I would like to purchase 2-up ATV this later this Spring.
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]
Can anyone give me their opinions of the AC 550 TRV?

We'd like to do easy trail riding from 4000' to 10,000'. This will be our first ATV.

Thanks

 

I've got a '08 650H1 carb'd. It's a FANTASTIC machine. The wifey & I bought it last summer and have put over 600 miles on it w/NP.

The '09 lineup of 550EFI is very comparable to the 650 in terms of power. I know this cause we luv our TRV soo much we're looking at buying ANOTHER TRV for the wife. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
The EFI will definately be an asset in higher elevations. They've done a few "tweaks" in the steering dept. making the '09's easier to steer. I'm hoping they offer Pwr Steering in 2010.

Here's my 2¢ on the TRV in general in the 8 months we've owned one:

PROS:

1. Power.......and LOTS of it
2. Longer whlbase.....rides BETTER over rough terrain
3. If your "newbies" a great starter machine w/o having to buy 2
4. AC has a good selection of accessory add-ons & bumper choices
5. Built-in winch mount - GET THE WINCH! or put your own on.
6. Built-in 2" towing reciever - pull my other toys around the yard w/NP
7. 10" of clearance due to rear independent A-arm suspension a ++
8. LOOKS......let's face it - It's a damn COOL looking machine!

CONS: & what I did about them......

1. Lack of storage due to NO rear rack. '09 has the rear deck to mount the $300 trunk if you want it. We went w/ the AC Touring Bag instead ,and I added a front tray from MOOSE w/bungie to secure cooler etc....

2. Front 4X4 actuator not working is a common complaint - ours has worked NP, but likes to be finiky from time to time.

3. Poor stock tires - IF GOODYEAR - not sure on DUNLOPS

4. Common LOW VOLTAGE error thru speedo display resulting in a NO START. The EFI's are fussy about getting enough voltage. Tighten the bat. cables and pull the BIG GREEN accessory fuse to reset codes. - a seemingly quick fix.

5. "Weak" brakes have been noted. It's an ALL-IN-ONE set-up at the handbrake. Some like - others hate. I have NP.

I'll throw in a few more things I discovered, but they're no fault of the TRV itself:

The 94" whlbase makes the machine JUST over 8ft.....NO FIT in 1/2ton shortbox!! I had to buy an 5X10 utility trailer.
It has a BIG turning radius. Lots of 3-point turns needed, and DON'T get yourself wedged into a tight spot. It's a BIG machine and doesn't handle like other ATV's.
I found that it has a SMALL capacity stock battery. - I "killed" mine running my winch/lights/handwarmers plowing snow......so I ADDED a 2nd battery under the rear seat - NP since. AC for whatever reason.....DIDN't make an HD battery that FITS in the TRV??

Pretty sure that sums it up. Over all I'd buy another AC TRV in a heartbeat. I luv the machine and IMHP it's the BEST 2-Up made. You'll find they ALL have little problems, and you just have to deside what you can live with -work around - and pass on.
If you can........RIDE ONE and compare it with POLARIS and CAN-AM (the only OTHER 2-Ups)

Hope this helps......... Good luck. [img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img]

RED1
RED2
PLOW

 

Thanks for the detailed response, cups!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Conure

Thanks for the detailed response, cups!</end quote></div>

NP!

I should "clairify" 2 things now that I've re-read what I posted. The Low Voltage issue is in ALL EFI AC set-ups (mainly the 700?)....not JUST the TRV. And the frnt actuator issue is with pretty much ALL 4X4 AC machines 400 - the Thundercat.

Oh and IF you buy one......MANLAW applies: Post some pics of your ride!

 

I drooled over a big black 550 TRV LE at a show last weekend. I can't wait to test drive one. Have to accumulate more funds first.

Can anyone please clarify a couple things the salesman said:

The extended 2-year warranty, which runs concurrently to factory one, does NOT have any deductible. I have read it is $50.

The 550 H1 EFI engine is made by Suzuki. I thought AC makes all the H1's at its new engine plant in MN.

He said he's not heard of any low-voltage problems. Has anyone else run across what Cupsz71 has found?

Thanks

 

Hmmm....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] I too thought that if the engine had a H1 stamp on it it was made my AC?

And yes the warranty DOES have a $50 deductable and DOES run concurrently w/AC's 6month bumper to bumper. I know this first hand cause I got BURNED last month on what I thought would be a warranty repair.

But I've heard that AC is dropping the 6month and going full 2 yr? And throwing in a winch an no cost? Not sure though.

EDIT: the 550 is DEFINATELY an AC motor made in Minn.