BamnBamn-
The fan on the 'Cats runs all the time when the key is "on", whether the engine is running or not. When crossing deep water with the fan on, the friction of the fan turning in the water will blow the fuse-yes, that is true. If you think about it though, that is a good thing, as it prevents any water from the fan being thrown onto the engine, possibly drowning it out-same reason you always disconnect the fan on your truck when crossing deep water. A lot of the guys have installed a "fan off" switch, that they shut the switch on to shut the fan off for crossing deep water, then flip the switch off to turn the fan back on when the water crossings are done. This eliminates the fuse problem. Myself, I've been in rack deep water a lot, and not blown a fuse yet. part of it might have to do with the winch up front, and going slow in 4-low, keeping the "rolling wave" of water in front of you, rather than right in the middle of it-I don't know, I'm just guessing on that one.

As for the clutch bearing problem, seems lately several guys have been having troubles with this. When you pull the tranny housing off, there is a small bearing that the drive and driven pulley rods slip into. They are stuck in the outter case housing themselves, and are relatively easy to replace. Again, I have over 1,200 miles on my 'Cat-over 900 with the huge 27" 'Claws, running in rack deep water, even flooded the tranny with a couple inches of water when I drown the thing completely once, and still haven't had a problem with the bearings. I checked them thoroughly when I tore it apart for "Minehunters tranny trick" clutch mod, they look great, so I haven't worried about it.

Now, as for your "tippyness", I hate to be rude, but that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard! The 'Cats are by far the best strait axle quad out there at keeping all 4's planted on the ground, thanks to the patented "ACT" rear swing axle technology. To date, the two best machines at keeping all four's on the ground, are the SP500 (IRS) and the AC rear swing axle quads. Even thew new Griz with IRS can't compete at keeping all fours on the ground against the AC. When you talk "tippy", I immediately think Kodiak. I've ridden with nearly every quad out there (except the new '02 models), the Kodiak is by far the tippiest quad I've seen. It has no prayer in following my path when the terrain really gets tough. In fact, the two machines I've ridden with the most, don't even both to try following anymore-they see which way I'm going, if it gets really bad, they find another way around. Both have been rolled a couple times now, and this was not the riders fault.

However, if you are associating "tippyness" with "body roll" due to cornering at high speeds, that is another story. There is no sway bar on the rear of the AC's, and no, they do not corner very well at high speeds. If you like power sliding, flying around corners, stuff like that, look elsewhere, the AC is definately not for you. Hell, speed is not their "forte" by any means-top speed will be mid 50's, maybe closer to 60 with the new '02s, but not sure yet. They are a pure utility quad, and at that, few compare, especially on a dollar per dollar basis. If this slight body roll at high speeds does bother you though, there is a very easy fix for that. Simply cut a couple pieces of pipe, or pvc for that matter, and use this "spacer", to place under your lower flat base plate on the spring/shock assembly. This new 1/4"-1/2" spacer will essentially stiffen the springs, preventing the machine to "give" as easily. I had to do this originally to gain back lost clearance from a sagging front end due to the heavy weight I carry. Along with the installation of the spacers, not only did I gain back my lost clearance, and then some, but it also made the machine handle quite a bit differently on the trail. It takes corners much better at higher speeds now (still not sport quality or speed by any means mind you), but for a utility quad, it moves pretty well. It also feels more "sure-footed" if that makes sense at all, over the really rough, rocky terrain often encountered when running deer or elk trails.

Anyway, if you have any other questions, comments or concerns, don't hesitate to ask, I-or anybody else on this board for that matter-would be more than happy to try and help.

Best of Luck,

Mike

 

Cowboy;
Thanks. You've given me a lot of good information. It's nice to here from somebody without all the rhetoric. I'm a trail rider not a speed demon and need a good riding bike that is reliable. It looks like I will have to give the Cat some serious consideration along with the Grizz and Kawwi. I'll be watching the Cat forum more closely now. Good quading.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Tippy? Maybe some notice body roll if you try to ride it like a 400ex, but in technical rough situations, its as stable as it gets. I think that my 660 is as stable or possibly more, but thats just because its like 49" wide in the rear track with the Tri-Claws on there. In stock form, the AC is possibly the most stable quad you can get. Slap some offset rims on it and you will have to really try to flip the sucker over. I've flipped my 500 one time in 3 years, and that was in a spot that only one of those 8 wheel "freak of nature" quads could go without flipping.

The only real thing I could say to knock an AC quad is that they steer heavy. You can't harp on it not being super fast because its every bit as fast as say, a 450 honda. And nobody really bitches about the 450's speed being a downfall.

I'm selling my 500 to pay off most of the new quad. If I get a different job in the next month, I may not even sell it at all. I do like the AC. I've had the Grizzly almost 2 months, but I will still ride the 500 some as well. If it weren't for speed, ground clearance, and the locking differential, I wouldn't have even wanted something else. The 500i will be the best 500 you can get I think. Check out that picture of the rear end articulation sometime. Its on a massive rock and the freakin rear rack is still level. Who can beat that?

 

Hey guys ! Does anyone here have a 2002 model yet? Not the " i " but the " ACT ." I'm wondering how the 2002 model differs from the 2001 models for performance, trail manners and such? How about some pictures of the new 2002s with some big tires? Once I get my cat I'll take some pictures of it with my outlaws and chome and black rims and my all my other toys. I just can't wait, I want my new quad. I still love driving my Suzuki 500, its awesome on hills and mud.

What do you guys think of chrome rims? I think they are pretty cool and look good on quads. If I get the red cat then I will be getting straight chrome. If I get the green cat then I will get the black and chrome. Better run now.