does more than 2 people own a 454 mine is a 98 and has 3300 miles on it and has had no problems does anyone else think there as good or better than any other atv other than the manual shift 500 that has ten inches of ground clearence.
COME ON GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK.

 

Can't speak for the 454, but just bought a 2000 500 Auto and think it's the best machine for my needs. Excellent ride, lots of power, should be perfect for elk hunting this fall.

 

454cc If it was a Honda they would call it a 500 it is close enough.I thing any bike 3oo cc(smaller yet if it's a 2 stroke) and up enough power to do most anything you want.

 

I have a 98 454 and it will go anywhere a person wants to ride it. The only problems I have had are the cv boots and speedometer cable. Mine is equipped with a 2000lb Warn winch, C.B.and the 26 inch tires that came stock on the 99 AC 500. I think that the 454 &500's are the top of the line ATV.

 

If they anything thing like the Y2K 500 manuals it is an awsome machine. 500 manual you ask, I think ArcticCat is the only company that makes one that big, but being able to select the gear you want is always a plus. I wish AC would have put the 26" on the 2000 cat the extra inch of ground clearance would help, oh well the 27 " will be even better.

chuck
2000 ArcticCat 500 4x4 ,Warn A2500 soon to have 27" MudBugs (friday or monday) and thinking of a LIft and a HL Horsepower kit

 

The 454 is a great bike if you adjust the carb right after you get it. A lot of them needed minor adjustments, but nothing that 10 minutes couldn't cure. Unless you need the small difference in the seat or a start in gear feature, there is almost no dropoff between a 500 and a 454. (98 of course, I can't brag as much on a 97 454 Bearcat, too many things were improved in 98) You would have to be a real stigler to comment on a power difference between the 454 and 500, and top speed is no different. This comparison made between my 99 500 and BigBadCat's 98 454. His may even be faster.

 

You talk about minor adjustments to the carb?
Could you be a little more specific?

 

Gord he was talking about the jetting on the 454's. Mine was backfiring very badly and had black smoke coming out the exhuast everytime you would start it up or even sometimes after it had been ridden for a while. All this for a minor jetting problem. Other than that I have found the 454 to do everthing the 500 can do and only a slight amount of power differece between the two. Mine is equiped with a 2000 lb Warn winch and Oxlite boot guards. I haven't needed use of the winch for myself yet, only to pull a Honda 300 4wd and 2000 Big Bear out of some mud. Mainly for looks on my bike for the kind of riding I mainly do. It's a great bike to own and has a nice top speed on it.

 

BigBadCat,
My 98 454 4x4 AC backfires only when in 5th gear and cruising along, I will let off on the gas and it will backfire usually when going downhill. Is this the same thing, caused by jetting? If so do I get the carb. adjutsed or do I need to contact my dealer and have them order a different jet?
Would appriciate Your imput.
Keith