Hello everybody. I picked up my new 500i Auto this past weekend. Although have not got any real riding time in on it (1 hour), My first impression is WOW! what a machine. I was concerned if the 500i's price was worth the extra $2500.00 plus I would be spending after selling my 2000 AC 300 4x4. I can happily say it definitly was! without a doubt. I loved my 300 4x4 also, I still think that for the money the 300 is the best in its class.You really get alot for your money here. I want to THANK EVERYONE who wrote back to me with my auto vs. manual post.It was truely a very tough decision. My concern was how strong the auto was, But when I heard and saw that Cowboy pulled his suburban and trailer through a foot of snow with his auto that answered my concerns. I also got a great price on it only $6,050.00 plus sales tax. No freight or setup fees. Arctic Cat has really done a great job with these i models.

 

Hey dude , congrats on the new quad I hope you very happy with it , I know I am with my 400i , They are great quads , people wont belive them till they ride them, wish i could have got 500i , but i am happy with what i got. happy trails , CHUNKY

 

I'm glad you like your 500i. I am also considering one of them for my next quad. How smooth is the ride? is it comparable to a sp500?

Also is the new motor in the '03 AC a big difference? Anyother comments on the AC would also be greatly appreciated!

 

Hello all... I'm the proud owner of a 2003 500fis. This machine is unreal!!I've added titan 589mt's,a warn winch, thumb and handle bar warmers, and a set of kc highlight 10000 candle watt lamps. I ride with friends who have honda rubicons, forman 400s,suzuki vinsons,suzuki quad master 500 , the only place these guys beat me is on flat out logging roads. other wize im the one pulling these guys out of the mud holes and snow!!!!I love this thing!!I live in northern alberta canada, so we have a big selection of riding areas. I've yet to find a place the cat won't go!
My only complaints....I still have no brakes im fighting with my selling dealer to put a new master cylinder on, they keep bleeding the brakes but still no better. My seat has torn once,the dealer recovered it right away.and my fully adjustable shack dont adjust without braking the adjuster?????go figure? they are working on fixing that one too. Just thought it would be nice to say hey to some other cat owners.these honda guys sure don't like the cat pulling them out .....lol[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Has anyone had a problem with there brakes fading on them?????If so what did the dealer do for you?

 

Can you tell me the top speed? Please don't tell me a 400 foreman is faster!!!!

 

Top speed is mid 50's on level ground. But, that's all relative to where you are. As I recall, the Cat has roughly twice the ground clearance of the Foreman, and your top speed will be zero if you're stuck.

 

55mph (mid 50's) is 88km/h, which is 3km/h slower than my kodiak, but it would have more power when it comes to hills likely. Plus i think the '03 is a mile or two faster on top.

 

Funny about the shock adjustment tool breaking. My brother in law broke his last week. Its a joke and made out of potmetal I figure, but hey, nobody else even provides an adjustment tool so you really aren't out anything.

 

I was out on the cat today and had her up to 50 mph. top speed down a gravel road. but i have 27 titans on mine.

Funny you should say the shock adjusting tool broke so did mine on day one ! I guess i now know why the dealer said it was on backorder!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] we rode with a guy on a rancher 350..he out pulled me on take off but ran out gears at 45mph.

 

For what it's worth, Suzuki and other manufacturers do equip adjustment wrenches for your shocks. I had to call my dealer and request one for my AC 500i. If you raise the front end first by jacking the frame, it's much easier to crack the adjusting nut for tightening. Once the nut moves, it's much easier to adjust. It's a good idea to spray Liquid Wrench or similar fluid on the area before you attempt the adjustment. Won't hurt to spray the day before doing the job.
Chuck