Arctic Cat 650

The Arctic Cat 650 was ATV Illustrated's 2004 4X4 ATV of the Year.

Approval Rate: 67%

67%Approval ratio

Reviews 48

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  • by

    antiarticcat

    Tue Oct 08 2013

    It is easy to sum up AC 650 it is a piece of sh-- opps garbage

  • by

    arctic0rider

    Wed Jun 02 2010

    ive have the 2005 650 v2 and im on 331 hours and this fourwheeler is fantastic ive never ever had a problem with it all my friends say they dont start in the cold well i have a heated garage hah so im good but defeneetly my favourite fourwheeler its strong tuff and reliable love it

  • by

    cjl874c6

    Mon Feb 08 2010

    in december of 2007 i purchased a650 h1 in the last two years its been in the shop for 2 months and 10 days after the warranty ran out the engine blew and i didnt have three thousand kilometreson it

  • by

    herekittykitty

    Thu Jan 28 2010

    Just bought a 2010 650H1 ..Holy Crap...Instantly put on an HMF pipe, K&N air filter, 27x9-12 Carlisle mud wolfs on the front and 27x12-12 on the rear, I lost a bit of power, but not much with these tires and I tell ya....I am unstoppable...Love it now...hate it later...

  • by

    shawnfavre

    Thu Dec 10 2009

    i love my cat had a few problems with water getting in the belt drive ate a few belts, and a clutch. i bought it new in zulu, indiana the dealers are complete morons, but over all a great quad a word of warning don't buy anything from r/t sales they will stick it in your backside "buyer beware"

  • by

    denese

    Mon Nov 02 2009

    I own a 2008 arctic cat ,650 from day one i've had problems. i've had it in the shop six different times 60 miles round trip and time off work all at my own expense. arctic cat doesn't know what's wrong with it . I just want to be compensated for my troubles or replace it. They don't want to do either. I surly won't buy one again. call me i'll tell you why you don't want one. 320-808-5388..

  • by

    captjerr

    Sat Oct 24 2009

    I have an '06 Arctic Cat 650 v2 and I have put some hard miles on this machine as I live in North Western Ontario. The ground and weather here is rough to say the least! My kitty is a sure footed, fire breathing dragon. After maket tires, air filter and winch. But the big thing here is that the machine is serviced every month or two. For some reason my engines valves get tight, and I have to reset the valve clearence on intake valves(4-6 thousands) and exhaust valves(8-10 thousands). After I do the machine starts and runs like the day I got it, as time and the rides go by the quad starts to lose power and is hard to start. Yes it's time to adjust the valve again! My Kawasaki mechanic says "that's the way those engines are". Otherwize the quad performs and 4 wheels like no other quad i've rode. 27 inch tires (swamp lites)and all kinds of ground clearance is amazing. Power from the v twin is good and laying on the throtle allmost always gets you out of hole or will pick up the front tire... Read more

  • by

    crockman

    Fri Oct 09 2009

    I'm having the exact same problem with mine. PRIMARY CLUTCHES. I have a 2007 650 tbx. Mine goes out every 350miles. 3 times now. Did the washer fix the problem? This is the biggest piece of crap i ever had. $ pit Arctic cat won't doing anything to help. Arctic cat sucks

  • by

    wmartn420

    Mon Aug 10 2009

    I own both a 06, 650H1 Prowler, and a 06, 500 quad.. Both machines are good overall.. The pro's include High clearance, plenty of power, comfortable ride, Great fuel tank location. The cons.. Electric dash panels on both atv's read incorrect gas levels.. Short constantly only reading "Volt" across them. The prowler is very bad for killing 2-4wd switches as well as the front 4wd actuator.. The 500 quad does not have the switch issue at this point. The 500 quad does well starting at any temp as long as the battery is good.. The prowler gives trouble in 90degree weather sometimes, as well as when its cold.. I live at 7000ft so we experience both ends of the temperature spectrum. Both of my machines have the sizuki motors and Ive had no issues at all with them. Im giving them both 4 stars due to the minor issues included with both machines. I have a feeling all of the major issues with these machines are problems on the factory side, or crappy construction of the machines at the dea... Read more

