I have a chance to pick up a used 1998 500 4x4 Arctic Cat. Has there been many changes to the 500 since 1998? I thought I read something regarding the rearend in the earlier models? It includes a winch (do not know brand or size) and is priced about $2300 (canadian) cheaper than a new 2001 500 4x4.

I also have a chance at a 2000 500 4x4 for about $1300 less than a new 2001 model. It also includes a winch.

Your replies are greatly appreciated.

 

How many miles do they have?

 

check the gasket going from the ball in the center to the axles make sure you can see the gasket on both side, some 98 did not get them, water gets in them and you end up replacing the bearings, if you can only get one get the new one you never know with used stuff. the new ones ster a lot easer then the 98

 

The rear end is different. The drain plug for the gear housing is tilted upward more on the new models, and they don't have bolt on wheels, so that part is different. Other than that, the only main differences are plushier seat, start in gear, racks shaped a bit different (not an improvement), and the reserve switch is in a lot better place. Same frame, same motor. I guess you get a hydraulic foot brake and 2wd/4wd selector too on the new models.

 

Also, the 01 models have a 1/2 gallon larger tank, black wheels(not gold-- so ugly they are scary), handle bar mounted parking brake(foot brake mounted on 98), and MAYBE different steering geometry.

 

98 models do not have a foot brake mounted parking brake. Even the 98 454's have a handlebar mounted parking brake. Steering geometry on 98's is the same as 99s. 97 models are different. Unless they changed it after 99, then the steering geometry is the same. 98 models also have the same silver wheels that 99 models do. The gold wheels were on the old 97 Bearcats.

 

Irichard,
Sorry to take so long to reply, but my login passwords etc will not work from my computer at home....only at work. Guess I will have to sign up with another name from home.

The info on the quads is pretty skimpy at the moment. I will have to get on the phone and talk to someone who knows these machines before any decisions can be made.

Thanks for your reply.

 

Well that depeneds on if it was an early 98 model or a late one. Just like how the very early 500 models had the current size Titians, but the later 99 models have 26" titians like you and I have.

 

No, still wrong. The 98 454's had the 489 titans and the handlebar mounted brake. Midway through the year, they ditched the 454 and put the 500 in the same body. The changes had already been made to the 454, and when they made the 500, it was identical to the 98 454 except it had 6.5" rear wheels as opposed to the 8". The tires are 99 models only.

When I bought mine in 98, they had 2 99 models, and about 5 98 models, along with a couple 98 454's and 5 old Bearcats. The 500 never had the footbrake mounted parking brake. Only the Bearcats.

 

I never said the 500 had the foot brake. I was also told by a salesman that had a higher price than someone else to look for the differences between the 98 and99 model 500's. I only remeber him saying something about the seat being softer, and the tires, but there were some other things.