Hey Andy, I agree about Polaris and Bombardier front ends being better than the AC, but neither of these guys will ever add a locker as they are already considered true 4 wheel drive. I was refering to a more conventional set-up. Its funny you mentioning Honda, I Have owned 4 new Honda autos over the last 6 years and find there autos to have some of the best technology in the industry. It strikes me a little strange that they are in dead last in this area in the ATV business. The one exception would be the tranny on the Rubi.


Cheers Jim

 

I've got a theory I'm going to try on my 500i.

The AC 300/375's had this trick that you could move the 2wd/4wd lever, and turn it into locked.

I have looked where the lever adjusts, and it looks like I could make it so when I push in the lever for 4wd it would push in further, and thus moving the diff engage further. If like the smaller AC's it would then be locked?? I will try and let you know.

Honestly though, the lack of diff lock was importanta to me, and almost stopped me from getting it. But guys, 99% of the riding I do, I'm glad I have a quad that soaks up the trail, and the 1% where diff lock would actually make a difference (although haven't seen that yet) I'll use the hand brake trick to lock it. If the above adjustment to my lever doesn't work, I'll just wait for a diff lock kit to come out. No big deal.

Just my .02

 

Rides4fun:

The differential's on 2000 and 2001 400's and 500's are different than the 250's and 300's. The 400's and 500's only have 2 positions 2wd and 4wd. Do you the 375's have 3 positions? My father-in-law just bought one, but I haven't checked the diff. yet. I checked mine a year ago and was disappointed [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img] Maybe they changed something for 2002, but kinda doubt it. Let us know what you find out.

 

There was a guy on here earlier in the year that went through blownup diagrams of the AC differentials for about a week trying to find a way to do that lever trick on a 400/500 differential. In the end, he found that they were missing some of the parts in some places, and had a little different design. It ended up that there would have to be some major parts swapping between the two to even get close, and then it was pretty iffy on whether you could make the 500 lock. Niteowl found a way to lock the AC 500 a year ago, but this makes it locked all the time, and is virtually useless for anyone that rides a quad like most people do.

 

Andy, I think you guys can forget about the diff. lock system unless you want to wait to see it in future quads. Think about it! This quad has a limited slip tranny. Everything else is just what you want. Add tires, wheels, GPS, colors to choose from, you've got a quad that will match any for overall conditions. Yes, AC! Add colors...
I just hope the seat is comfortable...
Chuck

 

Chuck,
A limited slip TRANNY?I hope this tranny dont slip while mudding/towing or climbing a steep hill.


HUM??

 

***Update***

I will be picking up my NEW 2002 Arctic Cat 500i Manual on Wednesday morning !!! The dealer is trying to find me a 2500 lbs winch. I can't wait. I sure hope nothing breaks down on me. I seem to have a string of bad luck when it comes to new things not working right.

Plus when I get my new quad a friend of mine who works at a honda shop is going to try and get a honda rubicon for a weekend. We are going to go for a ride in the bush for a day, there is about 6 inches of snow, maybe more. Then I'll be able to see how it compares to hondas best. Plus I'll have a digital camera with me. This should be a blast !!! I'll post some pics on the web during the holidays or when I get back on the 6th.

Talk to everyone when I get back !!

 

Bill,I think you have bad info about the locker that this quad has. It locks after sensing the high speed spin at the other wheel. This technology is nothing new. It's just something quad manufacturers don't want to spend added dollars for. If Honda can get away with it, why not others? It's nice to see AC is trying to get the thing right and keep weight, cost down. If the 500cc engine (493cc) can get the rev's, this tranny should be more than you imagine. Especially when coupled with a manual shift trans. There are fundalmental differences in how you or I like to ride. Doesn't make one or the other right or wrong. "Just the fact that we ride".
Bbertram, I think you have pictures of AC Quads, dancing in your head... If you and the Rubicon, guy do get together, don't be a "my quad was better than his", kind of rider. Try to be objective and let us know how well the handling was for you two friends. This utility quad stuff is getting very competitive. Customers are getting a hell of a lot more aggressive than the manufactureres ever imagined. The manufacturers need to catch up!
Chuck

 

I'll try to be objective. I think I will like the honda tranny better but I'll see. We'll be driving on the same terrain, both with stock machines so it should be a fair match up. We'll take turns on each machine. I just have to remember to baby my NEW quad a little bit and not bag the hell out of it.

I have a GPS that tells me the top speed. What I'll do is GPS the Honda because its already broken in and report the top speed and I'll GPS my dads 98 Suzuki 500 Quadrunner. But I won't GPS my quad until its gots atleast 500 km on it. Then I can GPS it with stock tires vs 26 outlaws. Maybe I gain speed maybe I loose speed? I don't know but I'll be finding out in the next few months or maybe even weeks. This is my last post for a little while. Take care everyone and have a great christmas.

 

Even Honda's new Torque Sensing Differential does NOT work as advertised,it was nothing more than a sales pitch.I dont beleive ANYTHING that any manufacturer tells me about their new Diffs until I see it perform myself,including the new A/C.

Bill