This is my first Arctic Cat ATV, Bought it new. It has 80 miles on it. It does not really sound unusual for the non-observant, but I look for problems. There is a "crackling" noise in the front in when driving at low speeds. It seems like gears turning.... Does anyone have the same, is this normal? There are no performance issues, just a subltle metalic noise in the front end.

 

Maybe the semi metalic front pads running over the cross drilled rotors

 

After looking at it, running a few test, it seems like its something in the engine. Maybe valves. more of a metalic "ting-tang" than a crackle. I know this is not much of a scientific answer, but, I will ride her til she breaks. However, it may be normal. If you did not ride ATVs much you would not notice it. Thanks.

 

Could be the bevel gear and clutchs. THe re-design in '09 makes the H1 motors louder. My wifey's 550H1 is significantly louder than my '08 650H1. Kind of a whrrrrr 'n wind-up and settles into a high pitched whine.

my .02¢

Good luck

 

Yes, thats exactly what it sounds like. I've had an 02 Honda 400 rancher up to now. Not much noise with the rancher. However, not much power either. I rode the AC hard today, around 60 miles with a friend with his Polaris. The Polaris makes the same sound. Since they have similar drive lines, I just figured its the way it is. I love the TRV. Should have bought one a couple of years ago. I think I will always have one in my arsonal.

thanks for the input. Having fun in Mankato....