Retro REVIEW: 1998 Arctic Cat 500 4X4 Bearcat
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- Following numerous fan-requests for our opinions on more budget-friendly vehicles, AJ presents our first-ever retro review of the 1998 Arctic Cat 500 4X4 Bearcat.
Let us know what other classic vehicles you would like to see us review in the comments section down below!
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On October 30, 1998 my dad bought a '98 Arctic Cat 500. Got it for $500 off the retail price because it sat in the showroom as their dealer demonstrator at Jackson County ATVs in Ripley, WV for the '98 model year and they needed it sold to make room for the new '99s coming in. Well 24 years later it's sitting at 18,754 miles on the original engine and fires up just as smooth as the day dad brought her home. Now I've got two '98 Arctic Cats of my own (a red 300 2x4 and a red 400 4x4). The Lanhams are definitely an Arctic Cat family!
I worked for An Arctic Cat Dealer when these were new.
They had some common issues. The left clutch cover would leak and Cat's fix was a new gasket and blue loctite on the bolts which seamed to work.
This was a time when Chinese product was just getting noticed by big name brand Atv's and Cat jumped on board and used garbage Chinese bearings on these quads. The rear driveshaft bearings were famous for failing but easy enough to upgrade to a high quality bearing.
Then there was the issue of the 500's vapour locking. This was when emissions was becoming an issue so the manufactures were leaning the carbs right out.
Well the 454's were fine but the 300's and 500's would constantly die on the trail and were vapour locking.
Maybe it was because we were at higher elevations in the mountains (Alberta) but they ran really hot and the problems began.
A pipeline superintendent showed up at our shop on a Friday afternoon with a brand new 1998 300 Arctic Cat that wouldn't Run right when hot. I figured out what was going on and knew the carburation was way off from where it needed to be. He needed this quad for work.
I took the machine out to the edge of town where there's tons of rugged mountain trails.
Grabbed a handful of pilot and main jets and some tools.
I spent a couple days trying different combo's until I got them starting better with more power, better on fuel and most of all NOT vapour locking no matter how hard I rode them regardless of hill size.
The Superintendent came back to the shop the following Monday and picked up his machine. No charge we told him and I was just having fun riding after hrs on the weekend anyways.
Well he comes back the next day and says the machine ran 100% for him and he was very happy. Calls me out to his truck, gives me a pipeline hat that had the route marked on the hat and then hands me two hundred dollar bills. I said "no it was under warranty it's free". Well this guy didn't care and made me take the 200 bucks. Lol I was so happy I'll never forget his name it was Ron StGermain. Sp x??
Anyway our service manager called up Cat warranty department and they ended up paying us 3 full days of shop rate to calibrate these carburetors for the 300 and 500's. The 500's turned out great as well after I made some jetting changes and Cat ended up using my jetting specs for their high elevation jetting charts.
I thought that was pretty cool.
I’ve got ‘96 Bearcat 454 that’s still going strong. Great machine that was far ahead of it’s time 👍🏻
Great review. I just lucked into a 97’ 454 with 780 original miles. Awesome machine even at 22 years old. This thing will climb a snot wall. 👍🏻
Just bought one of these in rough shape, parts have been easy to find and relatively cheap. So far it has been a blast for the money
That's awesome. Fun project ATV.
I found a 1996 artic cat 4x4 300 all the way around independent suspension just needed a carb paid 450 for it got and a aftermarket carb and works perfectly... Solid machine
Sweet 👊💥🎉
I had a 91 Bayou 220 about 12 years ago and I had 93 Bayou 300 4x4 up until about 6 years ago and both were stellar atvs. Quality and reliability were top shelf. I became particularly attached to the Bayou 300 4x4 as it was purchased by a family member and I was the second owner. When you work equipment hard, it wears and that Bayou 300 4x4 spent it's entire life plowing snow and hauling firewood. Ultimately I moved on to bigger and better atvs to perform those tasks but I have a large amount of respect for those older atvs.
Wow!! I am totally impressed with your find!! It looks great...
So nice to see this series of videos from you folks!! Seriously, the new machine reviews are awesome, but a retro or vintage review is PRICELESS!! IMHO
Y'all need to test a Honda 300
I had a 99 just like the one in the video except it had 589 tires. I carried a 100 foot 5/8 rope with me. I pulled out two stuck Jeeps and a 3/4 ton pickup in the mountains with it. I have several A/C’s since but none that would pull like that one. Got a Wildcat X now.
Yes, reviews of older ones are pretty cool to see how they aged
Had a 1998 AC 454 4x4...and have an old 1999 AC 500 4x4...my old 454 had more power and higher top end...but I bought another...cuz simply put it's simple and easy to work on. Great review I was shocked to see this come up. These old kitties were often over looked...
same sized tires on both? this one uses all 4 same size, not sure if the 454 did as well..
