Utahrancher, there are lots of people who care. Just because I have a 4wd doesn't mean that I don't like to go fast, it shouldn't mean that I can't pass my buddies on a dusty road. Why do some people think that if you buy a 4x4 you should be afraid to open it up and see what it will do?

Top speed and acceleration are two very important factors for me when buying a quad. Why? Because if there's a couple of miles of diet road before the next bit of slow trail, I don't plan on being behind sucking up the dust. The guys with the 350 ranchers or the old Kodiaks can do that if they want.

Why else? Because it's also a measure of the power of the quad. A quicker machine will likely be a better hill climber then a sluggish machine.

Bigdcred,
You're right, I've never personally seen a Rubicon race against a 500AC. However, I've seen a Rubicon go lots of times, and I know that acceleration is one of it's strong points.
I've also heard from lots of people who have AC's that admit to getting beat by various quads, quads that I've seen the Rubicon beat.
I do know that a Rubicon will easily beat a Suzuki Quadmaster, or runner, or whatever they were called, which had the same motor as the AC.

Finally, in every magazine that has done a 500cc shootout the results have been the same. The AC is the slowest of the big quads. Hands down the slowest.
So if you stand by what you say, then I'll say again that it was a very sick Rubi, and I'll add that you shouldn't get your hopes up if ever you meet another.

 

Hey bullet guy, the AC 500's up 2001 have higher compression ratio's than the Susuki Quadrunners, Quadmasters, and even the 2002 AC 500's, which gives it better acceleration. Just thought you might like to know that they don't all have the same engines. And all those new 500cc shootouts use the AC 500 auto. The auto is quite a bit less powerfull than the manual shift models. And everyone that owns cats know that before they are broke in they don't put out a whole lot of power. So its no wonder the AC's come in last!

 

Even the new 500's are only rated at 14hp.

 

I'm trying to tell you that the AC's are more powerfull after being broke in! Therfore probably putting out a few more ponies. Plus if the shootouts used a broke in AC 500 manual, then some of the results may be different!

 

It always makes me grin when I hear or see someone post that the Rubicon is underpowered. It is certainly not underpowered. I will not respond to what would beat what in a drag race, as I have no idea, nor do I care, but nothing on the market is going to run off and leave a good rider on a Rubicon. The exaggerations used on this forum have crossed over the boarder of ridiculous to ludicrous.

 

That's odd because when my buddy got his 660 last year. He had no problem running off and leaving everyone in our group. He can still do the same today I'm sure. As will a 650 Prarie, 700 Polaris and 650 Quest. All of these will out run my Cat for sure no matter who is riding it. If any rider can keep up with these 4 on a Rubicon he is one heck of a rider.

 

Mudcat-good point

RubiconRick- to me, it sounds like your previous statment was was just over the boarder of ludicrous![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

I don't own a Rubicon, but I'll agree with RubiconRick.
Yes teh bigger quads will out accelerate it, and will have a higher top speed. But the difference in acceleration is not so great that the Rubicon rider will be left wondering where they went.
The Rubicon is suprisingly fast off the line.

 

<< I don't own a Rubicon, but I'll agree with RubiconRick.
Yes teh bigger quads will out accelerate it, and will have a higher top speed. But the difference in acceleration is not so great that the Rubicon rider will be left wondering where they went.
The Rubicon is suprisingly fast off the line. >>



Precisely!

 

Before the Honda guys get their panties in a twist: I'm not starting a fight simply pointing out what I've seen. First, the Rubicon has a weaker front diff and less ground clearance (seen this out on the trail). Second, the Ruby seems to suffer from a lot of problems. RubiconMan500 has 2 problem-related posts in the last month (not a fun thing). Saying nothing about the tranny issues. The Ruby is cutting edge technology (for an ATV) so there are bound to be problems but this is the 3rd of production. One to has to consider that Honda may not be the king of reliability anymore. Right now I’d buy Cat at least until Honda had worked out all the problems, added disc brakes, and a 2/4x4 system.