whats the proformance of these machines???

whats the top speed?

whats the pulling power?

are there any known problems???

how do they behave on fast trails?

how are they in the mud??

any other problems i should know about?

thanks in advance
mike

 

If its a 97 model, its going to steer extremely heavy, and the carburator is pretty bad. There were some problems with that model. Parking brake is a bad design as well.

The 98 models were much better, though the carb tuning can be a pain. My uncle has one, and it runs real good as long as you keep the carb clean and adjusted right.

Performance is ok when running good. It will hit about 51-52mph on a GPS on flat pavement.

Pulling power is pretty good, this isn't a small engine by any means.

Fast trails are kind of a bear because the steering is still heavy, even on the 98 models.

With good tires, its as good a mud bike as an in that class. Brakes are good on the 98's, except the foot brake which is basically worthless.

Pretty good climber, because its got so much weight up front. Very stable in all technical areas due to the good design on the ACT swingaxle rear end. The limited slip is about par for the course up front.

 

My 97 Bear Cat 454 has been an excellent machine. I does steer a little heavy, but it is full time 4X4. Keeping the toe ajustment set 0 or use 1/16" toe in helps the steering. there is nothing wrong with the carb on the 97's, it just doesn't have a lot of adjustment. Re-jetting the carb is very easy and when set for the correct elevation it runs great. The original parking brake is terrible, but it is easy to change to the newer design. The rear foot brake is useless and I have never heard of a way to fix it except don't use it.

One thing to be aware of is the front wheel bearings. If you go to taller and /or wider tires, they wear fast. The replacement bearings are a different design than the OEM and are very durable. It cost about a $110 for the bearings and labor.

Only other problem is starting and it is not a real problem. If it is very cold, cold, mild or warm weather you must use the choke when you first start the machine.

All said, I would like to have the ability to change to 2 wheel drive, but I would but another Bear Cat and love it. Long winded, but still just my .02.

 

I've never seen an AC footbrake that I liked. The one on my uncle's 454 has a broken cable, and they are not planning on fixing it either, cause it never worked very good anyway. The carb was another story. His bike blew black smoke out the tailpipe when it was brand new. If I take it apart and clean it, it does good for a while, but it will start that crap again eventually. I had heard before from a few people that the 97 models were worse.

I know that the steering geometry was improved between 97 and 98. A 98 454 is pretty much the equivalent of a 98 or 99 500, only with a smaller engine.

 

Andy why don't you put a gas filter on that bike, I install one on every new bike I get.

 

My foot brake never worked right. The whole assembly has been removed. Its useless IMO. Even on the new machines it could never stop you quick enough in an emergency. Again IMO. Mine steers heavy but im used it now.