Love the vintage reviews...looks like you found a very good deal.
FUN! I own a 1997 454 Bearcat (for 2 years) that I keep at my vast 21 acre Montana "ranch" ;-) .... never owned an ATV before in my 70 years (tho plenty of Enduro bikes and 4WD pickups) and it's just perfect to putz around on! 1,700+ original miles .... starts at the turn of the key after sitting 6 months. $2400 including a nice ramped trailer for it! I looked for something for months in several states and there it was ... 35 miles away!
the Retro REVIEW is my favorite because it's a real review about the kind of ATV a guy like me will have love it
Those gems are out there. Nice find👍🏼
Love the quad. Looks like in awesome condition.
This is sooo cool. With Covid my local used ATV market is crazy. I just sold my 2012 foreman 500 for $6500, and paid $8200 for it in 2012 (Canada).
I grabbed a 2000 AC 500 exactly like this for $300 from a friend. I’m seriously impressed with it. It’s got a locking diff that my Honda didn’t. I spent $2000 and bought a 2022 KLR650 and I feel like I beat the dealer in Blackjack. I find quads too bulky on trails, but use one often on the farm.
With the price of gas, I can get 60mpg to and on the trails, vs 16 in my truck, and going to save a lot commuting to work. I’m missing my foreman less and less, and really love this quad now. I was 25 when it was new, so it’s less retro for me anyways.
Awesome video guys. That quad looks like it came out of a time machine. I found 2, 2002’s online with only 700 miles, and look as mint as your 98.
I just need to reprogram mine for Y2K, lol.
That thing is mint ! Great review, Thanks.
I just went and got a artic cat 400 auto 4x4 it’s a beast so far it’s huge and clean
Great job on this video! I bought a 98 Cat 454 with same everything brand new in 1999. We worked the snot out of it to help clear a 80 acre parcel of heavily treed land for four years, winter and summer. Was as solid as a rock and never once was in need of repair other then maintenance. I look for these on kijij all the time for a fourth budget quad just as the video represents but no luck yet..... well done.
Awesome to hear and thanks for tuning in.
Tdd
Great video and review. I just inherited my Dads 99 500 Bearcat. Fun machine to ride on.
Awesome! Enjoy!!
I just purchased a 2001 500 Arctic cat, trying to really get to know these ATVs not the only thing I know about it is it uses that Suzuki engine. I think if I remember correctly the engine and transmission is probably from a quadmaster 500. I know body style after that in I want to say 2003 uses Vinson 500 engine. Whether or not there is a big difference is to be decided. Great video!
Best atv review yet. You guys need to test a Rokon!
The original monster from the early 90's. The Bayou 400!
Do the Fourtrax 300
We have a 2001 Suzuki Quad Runner 500, which I assume has the same engine/transmission as this Arctic Cat. Payed 450 bucks for it, previous owner thought the engine locked up but it turned out a leaky fuel petcock allowed fuel to run into the engine and fill it up. Replaced the petcock and got the fuel out of the engine and changed the oil a few times and the thing has served us well for the past 6 years. Its a strong unit, its mainly used for all kinds of utility work and handles it all pretty well. I've always liked the Arctic Cat brand for snowmobiles, Ill have to keep my eye open for an Arctic Cat ATV to possibly add to the fleet!
I got a 1999 Suzuki quadrunner ( in profile picture) we need more videos like this
This 500 AC is the same engine and drive train as the quadrunner and Vinson.
Please keep doing videos of old 4x4 ATV's!! There is almost no content on 80's, 90's and early 00's 4x4 ATV's on the internet.
What I would like to know is: Was there ever an ATV that was 4x4, 2 stroke and had a fully manual transmission?
Oh yea, A! Early Polaris explorer had 400cc 2 stroke, 4x4, but same shitty belt drive. Not a big fan of auto transmission
Do a test on the Honda foretrax 300
PeFarm by far the best atv ever made. I have 3 of them lol. I hurt feelings all the time with mine and don't even run an axle paddle.
I have a can am renegade 800 xxc and i don't like going mudding with it so i wanna buy a fourtrax cuz i heared they are amphybious lol
And good quads
PeFarm legendary four wheeler runs forever not the best in mud though
Legendary 4 wheelers. Super simple design, a breeze to work, will outlast any bike out and that's a fact, and almost impossible to kill. No your totally wrong Eternal. The 300s are one of the best bikes out there for mudding. I have a built 2wd that will keep up with anything around and I'm not even running an axle paddle. You can build a 4x4 to be an absolute animal in the mud. Research a built 300 with a gear reduction.
