My wife and I are looking at a new pair of utility quads from the 2002 lineups.

She wants a 400 4x4 and I am looking at 500+ 4x4. We have narrowed down to Yamaha (Grizz and Kodiak) or Arctic Cat (500i and 400i). We both love the ride of the independant suspension (front and rear).

I am attracted by the AC pricing, but have heard some rumors about problematic engines. Aren't they made by Suzuki? Also, I would love to get some testimonials from current owners.

We intend to do some fairly serious trail riding here in Idaho and I will be pulling loads. My wife LOVES mud riding and I expect she'll be neck deep in it at every opportunity.

So, given all of that, what do you all think?

Thanks,

 

I'm looking at the same thing. I haven't seen any pricing on the "i" series on the AC. I like both quads, but I don't need the speed. Just haven't done my homework on what the price difference is because the 500i has not arrived.

 

lookin4quad,
the "i" series will carry a $200 premium over the ACT models.

 

Dstarr, both brands that you have mentioned are excellent machines. I am kind of partial the Arctic Cat myself. I own one. I also live in Boise and I have over 3000 absolutely trouble free miles on my machine, a 2k 500 auto. I bought it at All terrain Sports on the corner of Cloverdale and Franklin. Barbara and Don are the owners and two nicer people you couldn't meet. I haven't had to have machine in for any work on it, but Jerry the shop guy is first rate.

Feel free to email anytime: minehunter@rmci.net

 

You have some good choices to pick from there. I have a 2001 400 and 500 manual arctic cat with about 400 miles on each. I've never heard of any engine troubles from suzuki or AC. I think someone might be feeding you some bad info there. Both have a great ride and are very stable and sure footed in mud and trails. They have very soft suspensions so fast manuvers are a handful at times. I have only experienced trouble with my brake master cyclinder not building enough pressure to stop the 500 quickly. Part was fixed by dealer under warranty. Brakes pads wear very quickly in mud too. I only got 250 miles in my original pads. That however is a common problem with any quad manufacturer. The 400 steers very easy while the 500 takes a bit more effort due to its wider front tires(10" vs. 8&quot. Both have a top speed of around 50 mph (+/- 2mph). The 500 just gets there faster and with more authority. The diffs are very sound but do not offer the true lock up capabilty of the new 2002 Grizzly. Trust me they work almost like a locker, they just a bit of initial slip to fully engage and get you going. The new i models will offer some serious ground clearance of 12". My ACT cats have only 9" of clearance which is usually how I get stuck(high centered). Maintence is very easy on both quads. Oil filter is a snap to change after the first time and everything is easy to get to except the front diff fill and drain but you won't have to mess with that much. I also believe you will be able to get a better deal on an AC vs most of the other quads out there. I know that was the case for all of my shopping efforts. All of those quads you mentioned are very good. i don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Dakota R/T

 

Thank you very much. This is some great feedback.

 

I haven't seen really anyone here with any engine troubles. Maybe a water pump or something over the last 3 years. For the most part, they are extremely strong. They are not crotchrockets though. Most other big quads will out accelerate them. The new i series is going to be nice. That will raise the bar as far as what AC can give you. Massive clearance, and the most suspension travel of anything out there. The locking diff. is something that catches the eye of some avid atvers, but its nothing that you couldn't live without. Not even needed in regular trail riding. I don't have it, and I have gotten by for a good while. It does help drastically in loose or uneven hillclimbs and in deep nasty mud. I don't see it being a must for the average Joe.