Hey Guys, just wondering since the SP 500 came out back in 96, There must be people who know if it is durable. Why I would like to know is i'm thinking of getting the AC 500i, and want to make sure it is really tough. I have a friend with a 97 500 Explorer that has not had any problems with his rear end. He only has problems keeping belts on it.
Is the Independant just a durable as a solid axle, that is the main question as people seem to say a solid axle is allot stronger but i've yet to hear of any Independants have to do any repairs.
I'm caught between the AC 500 i manual and the Traxter XT, want something with gears that is tough and reliable like the old Honda's and these are the 2 main machines. I'm getting rid of my 2000 Grizz as it is great as I have 4800 km's and nothing has went wrong but I miss changing gears and want something better on fuel. These big bores are great but when you have a 40mm carb and up they suck fuel like pigs.

Can anyone help on this issue, need real info.

 

You are right it is a tuff choice..... when i was looking to buy , i was going to buy the traxter? then i wanted rear irs so i look at the grizzily 660 and the polaris 700. I ruled them out for i didn't want a auto and ones that suck a lot of fuel. so i look at the arctic cat 500i man.It look bigger than the grizz, for they were side by side at the dealer. I then took the AC for a test drive made a deal for $8499.00 canadian and it came with the 2500lbs. warn winch. I have never look back i love my cat. it also holds 18 liters of fuel which is another plus.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

IRS is great! Once you own a machine with IRS you will own nothing else. I recomend the Articat 500i over the Traxter. The ground clearance alone is much more with the Articat. I have had no problems at all with IRS. We own four Sportsmans and have never had any problems. Buy a machine with IRS due to ride quality and ground clearance!