I am brand new to ATV's (actually, I am about to be brand new) and think I have narrowed it down to two untility models. I am considering the Bombardier and the Arctic Cat 400 models.

I hope to put a plow on the front and eliminate shoveling my 50+ yard driveway next winter and use it for trail riding. We get a fair amount of snow and I am hoping that I can put chains on it and still use it for rec riding in the winter.

Any coments, opinions, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, is it worth getting a dealer installed winch or is it better to buy after market and attach myself.

I am also posting this on the Arctic Cat forum to see what they say.

Thanks in advance

 

I like my Bombardier Outlander Max XT. The way the independant suspension and the Visco-lock differentials work is incredibal.

I watch ATV TV on my satillite and they gave Bomb a reasonable review, but had complaints on fit and finish, as it is Canadian designed and not Japanese.

They gave the Artic Cat the same criticism and added that the Artic Cat was taller at the seat, with higher ground clearance, but seemed top heavy and tended to tip over, a lot.

It depends on were you plan to ride and how extreme you get. If you do alot of hills and off camber stuff, or like to slide the ATV in the corners, I would stay away from the Artic Cat.

 

Go to atvfrontier.com they will tell you any thing about the outy you need to know. I bought my outy new last fall put a bombardier 54 inch plow and it would push anything that was in front of it. Very good atv I have no complaints on it at all. The ride is awsome almost like sitting in your favorite recliner. Do your homework on them and see wich one stands out and go with it. Articcat was my second choice. Bomb was my first I will never regret my decision. Good luck

 

I was going to ask the same question! I know nothing about the outlander, I've never rode one but I am interested in it. I have owned 2 arctic cat atvs, both were 03 models 400 & 500 auto. I sold both of them because I want the new 05 AC 400. I really like arctic cat atvs and I also sell them. It has alot of great options and after reading post and looking at other atv's, Its hard to get away from the Cat!! It rides really plush, Has a fantastic proven auto tranny, braded break lines, disc breaks, 12" of ground clearance + the main reason I sold my 03s, a Front locker!! I have never had a problem with any AC atv and highly recommend them. The AC 400 is air- oil cooled which I like because there is less to worry about going wrong IMO!
The AC is pretty heavy for a 400, around 650lbs for the auto and 635 for the manual. Both of the AC I owned where autos and where are a breeze to operate. The 400 is not a speed demon and will top out in the low 50's.
I am looking at the MANUAL 400 this time to get alittle more power out of it. I think the outlander is interesting and will be looking at them Monday. If you have any questions regarding Arctic cat atvs, let me know if I can help.

 

Im about tot seal a deal on a cat can you add me to your buddy list being your a dealer ? Im looking at the ac 400 vp manual trans all time 4x4 with sar rear end. Was wondering a few things though ? i like the price cant afford the big machines but will this machine get big bore gas milage cause of the all time 4x4 ? can i break traction so i can slide into my turns ? was also wondering if this atv will be slow at my altitude 4,500 feet above sea ? my boss has the bomb 400 max to up rider could i even keep up ?

 

I own a Rally, and like many Rally owners, I have been given a low opion of Bombardier. I have also test ridden the Outlander, and it seemed ragged, rough and noisy. Go to a dealership where you can do a side-by-side comparison with another brand and you'll see what I mean.

A lot of people like Bombardiers, though. The Rally probably programmed me to be extra critical.

I also own a 2001 AC 400 manual. It is relatively quiet and smooth, and has given me no problems. It is not full time 4wd, however. There's a differential on the front. Can't say much about gas mileage--I just put in gas when it's needed.

 

blacklotus

pm'ed you

 

I guess I should have posted to this thread after I made my purchase. I decided on the Bomb because of the viscolock trans, the engine braking and the plush ride. Have had it over 1 year now and love it. Nothing against the cat but I'm very happy with my choice.

 

Has anything broke on your atv ? also what do you use it for ? how hard do you ride it ? and do you think its motor will last asa long as the cats being its suzuki ? also are the parts for bomb anymore expensive ?

 

Also i just see nsome polaris rock crawking video`s do you think your bomb can hang with a polaris on the rock crawling ?