I've been shopping around for a second ATV.I looked at Polaris, Honda, and Artic Cat. I'm really leaning towards the Artic Cat. It has 10 in of ground clearance, 2/4 wheel switch, diff lock, a 6.5 gal tank, along with the normal features. Has anyone heard bad about them? I don't want to hear, "they're junk" comments., just facts from people that have had direct knowledge of them.

I've been shopping around for a second ATV.I looked at Polaris, Honda, and Artic Cat. I'm really leaning towards the Artic Cat. It has 10 in of ground clearance, 2/4 wheel switch, diff lock, a 6.5 gal tank, along with the normal features. Has anyone heard bad about them? I don't want to hear, "they're junk" comments., just facts from people that have had direct knowledge of them.


I had nothing but perfect service from mine (a '99 400 4X4). I've seen quite a bit of negative stuff on the net however. I wish I hadn't sold mine (had to due to budget concerns). I loved the older 'ACT' type rear suspension mine had. It was a four link design that was strong and had what I feel was the 'right' amoung of articulation. It's not available on the upper level models anymore.

I don't like auto trannys in quads and aren't crazy about IRS suspension either. I haven't ridden any of the newer IRS Arctic Cats however. I've ridden the 300 4X4 on the Rubicon and liked its IRS.

2002 400 4x4 and its the biggest POS I've ever seen. In fact its in pieces in the garage right now because it wouldn't run, had less then 150 miles on it.

Well.....How this for voice of reason??


I don't own any Arctic Cats...so I can't comment directly. I do like their features and they are well-suited for rock crawling.

Whether you like or dislike IRS would depend on how many rocks you're going to go over? IRS is far superior for riding over rocks....for traction and comfort. Unless of course...you enjoy hanging up your rear diff on rocks.

Reliability....They used to use Kawi motors....since they are owned partly by Kawi. Recently, they started using their own motors for the big bore.

If it's any indication....Rubicon Adventures used to use Arctic Cats for YEARS....They recently switched to Bombardie, but my friend has talked to the owner from time to time...and they were happy with the Arctic Cats...so I suspect it was either $$$ or they wanted the dual seat Bomb....not reliability.

I own Polaris btw.....but would buy a big bore Arctic Cat...at least based on features.


You might try more ATV related websites for info...such as ATVWILD or ATVCONNECTION and see what people there have to say. I'd send you to my site, but honestly...no one owns one.

I just bought an 06' Arctic Cat 400 4x4 Auto two weeks ago.
I have put 68 miles on it so far. Mainly use it around the farm and some trail riding on the weekends. It is my first ATV, so I really cannot compare it to others. But I have ridden my buddys 05' Polaris Sportsman 500. I think his suspension is softer but it could be because his is broken in. We have ridden the past two weekends and both ATV's will go through the same stuff. I have been working it hard through some mud, river crossings, hill climbs, and pulling downed trees and fence posts out of the ground. His is a little faster but he has a bigger engine. I got mine up to 45mph and that was fast enough for me anyway. I do not have any complaints about the Cat.
It does everything I want it to do. 4WD engages smoothly and the Diff Lock switch is almost instant.
I went with the Cat instead of the Polaris because of the metal racks, 2" receiver hitch, a little more ground clearance, storage compartment on the gas hump, price, and to give my buddy shit:laughing: .
Everbody has an opinion on these Bikes...

Good Luck,
Muddy Scout

Well.....How this for voice of reason??


I don't own any Arctic Cats...so I can't comment directly. I do like their features and they are well-suited for rock crawling.

Whether you like or dislike IRS would depend on how many rocks you're going to go over? IRS is far superior for riding over rocks....for traction and comfort. Unless of course...you enjoy hanging up your rear diff on rocks.

I disagree. With IRS the rear dif and frame stay put when a wheel goes up. If you drop off a ledge the frame/dif will continue to go down after the wheels hit bottom until as the suspension compresses. Not so with the dif on the 'semi independant' ACT rear end of the older Arctic Cats. The ACT rear end is also more stable and predictable IME. Not unlike a full size rock rig. Yes I have ridden BOTH IRS (not the newest stuff though) and ACT equipped Arctic Cat's on the Con. BTW-my first exposure to Arctic Cat atvs was when I rented a 300 4X4 from Rubicon Adventures several years ago. The guide was riding a 400 4X4 (with the ACT rear end). I spent a lot of time watching how his quad's rear suspension handled the rocks (as well as the IRS on the 300s of my fellow rental customers).

