LOOKING 2 GET A NEW CAT 1. HOW FAST IS A 500 AUTO? 2. IS THE 500 OK ON BIG ROCKEY HILLS? 3. HOW GOOD IN MUD/SNOW? ALSO I AM 5'8 AND 230 LBS

 

The 500 auto will do around 50 to 55 MPH. Yes it is great imo in the mud and snow, and on rocks . I frequently ride with two 500 autos, and both of the guys I ride with are on their second AC 500s.

 

The 500 Cat has awsome ground clearance and a plush ride over rough stuff. It has a slower pick up than mine but tops out at nearly the same speed 55mph. A person in our group has a 2003 AC500 Auto and he never seems to have troubles with it.

 

is the 5 speed faster?

 

As anyone will say, it depends on the guy sitting on the seat and running the gas, but I will have to say IMO yes the five speed is faster. I have lined up with my father-in-law, and my brother-in-law, on their 07 AC 500 autos and have never lost yet. The manual just puts the power to the ground better than the auto does IMO. In most races with the autos, they end up side by side in the end and I am 5 to 6 lengths ahead. I have traded with my brother-in law, and he still beats me on the manual. The place where I really enjoy the manual is on the trails in Colorado, the ability to shift gears makes the altitude power loss not nearly as noticable.

 

my manual 2002 500 is not faster than my friends 2006 500 auto. we each had 27" tires though which does matter cuz there not the same type of tire. he tops out a little bit faster too,about 54 where i am at 50-52mph. his has 400 miles on it,mine has 3600.

 

I have a 06 500 auto and like it alot - have had 4 warranty repairs (rear brake caught fire!!!) but all in all a well built ATV. Goes +/- 45 MPH, but has plenty of power and good tourqe after about 5MPH. Climbs like a billy goat...more than I am ever going to need. I rode my friends 650 before buying my 500 and felt it had too much power, front end too light and it wanted to raise-up too easy if accelerating fast or going up an incline. The 500 felt more controllable.

 

what about the do not use on hills more then 25% is it bs?

 

heres how i look at it...If i can make it without flipping over then its not too steep. In other words , use your best judgement. ive gone up inclines that are more than 25% and had no problem. if you have stock tires you may be limited though.

 

what about the 650 H1