Not that top speed is all that important I was wondering what the top speed is on the 2002 500i? is it any differant than previuos year(s) 500's? Thanks to all who have replied to my atomatic vs. manual question so far. It is a hard decision.

 

The i & ACT have the same rear gear ratio, so the speed will be the same. I'm thinking 54.7 is what mine does that is on the GPS the speedo reads about 60. This is faster than a lot of (sport utilities) but not in the ballpark of the 660, 650, 700 cc quads. I ride with a lot of 600 grizzlies, 450, Rubicons, and Kodiaks, it is faster on top end than any of these quads. 500ho and Wolverine is just a little faster. But it is plenty fast and bring tears to your eyes.

 

Hey CrazyCat,
I've heard from others that 53 mph is IT. But if mudcat was using GPS, then I'ld have to say 54.7 . OK, I've asked this before, but was never answered. What kind of trails are you guys riding on where, you can get up to top speeds? The other week there was a part of trail, where we got upto around 45, but that was it, and IMHO that was too fast on an ATV. I can't even imagine doing 54.7 (or 65-70 on some of the other bigger bores). That just seems plum crazy to me. Yeh, I know hypocritical coming from someone who was trying to go up WAY TOO STEEP of a hill, and you know the rest..... But seriously, are these dirt roads? Usually I'm on technical stuff barely breaking 15/20.

I agree with mudcat, at least for me, it's fast enough, also on the part about the 2002 AC500 ACT and IRS being the same here. I just don't get the top speed thing at all on util ATV's. Maybe, I'm spending too much time on mountain/powerline trails?

 

We ride a lot of strip mine pits around here, they have really wide haul roads. We ride right from our house and usually end up taking a haul road back for a couple of miles. When we hit these it is everybody for themselfs all out drag race back to the house. It is just another way to be competetive with your friends. I actually know a guy that went and traded his brand new 450s for a rubicon because I out ran him back every time. It didn't do any good, I can still take him. We also hook them up back to back and see who can pull who, it's nice to have a heavy quad for this.
As far as the speed I run 27" tires & they will change the final drive ratio, therefore giving higher gearing and higher top speed. This is only true if you have enough power to turn them the same speed.

 

thanks mudcat, I've always wondered, and never quite understood the top speed part. I could definately see myself wanting a little more umph in that scenario. Still not sure if I would feel comfortable going much more 45-50 on an ATV though.

thanks again, I can now understand the top speed guys more

 

I have a 2001 auto and have checked it out with a gps for top end. You will get about 53-55 mph on a flat packed surface. This is plenty fast for any trail running. Incidently, the speedo says about 60 so don't rely on it being accurate. You will be able to keep up and outrun most quads except the 600's or larger models. The 500 sportsman and ho are only about 2mph faster but they can't handle ANY WATER without belt slippage. I know this because my buddy has an 01 sportsman. Incidently, my quad is stock with a winch as the only add-on.