hi all.
I currently have a 1985 Honda Fourtrax 250 2WD beast [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
I am getting an 07 Arctic Cat 700 EFI

What should i expect as improvements?
I know its a mostly open ended question but id like to hear the pros and cons of this bike before the bucks get laid down

thanks

 

yep it's a wide open question so........Hmm let's sum this up:

PINTO compared to a CADDY.........APPLES to ORANGES.....DAY & NIGHT.....

I don't have the 700EFI, but the '08 650 TRV carb'd. I've put over 600miles on mine since I bought it with absolutely NP.
I can't really offer up an "true" opinion on the 700 but it's basically the same in terms of suspention/brakes/frame/typical handling/accessories etc. The technology involved since '85 is a VAST improvement in itself.

IMHP On the +++ side:[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

1. AC's rear independant suspention for ride and ground clearance you just can't believe.
2. The power of my 650 is very good and AC's high torque LOW RANGE is excellent for pretty much anything. (it will push snow like crazy w/my 60" plow)
3. I also really like the built in 2" rear reciever & towing capacity for pulling a trailer around the yard.
4. If the 700 has the speedrack system, then AC also has a great OE lineup for all your possible accessory needs. (excluding my TRV...)
5. Now mind you my TRV is a 2-UP and thus has a longer whlbase, but the ride is excellent, as is suspention travel over rough terrain.
6. I like the electric auto 4X4 sys. - but I trail ride.
7. Like the auto trans.
8. EFI ensures a good mix/start at any elevation.

On the ---side:[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

1. If your into mudd'n/water hole driving - the auto 4X4 sys tends to short out, and I've been told the axle seals leak.
2. '07 and earlier have heavy steering - better in '08 and even better in '09
3. stock tires are poor for handling
4. lots of complaints about the front differential breaking-in-half due to a poor weld around the pin. ('07 and older)
5. brakes are "weaker" compared to others in this class.
6. some report significant body roll & understeer when accelerating thru a turn.

These are just my observations and my opinion based on my experience and what I've reseached before I bought mine.
Bottom line the ALL quads have some issues, and + & -. I luv my AC, and plan to hopefully buy another this spring. And yes the 700EFI is my 1st choice for a single rider machine, that or another 2-Up TRV, in the 550EFI.

 

i just got rid of my ac 375 and bought a 08 cat 700 efi.even thoe i havnt got much time on my new one yet i do like it alot.
pros..much more power
started right up today at 6 deg out no choke no feathering the throtle
beter suspension
liquid cooled for longer life
cons, heavyer
got to leave a batery tender on it.
and my bigest gripe is arctic cat didnt put a backup recoil starter on these machines,what happens when im out on the trail and batery craps out. i hope it never happens but dang,at least on my old ac when it was cold out and my battery didnt have enough amps to crank over i could always trust the handy pull rope.thats why i leave a tender on it all the time.but that can be a pain in the ****[img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img]

 

In addition to that I would add that you will notice that it appears you can go most palces withthe 4wd AC that you could get with the 2wd Honda. Mostly due to the weight difference between machines.

Also, I would be willing to bet the 700EFI will use more fuel than the 250.