I was told that they (AC) went from a 3.6:1 to a 3.1:1 ratio for the 02s. I know that they have more top end and not as much bottom end, and they will out run a 01 by at least 5 mph. I can't spin 27" tires like I could on my 98 either. I rode them all within days of each other 98, 01, and 02 all 500 manuals.

 

Have they really made a difference in the steering ease on the 02 models, because if they have, that ups the Cat's stock big time. Both my 99 and my cousin's 98 turn like crap compared to almost anything. If they improved it by 10%, then it was worth it. Another thing, you think it might be the 8" tires compared to the old 10" 489's? That makes a difference. I would hate to steer Boner's quad down a windy paved road. Nightmare!!!

 

I'm sure the 8" tires would make a difference. My dad has a 98 400 8" 489s on front and it allways steered easier than my 98 500 10" 489s. But I've only drove mine with the 589s on them, 01a & 02m and there is a difference in them. I never really noticed how hard it was to steer my 98 until I sold my 01 and was waiting for my 02 to come in. My dealer let me ride my old 98 (27" vampires) for a couple of weeks. Man I couldn't believe how hard it was to steer. I have rode most of the other quads on the market and it steers easier than most. It does give a little up to the Yamahas, except the older Grizzly & Big Bear.

 

Easiest steering and tightest turning utility I ever rode was an 86 YFM 225. So loose it was almost dangerous. That is yamaha's forte. As far as tires on an AC, I had those 10.5" 495's and they were rough to steer. When I got the Bi-claws up front, it was a lot easier. I think 8's might be the trick here.

Another thing about 4wd systems. The AC is better. My Grizzly isn't near as good in 4wd as my AC was. The limited slip Yamaha gives you is probably one of the worst out for traction. Maybe thats why they steer so easy though. I can't complain on the 660 though, because the diff-lock has got me out of a couple situations that my AC would have been helpless in. Sideways out of a creek with one front in the air? Not a problem. I amazed myself this weekend on that one, and I even had the crappy stockers on.

Still, I think if AC put a lock option on the 500i and popped in a quicker motor to keep points in that drag race category that shootouts seem to over value, then they would have the bad boy atv to beat. 500i just impresses me.

 

The 2002s not only went with new front tires, but the entire front frame design is different. The front stance is probaly alittle narrower with the way the wheels are set (not sure what it's called but the bottom of the tires are narrower than the tops).