised towards cats because of the section that you posted in.

 

what made you go for the grizz over the BB, HC 93

 

I rode a 400 BB and owned a 350 BB both do 45mph tops, The 400 has power it,s just that its gearing is low. At 45 it will be screaming and you will be begging for a 6th gear. I rode a 500 AC (belt Drive) and it will cruise at 50-55 without feeling like its going to self destruct. Not sure about the manual though.

 

i was tired of getting smoked by all my friends, and i had always wanted one of the 660s, but when the 700s came out, i wanted it. i won't be able to get mine for a few months though. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

If you want quility go with the Arctic Cat. I have put my 05 500 M4 auto through hell. The only problem i have had is the gas gauge stopped working. Most everything is built to last on AC. The Yamaha all parts are plastic and they need to be lubercated. And half the **** you cna't get to with a greese gun and it you do you bust the greese zerks off.
AC is sealed there is no need to greese anything. I wish it had a park geer.
but if you do alot of mudding i would say go with the Griz, its alot lighter
if u want a work horse go with cat.
I have the 700 griz and a 500 m4 AC both have good and bad but stranght the AC has more behind it.

 

BB is a great machine. My old man has a 2000 500 AC and it is still kicking like new. I think if you do a lot of mudding the AC would be better, 12" ground clearance sure helps.