I just got a 2006 artic cat 500 $2600. Has cvt auto transmission , select 2wd or 4wd. I got it to haul logs out of mountains and couldn't be happier. I don't want a speedy trail atv but a tractor to do work, this thing is only meant to go 25mph
A friend of mine growing ups father owned a store called the great outdoors that was a hit in our small town they had it all from guns & archery all the way down to the first ever pair of the old mossy oak break up pattern Rocky boots that I just had to own that$125 even back then but one day I went by and looked over at the store and saw about 7-10 Atv sitting out front so the next time I saw him I remembered to ask what the deal was with the four wheeler and he said they were a new line called Arctic cats and he went on to mention how good they were and that they has sent out a demo for him to do what he pleased with and ride it as much as possible to give a review of what he thought about the capabilities of this new Atv and the one he demoed was the 500 an at the time it was the biggest baddest thing out there and I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread
You had a good idea! You should give it a tune-up and sell it to someone looking to get into the sport on a budget. You guys get a good deal on parts I imagine haha.
I have one sitting in the garage with a blown radiator and a bad fan.
Gotta fix it up, it’s been in our family since new.
I used to ride on the back as a kid.
Do an old Honda foreman or fourtrax a Yamaha big bear would be awesome too most people rode Yamaha and Honda when it comes to vintage four wheelers
It would be awesome if you created a mini series reviewing old atvs (Honda 300, moto 4, big bear, quadrunner)
That thing is in awesome shape
For 2500 bucks I got my self a 2010 Polaris 400 ho, doesn’t need much upgrades just some minor fixes. and now runs great 👍
That's a nice little ATV for sure.
Ive got a 2005 honda rancher 350 4x4 id love to see a review of that
I have Artic cat 500 4x4 automatic I think 2001. It's absolute beast of ATV I have driven Polaris 700cc and it wasn't nearly as fun as Artic cat.
That thing is in much better shape then mine, I really like my 98 500
I got a 2011 King quad 400 for 2grand had about 500 miles on it
That's a great deal, that 500 is like new.
Another great quad is mid 2000's king quad 700. but needs bumper upgrade
My dad used to have 1 of these dont think he's ever changed the oil on it he let to many ppl use it and they ran it into the ground for em it was 1 work horse of an atv tho it wasnt fast but it was able to pull away strong machine
Please do more videos like this . It's nice to see the new stuff , but not all of us can afford a new atv. So vintage atvs is what some of us can only buy. And seeing a review like this is nice . Maybe you can do a small segment on your show. on a vintage atv . ???
Joe Rutkowsky totally agreed! I recently bought a new to me 2004 well used sportsman. It was good to find reviews of not only when they were new but of people who’ve used and abused them
OntarioRedneXXX congrats on the sportsman. I have never had any issues with mine. I just do the preventive maintenance on it every year. And wash out my rad after every ride. So it won't clog with mud and over heat . Sportsman are a good atv .
Joe Rutkowsky mine needed a lot of work but it was rode hard and put away wet, had an engine rebuild and the price was right so I bought it. So far it’s been a great machine, plenty of power and the 4x4 system I prefer over the other makes I’ve rode
I just now bought a 2000 model In very clean meant condition
Still got a 85 big red 3 wheeler running strong
Peter Dragon me too they are tough as nails
I have an 88 Yamaha with a 5 spd with Hi-Lo range with solid axle and it will go where my other four wheeler with a cvt won't go
Very nice I still have a 87 yamaha motor 4 350cc and a 99 kawasaki prairie 400 4x4 that I wouldn't trade for. Very reliable. And when it comes to sliding down rocky terrain you can't beat them. Very controllable while climbing. Nicely balanced. Then I have a arctic cat 700 mudpro and 1000 renegade xmr for the mud . Love the review
I recently got a 1998 Artic cat 500 4x4 atv. On my fairing some of the plastic rivets are missing. What size rivets would I need to get for that? Can they be purchased anywhere?
A quad its hard to find a review on, the Kawasaki Prairie 650.
what kind of front diff does it have? is it the torsen like one from the same quadrunner 500? clutch plate limited slip, open?
I have 2 1998 454 4x4 and I love them for what they are and that they can take a ton of abuse and they don’t show it.
Please do 1994 Kawasaki bayou 4x4!
I like the low centre of gravity and tough driveline. Just wish it had a locking diff.
The 1996 (first year model) DID… then people complained about the steering, and Arctic Cat did away with it the next year.
Can someone please tell me what the polaris ranger 900 gets for gas mileage. I bought a 2018 ranger 900xp eps It seems like i get under 10mpg but I know that can't be right.
Do a Yamaha banshee build
You guys should test ride one of the new Yamaha raptors or yfz's
Do an old grizzly
I just picked up a 454 for 150 bucks just needs a front cv has 600 in brand new tires on it
Does this have a wet clutch? What kind of oil do I use with this?