  • by

    kuyt0dd4

    Mon Aug 10 2009

    I had a 650 v twin with the kaw motor on it and had nothing but problems. had it at the dealer more than it was at home. Arctic cat was the worst customer support that i had ever dealt with they would not do anything about it when they would finaly talk to you. I now own an 06 650 h1. My dealer is the only reason that i own another arctic cat they gave me trade in what i paid for it as long as i baught another cat could not afford to loose money on a wheeler that only ha somewhere around 24 hours. Needless to say this cat has been very good to me not as peppy as the v twin but much more power full. Gas gauge does not work at all, Broke the accasional front axsl (Aftermarket tires) But tonight i hit a deep whole in the creek filled the wheeler up with water took the spark plug out cranked it over and got all the water out had spark was getting gas out of the fuel pump but no gas to the cylinder is there a saftey solonoid on the carb that if there is water in something that it will not o... Read more

  • by

    farmboy1

    Wed Jul 29 2009

    I have had this 2005 650 V2 LE for 3 years now. I have put a little over 2500 miles on it and had it to the shop once for the electric motor that switches it from 2wd to 4wd. Other than that it has been a great AVT. It did start hard the 1st winter but if you use non-ethanol gas it does much better. My neighbor got the 06 650 h1 and has had nothing but problems with the engine. I think arctic cat may still need to work on their engines but this kawasaki motor has been smooth, reliable, and powerful.

  • by

    onebadf150

    Tue Apr 28 2009

    I have a 2008 650H1 and have had it for a year now it has been through hell and back and becides breaking a few CV axles {which i blam on big tires} runs good but i do think i lost my last gear because my bike only wants to run about 45 if anyone knows what my problem might be please let me know.

  • by

    thecatman

    Mon Mar 30 2009

    I have an '06 H1 650 Cat that doesn't like primary clutches. I'm on my third one, as well as a second crank. The retainer nut that hold all the junk together keeps backing off and takes out the splined roller plate, end bearing and cuts into the end of the crank. Has this happend to anyone else? I was a five star man 'till the last go-around cost me $2,100.00 and I still don't know if it will hold together.

  • by

    madatcat

    Sat Mar 28 2009

    I have had 4 artic cat atv's , 2001 500 auto, 2004 400 manual, 2005 500 auto, 650hi auto. The 2001 was junk for the start, nothing but trouble from day one, couldn't aford the payments and repair bills so I parked it tell I had it paid for and fixed it again, and it broke again, only thing I didn't have trouble with is the rear end, that thing was real junk and still is. The 2004 was a manual because I thought with the 2001 having so much trouble thought I would go manual, mistake again. Trany went out 2 times and the actuator went out in the front end for shifting it in 4 wheel drive. Needless to say after the secound trany its parked now to. #2 piece of junk, Then I bought the 2005 wrecked, the frame and some other componits was bent and broke but the motor and drive train was good, fixed it up and that one runs good, starts good when its cold and it actually runs and don't stop a million times. Hit the starter and it fires right up. Undecided about #3 piece of junk cause it runs g... Read more

  • by

    marc650

    Thu Dec 18 2008

    my 650 H1 won't start .i rode it one day then i put it away then i wanted to go for a ride and it won't start it will turn over but it's not fireing and the instrument panel keeps going out then it comes back on then out again.

  • by

    buckdaddys

    Tue Oct 21 2008

    I Have 2006 650 4x4 that needs a new engine now, It has less than 120hrs on it. They told me it over-heated, but the fan blows fine on the rad. You tell me. They tried to say it need an oil change, I asked was it out of oil, there reply was no, but needed changing. I haven't got much help out of Arctic cat yet. I have heard that It is a the same as Kalasucky Burton and they have had alot engine problems. Any help from anybody. The warranty just ran out

  • by

    preed454

    Mon Sep 08 2008

    i have an 06 h1 se and its really been a pretty good machine but it has had a few problems. the biggest problem is what alot of comments here are...starting in cold weather. first let me say im in Alaska so being out in the cold is an understatement. i actually do more riding in the winter than in the summer. i kept taking it back to the dealer saying "this thing wont start! you ever pull started it?" (i have...alot! got pretty good at it!) i was pretty upset at one point cause i was out in the middle of nowhere, it wouldnt start, hardly would turn over. i pulled and pulled until the pull chord broke also. got towed back in. i told the dealer to put a kickstart on it also so when the first two starting proceedures fail i could kick start it. well they finally took me seriously and after 2 batteries with the same results they put in some high tech battery. never had a problem since. that thing will start everytime and it cranks over fast. so -20 and so on doesnt hurt it a bit. the only ... Read more

  • by

    city01

    Sun Jun 08 2008

    I have had this ATV For 4 months and had nothing but problems I think i have recived the friday Afteroon Lemon

  • by

    rogerdesusa

    Wed Apr 09 2008

    I own a 2006 650 V-Twin and have had no major problems. Sure it may be a hard starter in the cold. There is a idle adjuster under the right side to turn it up or down. I have had to adjust that in really cold days. Other then that I have enjoyed mine for about 1200 miles with no major defects. Not to mention the snow plowing I do isn't very nice, gives it one hell of a work out. Living in Western Wisconson I get the cold and snow. I have used it to pull my E150 van out of the snow to the garage to charge the battery on that when it was really cold, -20 F. this winter.

