My wife and I ride our Cats 95% of the time on trails. From forest trails to the Colorado Mountains both Cats perform very well. No they are not the fastest but how fast do you go trail riding? I prefer the automatic for trail riding myself. Unless you do a lot of deep-water crossings or want to be a sub, you will not have a problem or complaint with the simplicity of a belt drive. I personally have had my Cat in water over the stock tires for extended periods with NO problems with the belt. However much more I probably would have some belt slippage.
I think the Cats work good for trail machines, they have a good ride, dependable, decent ground clearance, large rack capacity, disc brakes, and very low maintenance.

 

First off-Bahnerman, Badhabits-Good post!

Secondly, it has been said that the best SPORT/utility is the SP500, while the best sport/UTILITY is the AC500. With that in mind, one needs to consider the fact of exactly what the AC 500 is-a UTILITY machine. If spirited, fast paced trail rides are your thing, and you don't want a 2wd machine, the Kodiak might be your best bet. However, the term "trail ride" needs to be addressed-I've just touched on the bit about the "fast paced, more spirited" trail rides as being more of a 2wd type ordeal. However, the types of trails I ride are probably much like BadHabit's "Goat" trails. When he says "Goat" trails, I'm feelling pretty confident believing he's out riding exactly that-goat trails. I run a lot of deer and elk trails myself, and if you've ever hunted deer or elk, you'll know right away that these supposed "trails" are often times hard to find, let alone hard to follow. It's the places like these-the "goat trails", the "deer and elk trails" and the "dag nabbit, I've got to bust my way through this steep, rocky, thick brush, downed timber, small trees, whatever the case may be to get back to a clearly defined trail" where the AC 500 really shines. Even a quick glance at the big 'Cat will tell you the machine is built to work. The high torque rating at a relatively low rpm, with a relatively low hp rating means one thing-work. This also translates to great hill climbing ability over any and all terrain you can think of. Then, like a few others mentioned, if you really want to enjoy the outting, you'll pack on loads of gear and food for a picnic out in the middle of nowhere to enjoy lunch in some pristine country somewhere off the beaten path where those "spirited trail machines" dare not follow. So basically, to those who say the AC 500 is not a "trail" machine, I say whoa there stallion, come ride with me for a day we'll see just what my big 500 'Cat can or cannot do on the "trail". Hell, I'll even go one step further in betting that only few will follow and I guarantee there won't be a 2wd machine within miles unless I'm packing him on my back rack.

As for competing against the Grizzly, again it depends on what type of "trails" you'll be riding. If they are the wide, relatively smooth, long strait stretches with the occassional mudholes, or hell, the "motor cross" style as mentioned previously-no, you won't be able to keep up with the Grizzly. He'll beat you hands down in one thing and one thing only-speed. It's a well known fact the 'Cat isn't built for speed, so if you plan on keeping up with the Grizz on those types of rides, you'd be better off with an SP500, or the HO version. However, if you get off into the types of trails Badhabits and I ride, the tables will be turned. The poor front diff. on the Grizz will be stuck in a rut or up against a tree root somewhere, while you'll be waiting on top of the hill. Yes, the newer front diff's on the 500's are that damn good. If however that Grizz is locked, like GrizRick, then yeah, the tables will be more even. (Had to mention Ricks new "locker"!)

And yes, I have one more thing to say-the post about the auto needs to be addressed. If you have an auto, regardless of what brand, model, etc., whether it be a Kodiak or Grizz, the SP lineup, or even the 'Cat, you've got to know how to ride in water to avoid slipping the belt. Keep on the gas, you won't have a problem-period. As a general rule for instance, I'm always in low range when going through deep mud or water, with just enough throttle to keep me moving while allowing enough exhaust gasses to keep the belt dry. There is no need to go blasting through a deep mudhole anyway, chances are you'll wind up getting stuck worse than if you're going slowly. When I say deep mud or water, I'm talking rack deep or deeper-well over the vents for the belt, and not having a problem. Take a look at some of Scotto's pics for instance-he's riding in some very deep water/mud on his auto's with no problems what so ever. Now, let off the gas, try to just crawl through and yeah, you will get water in the belt and end up with slippage. The one and only time I have ever slipped my belt was when I drown the entire machine in the river, completely over my own head. The engine died, sucking water in everywhere, including the belt. Upon swimming it back to shore and towing home for inspection, there was over 2" in the housing. But guess what-that's exactly what that little 12mm bolt is for on the bottom of the machine by the floorboards-a drain hole. Pull that bolt, your problems are gone. If the water is slight, neutral with a little gas will quicly dry the belt and you'll be on your way in just a few seconds. The key to everything while underwater is keeping on the gas. It pressurizes everything, the exhaust forces enough air out to prevent water from coming in, you won't have any problems at all, period.

Sorry for the soap box here, I'm getting tired of the "myth" that autos can't go through water, deep mud, or do any kind of work without slipping a belt or having problems. No matter what the brand, if you know how to ride the machine, you won't have any of those types of problems.

Best of luck and happy "trails"-whatever they might be,

Mike

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I just needed to hear that yes,they do fine on the trails and sometimes great. If the finances work out, it'll be the 500 auto. Thanks again.

 

Well saying that Arctic Cats are not good "trail quads" and saying that they are not "sporty" quads is totaly different. If you are into leisurely rides, then I don't think you can beat the Arctic Cat brand. But if you are into sporty, aggressive trail riding, then you might want to consider the Rancher, Kodiak, Grizzly and Sportsman series.

The Cats can be riden very aggressive, and do in my case. But there are better choices out there for this type of riding. The lacking top speed and body roll are the main reasons. But the weight and 10" wide front tires don't help either.

So if you are looking for a nice riding leisurely ride, GO with the cat. If you are wanting to race with your freind, you might want to look else where.

 

packing him on my back rack....lol. you can toss one on the front for good measure.....
truthfully, i think i'll realize this cat's full potential when i upgrade my tires. soon i hope, i'm sure that is the limiting factor for what i do. some places i have to winch my self up will be a thing of the past, i'm thinking.

 

Go with a shifter if you buy a cat, I love the cats, but the 500 auto is not the one for deeper mud or water. I am trading mine for a 400 shifter, after two trips to the shop for bearings and seals, the 500 can stay there,an expensive trade.

 

I agree with OTTO, buy the 500 Manual. I bought the '01 the first week my dealer had it last summer. I have been very satisfied after I got used to the suspension. On my first major trail ride, my friends on their hondas laughed and said we'll have to pull you out of the first hole. At the end of the day after pulling out three of their hondas, one of my friends said, " I think I bought the wrong machine."