Do the top ten cheap 4x4 ATVS under 2500
I bought a 1995 attic cat 500 for $1000 just needs a hose but it runs and drives!
Does your ATV have the ability to turn the front traction on or off?
Inherited one with some property we purchased last year and the ATV is in pretty rough shape. Any links to owner's manual? Where is the darn spark plug!
I wish someone would do an arctic cat 300 4x4.not everyone can drop 8 to 10 grand on an ATV or SXS.the AC 300 is an unusual machine to me. I love mine
You should talk about the 1986 honda trx fourtrax 350
Do the 99 big bear 350 canada special edition :p
I got the 454 bearcat
All honesty y’all should have done a Honda 300 because like almost anyone can find one
Yamaha Big Bear 400 4x4 would be good too. A Honda Foreman 450 4x4 would be a better Honda to get.
Greg Rowe i have an really early kodiak 400 4x4 but it’s not in great condition
Greg Rowe I would rather see the foreman 400 instead of the 450 foreman
Do more
You need to do a 1998 Honda forman 450 s
I just bought one 1998 dont know the size 500 or 454. Rough shape going to need a seat and gas tank.
Is it the same as a Suzuki quadrunner 500 because it looks very simaler
Alright i just pulled this out of my grandmas garage. Hasnt been driven since 2010. Has 1000 miles on it. Just got the carb cleaned, new battery, oil change.
My main question is with the transmission. Do i need to manually shift the gears? Or can i keep it in 5th and it will auto shift up to that? Because first gear has so much torque i cant go more than 2mph before going into 2nd.
Next this use to over heat so bad that the engine would lock up and about throw me over the handle bars if i couldnt drop it down to neutral fast enough. Id have to wait for it to cool to get it to start then quickly over heat again. Any input on this? I think mine is a 99.
yorkie
Check and change your coolant or add a superior additive to reduce tempature. Also check your fuse for the cooling fan and make sure it comes on when needed, maybe check it in with the shop for any electrical issues for the cooling system.
I just bought one nothing compared to my Polaris
Do a honda Atc review
Nice! Now test a vintage HONDA!!!! Thanks!
I thought u had an eye to avoid junk I had a bear cat just like this 1 and 26 inch mudlites tore it to pieces it had plenty of low end but it was plagued by electric problems and the Suzuki engine had to be overhauled by 2800 miles.. it had so much body roll u thought u were goin over constantly
Do a grizzly 600 or rancher 350
Lol very cool wish I could get into this but it's to far out of budget being a teen
There are less expensive atvs out there. You can pick up a Honda Recon for around $1000.
Max Gamer not really I bought myself two before I had turned 16 just gotta work for what you want.
I have a 1986 yamaha moto 4 225 for $300
can we have more of these???
Want an opinion (anyone) bought 1999 yamaha wolverine 350 4x4 with 5ft plow, full set spare tires (2 mud and 2 trail weird combo ik) had broken taillights cover and 1 of 2 homemade plow mounts (not needed just makes it faster) was broken all for 2000$ cad
Plz do a Honda fourtrax 300
Do a test on a Kawasaki 360
This is a great ATV.
It’ll Still be around when that can am will be headed for the crusher……
I have a 98 Arctic Cat Bearcat 4x2 it runs awesome but Im needing a harness main. Can anyone tell me where I might find one?
Harness as in 20 wires? lol. Nobody’s been warehousing harnesses for these for 25 years. That’s the thing your glad it’s not some CNC milled magnesium part that you’ll never find or could practically make.
It’s not hard to remake a harness for a 98 ATV when you have one to copy, or even a schematic for.
@@P1ayD0hpaul any suggestions on where to get one made?
I think we all agree we want to see an old honda
So, pretty much you can buy a brand new Honda with the same technology.
Honda’s will fall apart if you don’t take care of them properly, just beacause you think a Honda is a cooler vehicle doesn’t mean it’s better to buy one or recommend one to someone how is probably gonna buy a Polaris instead.
The act suspension is not even close to solid rear axle. It has tons of left to right flex the same as a straight axle truck. Solid rear axles beat your brains out in the rocky stuff.The act does give a lot of lean at high speed.It is the trade off depending on your riding style.PS the winch comes stock in 1998
If it has all the stickers it hasent been used hard for very long
Yamaha Grizzly 660 or Kawasaki Bayou
My dad's dad had one of these but it's red
Grizzly 600 oh yeah
Did he say Kawasaki bay-you? Lol
I have a 2000 a c it's mint.l wouldn't give it up.
I have the same one except a 2001 and a 2018 Polaris 570 and I would rather drive this one the Polaris feels like a Chinese bike
They have tons of issues on new ones I love the 99-04.5 sportsman
test an old honda or yamaha
Yall commenting do a honda did not pay attention
Yeah his price limit was 2500. Round here that won’t get you a running Honda 4x4.