Well i'm caught between the AC 500i manual and the Traxter XT, why these 2, because they are the 2 best
working,
durable,
basic,
best on fuel,
reliable,
take a beating,

quads you can get, the only thing they are slower, okay they do 10mph less then the fastest big bore, big deal. They can go all day on one tank of gas. Ask a 700 SP owner how long he can go on one tank or any other big bore, Not far.
I do far trips and even with my old reliable 600 grizzly, it still sucks fuel and I have to bring a 5 gallon of gass all the time and in the back of my head I worry about my belt. I got 4800 km's on it and i've pulled worked that machine really hard and i've never had a problem. I started thinking last year though when my buddy's 2001 500 HO blew his belt up 60 miles from know where, the geared AC had to towe him home and it made me start thinking, this could be me. I don't want to worry about gas and having to carry another belt.

What really helped me was, my friend with the 2000 AC 500 manual,is the one that is looked to pull anytime someone breaks down now or needs to be pulled, we all look to him to do the job as he is the only one with manual and no one wants to pull with automatic machines as it is strenuous on the clutches and belt. Even though dealers say there better then geared machines I am starting to really see they are Not, I would of baught a 500 Grizzly manual if they had one, but they don't and even then the AC and Traxter are really over built for strength and that is what I want, no computer and electric 4*4 crap to go wrong with, right or wrong.
Basic designs are the way to go when you want a machine to last 10-15 years without problems. Look at the old Honda's Big reds are still kicking around and there old basic 300 4*4 too. Then new hondas, well that can be debated.

 

I like Cats; this is the Cat forum although I like the Bombs as well. I considered a quest for a little while. Why didn't I buy it? Rear suspension, known Cat durability (from previously owning one) and last but not least the new Cat look. Overall I'm very happy with my decision, largely due to the dealership being as friendly as they were.
Enough about my Cat, take a ride on both, study the info booklets, check out the forums and if at worse flip a coin. Both are tough as nail machines that given simple maintenance will last a lifetime.

 

Congratulations, you are past the first hurdle in buying a quad - learning that what everyone else says, may not be right for you. I started looking a few months ago, and had I followed what the atv rags and the forums said, I would have rejected any quad that couldn't jump six feet, go 70 mph, need a dozen mods before it was 'right', and play me a video game while it was doing all of that.

Not really what I had in mind. I've found far more interesting things to jump than a quad. The reviews are usually written for people who habitually read the magazines, those who are into it for sport. Those of us who want a reliable workhorse that can kick it's heels up on a trail have to go our own route. In my case, I travel over seldom run trails (I'm usually the only rider on them) in some pretty craggy, inclined terrain, need to drag fallen trees around, and being a sporty car person, I also wanted something that was reasonably agile and fun on a trail. I could care less about outbragging BillyBob PuddleSplasher at the local mudhole.

I ruled the bombardier out, only because no dealer was nearby. Otherwise it would have been at the top of the list. As it was, the Cat excelled in the areas of handling, ground clearance, payload, pulling ability, and reliability, and had a manual transmission. The areas it isn't strong in - top speed, acceleration, and flashy electronics, weren't really a priority for me. Too heavy? I want that - I can drag a bigger tree around. It is interesting that the snowmobile companies turn out the most reliable quads. Break down on a sled 30 miles from shelter in subzero degree temperature, and you have a serious problem.

Only had the Cat for a week now, but I've been on it every day, and I wouldn't hesitate to take on a 200 mile ride, if I could find one. It feels that solid. Personally, I rather enjoy that nice feeling you get when you just know you will get there, wherever there may be. The fact that the Cat is a delight to toss down a tight trail is icing on the cake.

--John

'02 Cat 500i

 

You have to weigh what you want. The Bombs are a lot more expensive and have less ground clearance and wheel travel than the Cats. The Bombs radiator is in the rear which makes it harder for things to get into it. The Traxster also has an electronic push button tranny. The AC has the rocker which I like after getting use to it. If you have big boots on you do not have to worry about getting your toe under the shifter to use it!

 

If it was me, I would have to have the 500i. The suspension alone makes it worthwhile. Its a good built quad too, and can pull the teeth out of a mule. Seems like between it and the Traxter, you pay less for more.

 

Hello folks....i am serioulsy considering the Arctic Cat 500 for the missus....or she can have my honda, whatever...does the cat have true 4x4 or slip diff?

 

The Cat has a limited Slip Diff where the Bombardier has a locking front Diff. but no 2wd opiton on the bomb, but it steers they say like it is in 2wd.