  • by

    catrider650

    Sun Mar 30 2008

    I own a 2005 650 v-twin and a 2006 polaris 700. The arctic cat 650 out performs my polaris anyday with its power and ground clearance. I am thinking of trading the polaris in for the arctic cat 700h1, this spring.

  • by

    avgjoe

    Fri Mar 07 2008

    I have an 2008 650 H1 and Love it. The Power is great, it looks awesome, and you cant beat the ground clearence. Most of the bad reviews I ve read are dealer issues not Cat issues. Mine died driving it off the trailer because the dealer didnt snap the wiring harness together. The only flaws I see are the head light adjustment screws, the shifting tolerances are a bit close and more aggresive tires wouldnt hurt. If you want top end out of a stock 650 buy a can-am 650 HO, If you want raw power and ground clearence buy a 650 H1. And to clarify the 650 H1, 700 H1 EFI, and Thundercat are Arctic Motors. The rest are Suzukis unless you have a discontinued 650 V2 which is a Kawasaki Motor, but a very good motor.

  • by

    ajw1848

    Wed Feb 06 2008

    I have owned my 06 650 h1 se for over a year now. I have read everyone's ratings. In my humble opinion the machine works, and works hard. I have not had a single problem. I work it hard and it comes back for more. In looking at the poor ratings, I think that everyone is ranking the NON-CAT engine powered machines. Every engine with the exceptions of the 650h1 the new 700's and the new 1000 are all Kaw engines. There is nothing that exists that is everything to everyone. This machine does the job for me. Sorry to hear those of you who have had bad experiences.

  • by

    ljs556be

    Tue Jan 22 2008

    Need to change name (ARTIC) My 2005 400 atv starts and runs fine until temperature drops below freezing, brakes and throttle freeze up and is hard starting. Also what a poor design the fuel vent is,the hose is always coming off and fuel sprays all over,we own a ranch and my wife gets in her ez-go workhorse, mashes the peddle down and away she go's,anybody looking for a cheep atv?

  • by

    lukester

    Sat Dec 01 2007

    2005 650 v-2. Great in the summer, but you better have a heated garage because the sob will refuse to start in cold weather. I actually have to heat the cylinders in order to get a good attempt at starting it in the cold. We got a lot of snow today and I put the new 4-s camoplast tracks on it, but couldn't get it to start and I think the choke cables broke in the progress. This sob is going to be sold cheap with two sets of tires and wheels, set of tracks, moose plow, moose power module, warn winch, two chainsaw vices, moose back rack box plus more. I have to get rid of it or else my blood pressure is going to kill me!!!!

  • by

    joashcs

    Thu Nov 08 2007

    Just got the '07 650 H1 two months ago. I've already put 200 miles on her. That's 200 hard miles. I ride in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri, mostly at Cloud 9 Ranch which has 350 miles of awesome trails. Half of these trails are extremely hard core. I love a good challenge and trust me, these hills provide a challenge. Put the 650 in L 4x4 and crawl up anything. The 12" ground clearance is priceless. I would've given a five star rating, but honestly the machine's steering wears me out, it lacks a hand break on the right side, and I would like just a little more top end power. The steering problem can be fixed with an after market sway bar, but the bar limits some of the suspension travel. I don't foresee any problems in the near future and I would recommend this machine to anyone that needs a work horse, loves climbing up the side of mountains, boulders, trees, or just wants a good solid atv.

