I can't speak for the Arctic Cat but I used to own a 01 magnum 325. The 325 was an excellent all round machine for doing regular chores and work as well as being an excellent bike on the trails. The only thing I didn't like with the machine was that I thought it could have been a little more peppy, but the low end power was very good. It always did what I asked of it. I have a hard time believing that it would out run a 250EX or that it will keep up with the SP500 ho, but maybe it was just my particular machine, b/c performance between machines can sometimes differ. I would guess that the top speed of my 325 was in the low 40's maybe 45, but I doubt it. If you are not looking for a speed demon and just want an all round excellent and reliable machine, the 325 might be what you are looking for. You might be wondering why I got rid of it since I liked it so much and the reason was the Sportsman 700. I wanted more speed and power to do a little more aggressive style riding. If you have any specific questions about the machine that I did not answer here, feel free to email me at:

scl135@psu.edu

Good luck with your decision and the best of luck with whatever machine you buy.

 

I am telling the truth about the 250. It seemed like he was always running full out, while I always had some power on tap to pass him. He could take the corners on the inside, just ride real close into the corner, and then when he goes inside, I hit the gas, go outside and go around. The last lap I roasted him, cause I actually opened it all the way up. That machine will do higher than mid 40's, atleast I have had mine up. I was only able to keep up with his H.O. because it was nice and muddy, and I just powerslide through the corners and blow him away, but would have to move over through the straight aways cause he would blow right by.
Did you know that the mud chunks that the H.O. throws hurt when you get hit by them, my neck got pegged, those suckers hurt.
Fist time I ever rode the H.O., I hit the gas and wondered why I wasn't goin anywhere, then realized I had just dug one hellashis hole. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Polarisman3210,
I wasn't calling you a liar, I was just judging what you said based on what my machine seemed capable of doing. I think that it was cool that even though we had a difference in our opinions on what the machine could do, you didn't blow my comments out of proportion or get up all set because I disagreed slightly with your opinion. Some people have a hard time with other people commenting on on their posts. I'm glad to see you are open minded.

 

I totally agree with you.
There are some that would call me a liar, and say that their little Breeze could beat me.
Those people should be banned.
But anyway
Keep on ridin and have fun

 

I would go with the Magnum 325. It is the most reliable ATV I have ever had. I got in a wreck with a honda Rubicon and it totaled the Rubicon and I had a scratch. The Arctic cats acceleration isn't very good. It <u>does not</u> have Irs. It has semi independent suspension. I just test drove one an hour ago.

 

Atomic Austin is right. It does have a semi-independant, swing axle rear suspension.

 

Magnum-It has a better acceleration. Not sure about top speed, though. Magnum is mmmmmmuuuuuuuuuccccccchhhhhh sturdier.