i have a 1997 bearcat 454 2wd. bike idles fine but under throttle sometimes get all my rpm band, then other times i dont, its picky and goes back and forth. also feels like it lags on its way up to heavier throttle like 3/4 when it even goes that far. any possible ideas? i dont know much about these as this is my first arctic cat, and ive never had this issue. carb is very clean and gas is 93 octane.

 

Are you sure all the little holes in the jets are spotless? Check your choke for proper operation. Also try using regular gas i had a older machine and it performed worse on prem fuel

 

Inspect the boot between the air box and the carburetor for cracks. Fairly common on older Cats. Could cause a lean condition, but worse can let in dirt, mud, water. My 2001 AC 500 and 2002 ac 400 had cracks in the boots. My mechanic who works on all brands, says that's the #1 thing that kills old Cats. Heads up.