I was wondering if anyone could give me their .02 on the 500 auto. I've been kicking the idea around for awhile and would like to know what you think about yours, especially if you traded up from a gear drive AC. How do they swim, I had A Polaris and it hated water (belt wet nogo). Does the cat have any trouble with 2' of water? Although it looks easy to snorkle them. How about burning A flat spot on the belt? Any input would be great. I love my 98 500 with 27" Vampires, but am wanting to upgrade. I like the Idea of not shifting, but want one that works this time. Thanks.

 

mudcat47537,
We have something in common, the 1998 500 w/27" Vamps. I like mine too, has been a great machine with no problems. I was once thinking about the auto too, but my concerns was the same as yours. I never had to worry about water with my manual. We both might get questions answered. Snorkling is probably the answer to the water problem.

 

hey
i can say that i've been in water over my tires, moving right along and had no problems. i know where the tranny drain plug is but have not as of yet needed to use it. the stock vent is a little higher than the wheels and is well protected, though i wouldn't park in rack deep water to see what would happen. some guys around have been in that deep and had no problems either. i'm not positive but i think boner can tell you about it. even if you do slip it all you do is drain it, gun it a few times to blow it out and your on your way. pretty simple if you ask me.

 

I don't understand what you want me to say. I know there was someone that went from an Auto to the Manual on the forums. He said he noticed that the Manual got better gas mileage, was faster, and felt snappier I think.

I also know a guy who is REALY into mudding(bought Grizzlyrule's old 28/27x12 vamps, did all kinda snorkels, got a power kit, lift kit, and a CUSTOM air box) and he said he should have bought the manual, but he is talking about more than 2ft of water too.

Like Scotto and Cowboy said thought, as long as you stay on the gas you will not have a problem. The problem is that if you let off you are in trouble with exhast vent underwater you will get the belt to slip. I personally could not live with that, I normally have this canal where you have to stop in water about fender deep, put it in reverse to turn the bike, then go forward to get out of it. I think it would get water inside with all this start and stoping for me.

IT's your call, But I personally would rather the manual.

 

Yeah I know that stock vs. stock in water the M will win but, for the deep stuf I can put snorkles on it. I just like the Idea of just mashing the gas& going. I really liked the Polaris I had, when it wasn't in the shop. the belt would slip on it from just blasting trough 6" of water. That is how I ended up with an AC, I couldn't sell or trade to anyone but the AC. dealer. So I thought it couldn't be any worse & 2 year warranty, man what A buy. I looked at the Kodiak, it is A nice ride but it would be hard to give up the ride of my Arctic Cat. I rode A 500 auto yesterday, I think that is what I will get.I like the front diff., being able to lock it and all. I don't ride fast any way, if I did I might think harder on the Kodiak. AC. looks easy to snorkle too. Thanks for the input though.

 

The Automatic does not lock, it does shift into 2wd though. I don't find that the AC is easy to snorkel. The overall quad is big, but the plastic makes it alittle hard to snorkel without cutting the plastic.