I've decided to make a make a subject on the things that suck on or about Arctic Cat. I think that Arctic Cat owners sould be the first group of ATV owners to tell the rest of the ATV world what they don't like about the quads that they use day in and day out (owners of other brands are welcome to talk dirty about Arctic Cat too).

In the past month there have been many Polaris owners that got on Mr. Bill Ciliberti for telling the truth about the bad luck he has had with his quad. So, I want every post in here to be something bad about Arctic Cat, and I don't want anybody geting on someone for telling what they feel needs to be improved on. If you would like to say something good about Arctic Cat go to "Arctic Cat Likes".

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Arctic Cat 500, Not your average Kitty, The New King Of the Jungle

 

They Suck in the following catagories:

1. Worst bunch of unqualified customer service, and TECH REPS in the business, one of which told me that the reason the paint has fallen off of ALL of the welds on my machine is that, and I quote Mr. Delray Phlem,(laision to Mr. Chris Twomey who happens to be the President and CEO of Arctic Cat)"It is a natural phenomenon for paint not to stick to a weld". Now, quit laughing and read on.....
2. Worst support for their dealers when trying to help a customer with a serious defect, not even returning his calls.
3. Worst techniques for customer satisfaction when a major defect has occured, they just turn their back and hope it goes away. We have been trying to remedy this problem since May of this year.
4. "Best" left rear fender leg burner in the business. Whoops, I forgot this was supposed to be negative things.
5. Worst production welding Ive seen in the business, you could cut your hand running it across some of the welds from uncleaned weld spalls.

Stay Tuned for more TRUTH AND FACTS tomorrow.
See my buyer beware posting, and if interested I'll share the Whole story with you all.

 

I have only ridden one a new 500 only thing I saw that got my attention was the extremly heavy steering and a wandering sensation at high speed that was sort of unnerving. Andy Bashem should have some good stuff for this post he seems to be very knowledgable about the cats.

 

I guess my biggest dislike is the heavy steering, but it is mostly due to the large tires my 99 AC 500 has, and would be similar to any quad with a "big foot" kit. Other than that, I really like my quad. Oh, yeah, and I am really upset that they are not free! DAGNAB IT!

I have not noticed any rust on my welds and they seem to be smooth. My father used to be a welder/pipefitter, and he said that they look fine. I'm sorry that you are having problems Buff, and I hope if anyone from Arctic Cat is out there reading these posts they will take notice that EVERYBODY notices when there is a negative post, especially with poor customer service reported, and that they might be LOSING future business!!

Are you sure that this isn't a Polaris thread? JUST KIDDIN'GUYS!!! I really do wish that Arctic Cat had a 4wd system as well thought out as the Polaris system.

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Rob Ervin 99' AC500

 

The 1999 500 steers heavy, but I've narrowed it down to the tires. With more air pressure, steering's not too bad, but the ride suffers if you get too much. I've noticed a couple rust spots on my reverse lever, but it didn't really bother me. My honda has a lot of rust spots that don't affect its performance.

Not proud of the fact that a brand new 98 454 has a carburation problem which continues to persist. I wasn't happy when I bent the inside of my left rear wheel with only 80 miles on the bike(though this isn't actually a defect, just a bad angle to catch a rock). Don't particularly care about the buzzing noise from the gas guage. Don't like the location of the rear gear housing drain plug. (wasn't a problem until yesterday.)

Thats about all I can think of. Really, the only thing that I have found really bad is the 454 that fouls plugs constantly with less than 100 miles. I'd get it again.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

I think the biggest problem with them is that they aren't that popular. Kinda like Kawasaki is now. They still have ok sales, but you don't see near as many people with them. Kawasaki makes a great bike too. Just look at how many posts there are on the kawasaki thread. Honda and Yamaha are always going to be popular. Yamaha has a good sport lineup, and honda is just honda. Polaris is obviously the most popular out. A lot of folks buy them. The place I got my 500 from doesn't sell a lot of bikes. I guess if word gets around that Arctic Cat makes a solid bike, then people will eventually check them out. It takes time to succeed in a market where others have already established themselves. Polaris did it with innovation and advertising. It worked. The other three have just been there since the beginning. I will say this. Bombardier will never have good sales. They cost too much mainly. Why pay 7000 for something when a comparable bike is $1000 less? The Traxter looks ugly anyway. The 650 looks mean, but the price is ridiculous. Get a banshee and modify it.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

Buff my friend,you obviously did'nt go to my post [99 Sportsman]or you'd probably be thinking your quad has very few problems compared to mine.[Not Funny]I just want you to know that I personally feel for your dude,it dont make a differance,make ,model,or whatever,when someone spends that kind of money on something and quality and dealership help is not to be found,you should be pissed.I hope things get better for you. BILL

 

Buff, what do you own?

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Arctic Cat 500, Not your average Kitty, The New King Of the Jungle

 

Robert,
The machine that I own is a 1999 Arctic Cat 500cc 4 x 4 defective paint model(an option that i didnt know I was getting at the time

 

My biggest dislike...hmmmmm...no air conditioner