Well, I went to pick up my parts for my cat yesterday and guess what I saw when I showed up. About 6 2002 400 4wd and a 2002 240 4wd.

All I can say is that all my disappointments about Arctic Cats when I first saw them are gone. At first I was disapointed because there wasn't a larger motored bike with a locker to compete with the others, but the extra advancements I see on the 2002 models showed me that Arctic Cat inproved what they had before starting something totally new.

Here is what I noticed on the 2002 ACT models (400 in this case)
1.New seat is SUPER soft,but wider. (personally don't care for it being wider)
2.Redesigned floor borads. They give you more place to put your feet at, but I saw no problems with the old ones.
3.Redesigned foot brake. placed more out of the way-- still sucks tho
4.Arctic Cat made front differential.
5.linkage reverse lever (no more cable)
6.new muffler design
7. 2 extra inches of frame clearance (chart below)
8.larger overall rear tires
9.moved seat latch location to the rear (I don't like that too much)
10. better front rack design
11. softer front shocks with less compression dampening
12. new fan (I like it much better)
13. ALOT less fender rivits
14.Stiffer fenders (possibly because of fender flares
15. New front suspension design (round instead of square tubing)

Differeces on the 250 4wd:
1.Arctic Cat made front differential
2.linkage operated foot shifter (no more cable)
3. The same reverse lever change


These differences are all that I found noteable and not so obvious when looking at the specs, pictures, and other info avalible.

Measurements:
2002 250 4wd
Front tires: 22.25
Rear tires : 22.5
Front frame: 9
Mid frame : 8
Rear diff : 8.75

2002 400 4wd
Front tires: 24.25
Rear tires : 25
Front frame: 12.5
Mid frame : 11
Rear diff : 8.375

2001 500 4wd
Front tires: 24.5
Rear tires : 24.5
Front frame: 10.5
Mid frame : 9
Rear diff : 8.5

Now the 2001 500 didn't have a rear diff skid, thats why it has more clearance even tho they share the exact same rear axle.

You can see that Arctic Cat is claiming the 10.75" of clearance at the middle of the frame, not at the diff. You can also see that the 2002 has ALOT more ground clearance.

Now, here is something I got in my e-mails tonight. I am gonna keep the person's name secret, but I can tell you that he is an employee of a very large ATV company and his statements below are totally true:
Any questions?? And if it has to do with the locking front end, I have no idea. I tried to move the 250's front diff to the 2wd position but found it extremely hard to do with the little 2" long lever that is on the diff. You will realy need the 2wd kit,that sells for $50 bucks, if you want to get the 2wd option.

 

I forgot something. I found a problem that can EASILY be fixed, but could possibly hurt your bike if not fixed. The Vent line that runs from the gastank is WAY to long. It's so long that it hangs near the upper a-arm mounts. If you leave you bike parked in water idleing it could suck water in threw here, so I would cut it about a foot shorter if I were getting a 2002 model.

 

You didnt see any of the i model did you? I cant wait to see the 500i. By the way BONER I can get on highlifters web site, it says it cant find the sever which really sucks because I have to read these forums. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

Rips-
Funny you mention that server bit-I've been having that same problem both with the atvconnection, and MSN as well! Both yesterday and today as well, keeps saying "server cannot be found" for some reason. You say you've been having problems like that at H.L. too??? Wonder what's up lately with this server crap. Even with a DSL line, it's slower than normal as well.

BTW-Can't wait to see the new "i" models either and test ride, see how they feel. My dealer just ordered them yesterday, but they won't arrive till October. Granted, I still need the solid axle for my towing needs, but hey, there's always Dad's 'Cat????

Best of Luck Guys, and Thanks Boner for the review!

Mike

 

What do you mean by linkage reverse lever? I haven't seen the 02s yet but from the brochure pics, it looks like the reverse lever that was on the right side of the gas tank is gone. Is it still there and i couldn't see it or is it actually relocated. And is the 2wd and 4wd lever changed to that one on the left fender? I have two more questions too that have been bugging me: 1) what is that round thing with a cross through it on the back where most quads have their storage? 2)are the '02s "shift on the fly" 2 to 4wd or does the quad have to still be stopped?

Thanks
NeWf

 

NewF-
You never have had to come to a complete stop to shift from 2-4wd. It has always been shift on the fly. Basically, just let off the gas a touch, pop in or out of 2-4wd, then hit the gas again, no stopping required. I actually find it harder to shift from 2-4wd and back again while completely stopped-like the gears are holding it "locked in" or something. Most times I can't pull it back out of 4wd unless I am moving.

Going from high to low range however is a different story-for that, yes, you do want to stop first.

Best of Luck with your other questions,

Mike

 

<< What do you mean by linkage reverse lever? I haven't seen the 02s yet but from the brochure pics, it looks like the reverse lever that was on the right side of the gas tank is gone. Is it still there and i couldn't see it or is it actually relocated. And is the 2wd and 4wd lever changed to that one on the left fender? I have two more questions too that have been bugging me: 1) what is that round thing with a cross through it on the back where most quads have their storage? 2)are the '02s &quot;shift on the fly&quot; 2 to 4wd or does the quad have to still be stopped?

Thanks
NeWf >>



Well, the 2001 and older models used a lever on the right side with a cable that went all around the bike to the left side of the motor. Now, there is a left side shifter with a solid bar that is shaped to fit. No more cables to snap/stretch or anything else. Much much better. So, they removed the right side shifter.

I believe only the 98-99 model 300s had 2wd selectors on the right side, all the others-- to my knowledge-- had right side 2wd selectors.

That round thing with the cross on it is the storage box cap.

 

you are right about the 98-99 models. It was on the right fender, and it was just a pull cable thing. Really really cheap looking. It was better than nothing though.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. I am dying to see the 2002's for myself. I am pretty sure that the 02 500 Manual ACT is the bike I will be purchasing next spring. ACs always seemed like good bikes and now that the 02's are even more improved, it just goes to show AC's dedication to producing a top notch product. I think they are to be commended for their design and on going success.

Cowboy: thanks for correcting my mistake about the 2-4wd. I have never drove one for myself yet and for some reason I thought that I had heard that it wasn't shift on the fly. My bad.

NeWf