Reliability....They used to use Kawi motors....since they are owned partly by Kawi. Recently, they started using their own motors for the big bore.

Not quite. Kawasaki doesn't own Arctic Cat. That's a net rumor that's been going around since the 650Vtwins were introduced. They have always bought their motors from Suzuki (starting with their snowmobiles 20+ years ago). The 454, first gen(water cooled)400, current 400(air cooled-based on the DR350 bike motor), 250, 300 (think King Quad), and ALL the 500 Arctic Cat engines have ALWAYS been Suzukis.

The 650 VTwin is indeed a Kawasaki motor. Suzuki was buying it from Kawasaki because of a weird 'partnership' they tried a few years ago (that's now starting to sour). That 'partnership' included sharing models such as the DRZ400/KLX400/LTZ400 series, KX60/RM60, KLX110/DR110, and RMZ250Z/KX250f. The Prairie engine was also part of this deal. It was passed from Kawasaki to Suzuki, and therefore also on to Arctic Cat. Now Arctic Cat builds their own 650single in house, while still buying the smaller engines from Suzuki. I can't remember if they still use the Kawi VTwin as well anymore.

If it's any indication....Rubicon Adventures used to use Arctic Cats for YEARS....They recently switched to Bombardie, but my friend has talked to the owner from time to time...and they were happy with the Arctic Cats...so I suspect it was either $$$ or they wanted the dual seat Bomb....not reliability.

I own Polaris btw.....but would buy a big bore Arctic Cat...at least based on features.


Rubicon Adventures started with Polaris (OLD air cooled models) in the mid 80's. They then switched to Honda 3004X4s after a couple of years. In the late 90s they switched to Arctic Cat 300 4X4s while still using some of the Hondas. I think you're correct as to why they switched to Bombardier (although AC now has a dual seat rig too). I'm sure $$$ has a lot to do with it.

BTW- In the late 90s' Rubicon Adventures also had a six wheel Polaris flatbed rig that was set up with two (or was it four-I can't remeber) side facing racing seats on the bed. This rig was used to take people on the Con that weren't able to ride themselves. I saw it in action. I assume they disabled the dump bed! :eek:

I disagree. With IRS the rear dif and frame stay put when a wheel goes up. If you drop off a ledge the frame/dif will continue to go down after the wheels hit bottom until as the suspension compresses. Not so with the dif on the 'semi independant' ACT rear end of the older Arctic Cats. The ACT rear end is also more stable and predictable IME. Not unlike a full size rock rig. Yes I have ridden BOTH IRS (not the newest stuff though)


Hey...to each his own. I've done the Fordyce on my ATV no less than 20 times...and the Rubicon all the way....probably 20 or 30 times. I've done with straight (honda) and IRS....and would never own a straight for rock crawling....just my opinion.

Yes...owning a Willys...I agree with your theory...However...when you're talking about Jeep with much higher clearance...the diff in the middle of your rig driving over the trail isn't that big of deal.

But when you're talking 4" of clearance advantage with IRS vs. Straight? I'll take the extra 4" over the less than handful of times your scenario would have an advantage.

The newer suspensions....aren't as soft as you imagine. The Polaris comes for example...soft...but you can tighten it 2 clicks...

http://www.forumsigs.com/users/Quaddawg605/swaybar/Travelbefore.jpg

Or...you can do the Sway bar mod...and get insane articulation....Great for rock crawling....bad for trail riding.

http://www.forumsigs.com/users/Quaddawg605/swaybar/travelafter.jpg


Not quite. Kawasaki doesn't own Arctic Cat. That's a net rumor that's been going around since the 650Vtwins were introduced. They have always bought their motors from Suzuki


Yes...technically, they are Suzuki motors....Arctic Cat is owned 33% by Suzuki.....but Sukuki is 100% owned by Kawasaki. Suzuki was bought by Kawasaki several years ago. The brand still exists as part of the purchase agreement....but it's all Kawasaki stuff.

Your right on the sharing of models....Now...if Suzuki is or has bought themself out in the last year or so...I wouldn't know. I got all this from my friend who owns Roseville Cycle a year or so ago.

Arctic Cat in the past used the Kawi/Zuki engines so they could concentrate on Suspension and accessories...they recently started doing their own motors on the quad...because they do make killer sled engines. I think the focus off the engine was good for them, because Arctic Cat has/had for awhile a huge accessory advantage...especially in the hunting segment.

