I have a question. I don't understand the Dynojet numbers. They are measuring the HP at the rear wheels, at least that what was said. I know the Honda is full-time 4 wheel drive so do they just disregard the power allotted to the front wheels? I don't know about the other ATV's mentioned, but are they being tested in rear wheel 2 wheel drive? Thanks for any clarification. The 450's I have ridden with have no trouble spinning 27 inch vampires when bogged to the frame, so it has plenty of power/torque.
Thanks

 

I know for cars the way they get the numbers on the dynojet is to get going, then after you hit top gear start the chart and gas it.

If this is how they test 4-wheelers then gcould explain the 450's poor numbers, because the one I rode yesterday(with a 1500 lbs winch and 27 inch MudBugs) had no power, when compared to my Arctic Cat 500, in 5th gear. I must also say that it had almost as much, if not as much, power in gears 1-3.

P.S. all 4 wheelers are tested with just the back wheels, some times only on wheel at all.

 

I understand the More horsepower or more torque theory if you ride in alot of mud and have a need to turn oversize tires but I believe most people will only encounter muddy conditions a few times and even then it's usually by choice that they will attempt to cross a mud bog ( most can be driven around ). A friend of mine owns an older Polaris 250 4x4 that can go anywhere my my Uncles 450ES can go . I personally wouldn't get too concerned with torque or horsepower but would decide which machine offers the most features for the money and which features fit your needs and wants the best . Artic cat has proven itself to be a real contender in the ATV arena . I was looking real hard at the AC 300 4x4 when I was shopping for a new machine but I came across a package deal on a slightly used 97 foreman 400 that I just couldn't pass up . The only real concerns I had with the AC were that the engine sits way to the rear of the machine , the rocker shifter , the 4x4 engagement lever seemed kind of cheesy and to be honest the machines are not the best looking . If I was in the market for a new atv right now I would probably wait and take a look at the new Honda line-up . Somebody mentioned in an earlier post about the resale value of Hondas which may or may not be important to you but I suggest you look in the local papers and compare prices between used Hondas and used Artic Cats . When I was still in the market for an ATV , I had a heck of a time deciding what to buy because I really don't think there is a bad machine on the market . It's too bad we can't take the best features of all of the manufacturers and roll them into one ultimate ATV , could you imagine a Sportsman 500 chasis mounted to a 450ES motor with Suzukis choice of gear ranges and Artic cats under carriage protection ? Good luck in your decision and I hope you enjoy what ever you decide to get .

 

What he said with the exception of the rocker shifter, which seems like second nature to use after a day or so. I was concerned about it like most people, but like anyone else who owns an Arctic Cat ATV, I fell in love with it. Not the choice for a racing bike, but a great feature on a utility. Its a preference thing, which is a bit overly exaturated by ATV reviews on its negative aspects. As for resale value, Honda should have the best, and normally does. Non Sportsman polaris's normally have the worst, along with blasters and any used 2-stroke. Unless a person likes to trade in a lot, this shouldn't be much of a decider. I wasn't concerned when I got my 500, because I'll keep it at least 10 years. All things considered, almost every nitpicky thing that is discussed about ATVs comes down to personal preference.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

Just a thought on the hp numbers that were posted here and that is that if they are correct.
The Honda 450 produces 25 hp at the motor and 11.9hp at the rear wheel thats a power power loss of 53%.
AC's 500 produces 29.5 hp at the motor and 16.8 at the rear wheels this a power loss of 43%.
This would lead one to believe that the AC has a more efficent drive system.
I thought the Honda mounted there motors longitudinally to obtain a more efficent drive system?

 

When you are measuring the HP at the rear wheels, what do you do to accout for the HP going to the front wheels of the 450? Are they disconnecting the front wheels? If one ATV is has the front and rear engaged full time and another is in 2WD, how are they measuring just HP at the rear wheels?
Not Dr. Dyno

 

Thats true. I'm just assuming that all things are equal.

 

The Arctic Cat is also full time 4wd. I think its the way theey test them.

I don't know if this is right but for cars the way they test them is to put the in the highest gear, press a button and nail it, then at the end hit another button to stop the computer.

If this is how they test quads thiscould explain the 450's pitaful numbers. It has (in my oppinoin) a higher 5th gear than the Arctic Cat/Suzuki 500.