Anyone aware of any differences between the 00 and 01 AC 500 Auto? I'm itching to buy one and have an opportunity to by an 00 for a good price. I don't want the 00 if the 01 is better for some reason. Any comments? Thank you.

 

Here are the differences I can think of ... Different graphics, wheels are black instead of grey, front rack is a little different, 2001 has metal brake fluid reservoir instead of plastic on 2000. Not a whole lot of differences.

The 500 manual had a lot more changes from 2000 to 2001, the biggest being 2wd/4wd option.

 

i have the black metal brake fluid reservoir on my '00. the other thing is the '01 has a reverse override button on the left hand side under the start button and choke.

 

What is the override button for? To rev the engine higher than it otherwise would? If the 00 doesn't have one, does that mean it will only rev so high while in reverse? That would suck.

 

The '00 models have a safety feature on them that will only allow the engine to "rev" to a certain point, where it then cuts out a bit. This really sucks if you're stuck in a deep mud hole, or backed up against a huge tree and need more throttle to get over. The safety feature kicks in, and you won't get enough rpm's generated to break the tires free and clear the obstacle. The '01 models have the "override" button that allows you to override that safety feature and then get the rpms up where you will get your tires spinning and clear the problem area. I had one time with my stock tires that I really wished I had that option. With the 'Claws, it's not really an issue now, but it would still be nice to have just in case.

 

wish i had that option a time or two myself. i'm going to see how they hooked it up on the '01s and see if we can somehow splice in a switch. can't be that hard to figure out.

 

I just got my 01 auto about a week ago and love it, I traded my 98 500 with no major troubles in on it. The 01 has a Keihin carburetor on it, my dealer has a 00 auto and it has a Mikuni carb on it. We rode last weekend and the 01 would out run it off the line all the way to top end. the 00 has a pipe and jet kit on it too. That pipe sounds good for trail riding but I think it would be to loud for around the house. I have 27" 589's and he has 27" vamps. The rev. override switch can really come in handy if you do a lot of mud riding, to get wheel speed. I considered a 00 auto but I couldn't get a very good deal on it,( different dealer) I would've thought that the dealer would want to move it more than that. My dealer didn't have any 00s so it was not an issue with him. I would pick the best dealer first though because there are some real bone heads out there. Good luck, you cant go wrong with an Arctic Cat which ever one you choose.

 

hey mcat
you gotta let me know about those 589s. do they rub the front shocks any? hit the fenders at all? how about bottom end in high? any difference in braking, steering? let me know, i'm real curious and am looking to get those in the future... thanx

 

What are the ups and downs of the Auto vs the manual??
Did you notice a better ride?
What tires did your 98 model come stock with?
Does one handle better than the other?
Which has more power?
Which is faster?
Do you notice a difference in the brakes?


I know you compared it to a 2000 auto, but I would like to know how you compare it to the manual;.

 

The 589's dont rub the shocks, the fronts will hit the front fenders when jumping, you really have to try though. the best part is the fronts measure a true 9" wide, the tread is flat so you get a nice wide foot print. I had vamps before and the 589's ride a lot better on the trail, I haven't tried any deep mud yet but I think they will do fine. As far as auto vs. manual the auto feels about 100lbs. lighter ( actually 3lbs heavier ) when riding fast on the trails in 2wd. The manual feels like it has more power but the auto does a better job of getting it to the ground. I rode with the guy who bought my old bike and in a drag race the auto will pull it off the line to about 30 mph but then the manual takes it on top end, I would guess by about 5 mph. But the auto will leave it on a race trough the woods, but that could be rider. the auto feels faster though. No difference in the brakes other than master cylinder. I can't tell any difference in ride except tires. I think the auto will be good in mud but the belt vents seem too low. I seen a pic of a auto once that had snorkles on it does anyone know where I can find it. My 98 500 came stock with 25x10 titan 489"s on all 4. I have 27x9 f & 27x11 r.