I assume they disabled the dump bed! :eek:


I remember that...I didn't know it dumped....that WOULD be funny....in a break.com sort of way...

I'm not knocking your rig by any means. I would like to try the newer Polaris and Arctic Cat IRS setups. Just seing the pics of your quad makes me want to buy another one...

Hey...to each his own. I've done the Fordyce on my ATV no less than 20 times...and the Rubicon all the way....probably 20 or 30 times. I've done with straight (honda) and IRS....and would never own a straight for rock crawling....just my opinion.

I agree about the Hondas. I've driven a Honda 300 4X4 on the Con as well. The Arctic Cat straight axle setup (ACT) wasn't a swing arm setup like the Honda though. It was a four link like a rock buggy. It articulated pretty well. No comparison between it and the swingarm types.


But when you're talking 4" of clearance advantage with IRS vs. Straight? I'll take the extra 4" over the less than handful of times your scenario would have an advantage. That extra 4" only exists at rest. It goes away when one/both of the wheels move. In your pics draw an imaginary line from your dif to the cinder block. In the second pic notice how much the dif/frame have dropped (in relation to the block) when the right/rear suspension compressed.

Also, my ACT (stupid :rainbow: acronym that stood for Arctic Cat Technonogy) equipped quad would articulate almost as much as your second pic when a rear tire was on an obstacle. The dif of course also moved up (as with a solid axle jeep). I have a pic burried somewhere...

I remember that...I didn't know it dumped....that WOULD be funny....in a break.com sort of way...

The stock 6x6 Polaris rigs have dump beds. I meant that I hoped the Rubicon Adventures crew disabled that feature when they mounted the seats. :D


Does Polaris still make the 'X' models (325X, 425X, etc) with the 5-speed manual transmissions? They made them for a while in the '90s IIRC. The auto is the only thing that realy still turns me away from that brand. I'm also not too keen on the fact that All of the other manufacturers (including AC) are going exclusively to autos with their big bore quads. The 'T-Box' type truck bed models have never been available with manuals, with the possible exception or the Bombardier. I drove a bombardier and wasn't crazy about the swingarm rear end or the clunky hydro thumb shifter setup.

As I mostly do hunting and ranch work (with some rock crawlin' thrown in) my 'dream' quad would be a 650 twin with a five speed dual range tranny, sealed prairie-type multiplate rear disc brake, ACT type four link (NOT SWINGARM) rear end, mechanicaly selectable 4WD and front locker, and maybe a 'T-Box' type cargo bed. I like the straight axle setup better for towing too. The closest any manufacturer ever came to my 'dream quad' was the 2001-2002 Arctic Cat 500 manual. It had the watercooled Suzuki 500 single, a dual range 5-speed, and everything else I dig with the exception of the manual front locker and the T-Box style bed.

I'm enjoying our discussion Ken! :beer:

My wife won't be quite so happy if I start quad shopping again though :eek:

...or that you've given me another website to visit! :beer: :beer:

I'm not knocking your rig by any means. I would like to try the newer Polaris and Arctic Cat IRS setups. Just seing the pics of your quad makes me want to buy another one...


Oh no....me either. I was saying why I preferred the other. That's actually not mine. That's an example of the Swing Arm mod on my site. I don't have enough free time to setup Cynder block demos....lol. It's a good set of pictures to demo the difference.


I agree about the Hondas. I've driven a Honda 300 4X4 on the Con as well. The Arctic Cat straight axle setup (ACT) wasn't a swing arm setup like the Honda though. It was a four link like a rock buggy. It articulated pretty well. No comparison between it and the swingarm types.

Ah..ok...gotcha. And I concur. I've actually never seen that setup in person. Does anyone still make that?? If they do...they don't "push" it.

That extra 4" only exists at rest. It goes away when one/both of the wheels move. In your pics draw an imaginary line from your dif to the cinder block. In the second pic notice how much the dif/frame have dropped (in relation to the block) when the right/rear suspension compressed.

Yes......I agree, but we're talking about 2 different points in time. What I was trying to say is....90% of time...you're just riding over stuff. Rocks on the trail....stuff. I'm saying for 90% of the riding....I enjoy the extra clearance.

