Found a clean 2006 Artic cat 650cc EFI for $4800.

Has anyone had one and know of any common problems?

I am leary of EFI??

I am familiar with Polaris machines but know very little about Artic Cat except they are made in MN and have gobbs of ground clearance.

 

ANYONE OWN ONE OF THESE?

 

There was not a 650 with EFI available in 06. There was the 650 V-2 with the Kawi. V-Twin and the 650 H1 with a Cat single. Both models had carbs. Both of these quads were very reliable.

 

Thanks. This one states that it does have the KAWI motor but maybe they are wrong about the fuel injection. Who makes the 500 and 400 model? I hear SUZUKI?

Thanks for the input. I have had two machines sell prior to me going over and looking. I want something similar to a Sportsman so the 500i or larger is what I have been watching for. I just purchased the wife a Sportsman 500 and now I am shopping for me. Cannot afford new so I am looking for a clean used Polaris or Artic Cat.

 

I had an 04 and an 05 V2 with the Kawi motor and they were a blast to ride. They would top out at close to 70 mph. Cat has never had a 650 with EFI and they don't even offer a 650 for 09. The 400 and 500 were Suzuki until the 09 models.

 

RATS! It sold before I could buy it.. I did find a 500i.

 

I've got a '06 650 V2 I purchased new. Now has about 3,000 miles.

Bottom line...it's a real work horse. Not the most comfortable of machines, but when I need something done this is the machine I ride. My other machine is an 800 Can-Am Max. Much more comfortable and a LOT faster, but not the workhorse like the AC. Backbraking is just about perfect and about the best of any machine I've driven (all my riding is in the mountains). Love the lockable front axle too. I haven't replaced the tires yet and that will let it go places I might not attempt currently.

The above said I didn't feel so positive right out of the box after purchase. You'll need to do a couple of things as soon as you get the machine (assuming you buy it). Respring the clutch and tighten the belt (shim). Think I've got red and black springs which makes engagement about 400-500 RPM higher and is easier on the belt, not to mention giving you more torque. That makes belt issues pretty much go away (note- reverse is "high" not low and it's easy to burn a belt while backing if UR not careful). You'll also want to install a new ECU module. I used DynaTec (sp?) which changes several things: removes the 6 degree spark retard off stop, removes the reverse limiter, overrides the limp home mode. I also installed a Dyna Jet carb kit. I'm not a carb wizard and this was the easiest way to get the carbs to 90%. You'll also need to adjust the carbs - warm up, turn the idle way down, turn one carb idle jet in until there is a noticeable reduction in smoothness, turn the screw back out until the engine just runs smooth, then do the same with the second carb, and finally return the idle to normal.

That's it and you'll have a lot of fun riding without issues for a very long time. BTW, the economy is better than outstanding. WAY OVER 100 miles per tank.

Continuing problem areas. Some units (and mine is one) are VERY hard to start when cold. No problem after that first morning start - just that first, in any weather. I've done everything I can think of to correct this including install a primer. Just when I think I've got it I find I don't. The dealer (a wiz if ever there is one) indicates the 650 isn't the only one with the problem and he is as much a loss as I am. I have a couple of more things I want to try, but as yet I'm not there.

Hope this helps and good luck with your decision. The 650 is an excellent machine and will serve you well.

 

One other thing, assuming you are considering a later model AC also. Check the rack tube diameter and frame tube diameter. You'll note the new models have a noticeable reduction in tube diameter. I've got to assume they've tested the new frames and racks OR they are using a stronger steel, but the new ones just don't look as "stout" as those of a couple of years ago. I don't know if there have been "issues" with the newer ones or not, but it's just another data point to consider when making your purchase.

 

I keep forgetting that "one more thing" - the issue of getting old.

You'll need to install the rear sway bar. Improves the handling more than anything else you will do to a 650. Yes, you lose a little articulation, but unless you ride a lot of technical stuff you won't notice. It's worth whatever it costs.

 

Excellent post! Great information.