For the other 10%....I beat the Pro Armor plate. :)

http://www.atvobsession.com/pictures/Fordyce-Signal%20Peak12092005/images/008.%20And%20I%20will%20regret%20the%20ice...as%20 I%20pull%20a%20'Miyagi'..jpg

and that IS my rig...on Fordyce.



Also, my ACT (stupid :rainbow: acronym that stood for Arctic Cat Technonogy) equipped quad would articulate almost as much as your second pic when a rear tire was on an obstacle. The dif of course also moved up (as with a solid axle jeep). I have a pic burried somewhere...

Yeah...I see. Like I said..do they still make that? Cause I've never seen it out there recently.



The stock 6x6 Polaris rigs have dump beds. I meant that I hoped the Rubicon Adventures crew disabled that feature when they mounted the seats. :D

Yeah..I got that part....I was saying if they HADN'T locked it...it would be pretty funny...in a Break.com sort of way.


Does Polaris still make the 'X' models (325X, 425X, etc) with the 5-speed manual transmissions? They made them for a while in the '90s IIRC. The auto is the only thing that realy still turns me away from that brand. I'm also not too keen on the fact that All of the other manufacturers (including AC) are going exclusively to autos with their big bore quads. The 'T-Box' type truck bed models have never been available with manuals, with the possible exception or the Bombardier. I drove a bombardier and wasn't crazy about the swingarm rear end or the clunky hydro thumb shifter setup.


No more "X" models. Except the new X2...which is really a sportsman with a small dump tray.

I hear you on the gears....the CVT is popular for obvious reasons....easy, cheap and reliable. There are times where shifting gears is the last thing I want to think about. Other times, I wish I did. At least Polaris has the Low/High Gear stick. It would be nice to have a manual shift and auto, but that would be a PRICEY ATV to have it all.

I actually rented a Nissan Murando or whatever that SUV is....even it, has the CVT transmission....strange feeling, if you have any clue what's going on. But I'm sure most people don't pay attention.



I'm enjoying our discussion Ken! :beer:

My wife won't be quite so happy if I start quad shopping again though :eek:

...or that you've given me another website to visit! :beer: :beer:


LOL...sorry...my bad.

Creepy....You can actually see me on the ProArmor.com website....that's me in the video, coming down to the first river crossing on the Fordyce....and I'll got is this stupid....nothing. Not even a t-shirt. :mad3:

They do answer my emails fast...when I bitch about some issue...so that's nice.

I own 2 AC 650's, one an '04 the other an '06. They are both awesome machines, and handle my big butt just fine. At 6' and 320 lbs, they still will stand up the front end. The only problem I have had, is when I sunk the '06 in a water hole. Had I had a snorkel on it, it would have been no problem. BTW, does anyone know who might have a snorkel kit for these. I will try my dealer tomorrow.

OK, This is the straight scoop on the Kawasaki/Suzuki deal. They are two seperate companies. Completely. Japan has/is very concerned with honor in Japan owned companies. It would be dishonorable for one to go bankrupt. Kawasaki is one of its oldest companies and hit hard times due to not upgrading its tooling and assembly line style. Kawi went to the government for a bail out. The Japanese government put together a deal to pull Kawi out. They tried with Yamaha and Honda, but were told no, and both of those companies had the market share to back it up. That left Suzuki.

Suzuki agreed to share technology and some of its more progressive units and took some Kawi units to rebadge. The Mule/QUV the RM/KX65 and some 4 wheelers and street bikes.

This year is the last year of rebadging by both companies. The bailout is over oficially in another year or two. Kawi and Suzuki both kept dealer cost on the rebadged models equal so we didnt have much problems. What pisses dealers off is that Suzuki sells the complete z400 to Artic cat at a much less price than it does to American Suzuki and Kawasaki dealers. No one can explain that one.

Thats the truth. It is out on the web if you research.


Yes Polaris owns part of KTM and can buy 51 percent in two years.

For the other 10%....I beat the Pro Armor plate. :)

http://www.atvobsession.com/pictures/Fordyce-Signal%20Peak12092005/images/008.%20And%20I%20will%20regret%20the%20ice...as%20 I%20pull%20a%20'Miyagi'..jpg

and that IS my rig...on Fordyce.

Nice shot. That ProArmor belly plate can double for a signal mirror if you're in trouble! :flipoff2:





Yeah...I see. Like I said..do they still make that? Cause I've never seen it out there recently.


It's now only available on the 400VP and 400VP Auto models. These are the least expensive of the 400s (all AC 400s are now powered by an air/oil cooled engine based on the Suzuki DR350 dirt bike). The VPs are full time 4WD only (unlike almost every other current production AC 4X4 quad including the IRS 400s) and is not available with the front dif lock.


The ACT rear end was Arctic Cat's first rear suspension design. It was first used on the 454, and later the 400 and 500. This engine family only differed in bore and/or stroke. The 500 is a bored 454. The 400 is a destroked 454. The current 500 is all that's left of this great engine family (also used in the 500cc Suzuki Quads). When Arctic Cat first introduced their long travel IRS system they produced all of the 400cc and up models in both IRS and ACT versions. Gradualy they have been phasing the ACT system out until the 400VP 'value' models are all that is left.
:(

The 250 and 300 models (both 2WD and 4WD) have always used Arctic Cat's first IRS design (introduced a few years after the 454 came out). They use engines/transaxles that are the same as the Suzuki 250 and 300 King Quad. It's 'outclassed' now as it has only 6.5" of wheel travel. It's great for slow speed crawling IMHO. This (AC300 4X4) was the Rubicon Adventures rental model for years.

Creepy....You can actually see me on the ProArmor.com website....that's me in the video, coming down to the first river crossing on the Fordyce....and I'll got is this stupid....nothing. Not even a t-shirt.

They do answer my emails fast...when I bitch about some issue...so that's nice.

I'm gonna have to check out that site. At least someone listens to you when you bitch! :flipoff2:

Well I bought my first ATV this weekend (thanks again Camo for the help) a 650V2 and a 400 auto (for the wife). handle the big butts fine - LOVE the FIS (full indepenent suspension). Had no trouble with the snow with the 650 V2 (ground clearance) the 400 had a few issues with high centering on paper it says 1 inch less than the 650 (they lied).

Plenty of pulling power. According to Camo a Nice Rig.

So there you have it. A Nice Rig. I would like to change the tires or maybe get another set for the snow in the winter as I will be riding in it for 3-4 months during the winter. I also ordered a plow for mine so I will post a few shots when I actually get it mounted and using.

I have been noseing around the atv shops for a month or so now, and was hopeing to find someone or an article to talk me into the AC 650. Now all I have to do is figure out how to pay for it.( they like em ! ) Thanx--the Fatboy:beer:

OK, This is the straight scoop on the Kawasaki/Suzuki deal. They are two seperate companies. Completely. Japan has/is very concerned with honor in Japan owned companies. It would be dishonorable for one to go bankrupt. Kawasaki is one of its oldest companies and hit hard times due to not upgrading its tooling and assembly line style. Kawi went to the government for a bail out. The Japanese government put together a deal to pull Kawi out. They tried with Yamaha and Honda, but were told no, and both of those companies had the market share to back it up. That left Suzuki.

Suzuki agreed to share technology and some of its more progressive units and took some Kawi units to rebadge. The Mule/QUV the RM/KX65 and some 4 wheelers and street bikes.

This year is the last year of rebadging by both companies. The bailout is over oficially in another year or two. Kawi and Suzuki both kept dealer cost on the rebadged models equal so we didnt have much problems. What pisses dealers off is that Suzuki sells the complete z400 to Artic cat at a much less price than it does to American Suzuki and Kawasaki dealers. No one can explain that one.

Thats the truth. It is out on the web if you research.


Yes Polaris owns part of KTM and can buy 51 percent in two years.


Thanks for the ultra-detailed explanation. Having many friends in Japan...my friend Chris is the first White guy to get Lifetime employment at Dentsu, the largest Ad agency in the world. He made Asia Time magazine. I was also there last year...so everything you said, makes perfect sense.

KTM has made a few blunders...especially on the PR front (if you've seen Long Way Round, you know)....so getting Polaris cash was no shock when I read that last year...or year before..I forget.

Well, I just got the AC 650 outa the shop, now I am just waiting on the bill. I have to find a snorkel for it. It would have already paid for itself I am sure.

I own a 2001 400 4x4, it has over 3000 HARD miles on it, the only problems encountered have been with the brakes, "THEY SUCK" other than having to put a new master cylinder on it every six months, it has stood up great, absolutly dead reliability. Looking at consumer reports and most of the ATV magazines, the new models are rated top of their class. I will probably buy another one sometime in the future.