  • by

    stoneage08

    Wed Aug 01 2007

    650 H1 has great low end torque,almost never needs low range but it is nice to have if needed, excellent ride quality and dependability. I like the reciever hitch and the three point hitch attachments are really handy. overall excellent machine especially since they started running their own engines. looking forward to the 1000 thundercat. the older cats were very unreliable but I believe they have made some great changes and seem to be getting better and better

  • by

    txlawman

    Mon Jul 23 2007

    We own an '04 400 and an '06 650H1. We think they're great. We do most of our riding in mud in Texas and in the Arkansas mountains, but we just got back from a trip to Silverton, CO and ours were the only 4-wheelers that didn't have power trouble at the higher altitudes. Both of these machines have also been under water and after drying out, neither has had a problem starting. The only thing we don't like is the cheesy way the headlights are attached on the 650.

  • by

    caron391

    Fri Jun 15 2007

    Bought my Cat h1 last may and its been in the shop more then i've ridden it!!Have starting problems problem is it won't start lol anyone else with starting problems?

  • by

    clr281

    Tue Jun 05 2007

    I have a 07 AC650H1 with 300 miles on it now. This thing is absolutely amazing at what it was designed to do. I have read about many reliability problems but have never heard of any around where I live and mine is like a rock! I starts instantly, regardless of temps ( live at 7000ft in the colorado mountains, with temps going well below zero. never had a problem with starts) and runs strong from 6500ft to well over 11000ft with very little loss of power. You have to see this machine as a quasi military vehicle. It is designed to go anywhere, get you out of anywhere, go into anything, and go over anything. It is not designed to be the best handling, riding sport/utility atv. If you see the 650H1 as this you will absoluty love it. I have no doubt that it is the best, no compromise extreme ATV on the market. It has great power, climbs anything, goes over anything, mud bogs like crazy(had mine in mud up to seat), snow bogs like crazy(had mine in over 2ft deep powder), is fast(62 mph on my ... Read more

  • by

    muddog

    Tue May 08 2007

    Just purchased a 650LE Cat myself. I like the ground clearance better then the Polaris 500 I had. It's been traveling through the deep woods on muddy trails and no problems so far. I even got to use the winch to pull out a 500 Cat my buddy had from the mud. We look for places to get stuck so it happens. Only put 37 miles on her so far but it's running well thus far. Once shes broken in a bit more in the mud I'll see what kinda speed she'll due on the flats. Enjoy the ride sportfolk.

  • by

    craig71234

    Mon May 07 2007

    Just bought one . So impressed powerful-handling is just awesome. Wont trade for nothing.

  • by

    tac11937

    Sun May 06 2007

    I just bought my second Arctic Cat. Went from a 400 to a 650 V2 and cant be happier. I have always had sport quads. never thought i would ever look at utilaty quads. got the 400 and it proved my point. got the 650 and now i have changed my mind. This thing is a lot of fun. Lots of power. Out running King Quad 700s, and 650 Yamahas. I have had a litle trouble with one of the carbs leaking fuel. but other then that it seems to be a giant step forward from my 01-400 that is a big rolling turd, but the kids love it. this is becoming an all Arctic cat family. I also have a great arctic cat dealer close by that makes owning a cat a great thing. they have been much better to deal with then the power sports shops from my sport quad days.

  • by

    tarussell

    Mon Jan 29 2007

    We bought two new '05 650LE V twins. Added hand warmers, ATP tires, 6 degree flywheel key and dial-a-jets. We loaded them with 3.5 gallons of water, 10 gallons extra fuel and all supplies and food for 8 days on the trail and started our ride in Circleville, Utah. On our ride stopped three times to get fuel in small towns. We traveled 650 miles in rain, snow, rocks, mud and dust and ranged in elevation from 5,000 to 11,400 feet. Temperatures ranged from 75 to 25. At 10-11,000 feet they were the only bikes in the group of 12 that had any power at that altitude on steep trails. Their clearance and handling on demanding technical trails is excellent. We had no problems with them at all. Fabulous bikes! If you have a bad one - look at your dealer - they will make or break you.

  • by

    david42

    Fri Jan 19 2007

    I bought my 04 650 used from a co worker and I would like to kill him. I have road it twice and its been in the shop 4 times. When it runs its great. If it runs as of now it is a 6000$ paper weight.

  • by

    teknoe19

    Mon Jan 08 2007

    own a 650 kawi motor and it ROCKS!!

  • by

    mike747

    Sun Dec 10 2006

    I got an Arctic cat tony stewart v2 650 Runs great on teh snow, Great machine.

  • by

    retzydd6

    Mon Dec 04 2006

    I have a 2001 arctic cat liquid cooled 4x4 ATV never have a problem with it during the warmer months, but as soon as the cold weather comes it never starts. I bought it new and never even used the plow that came with it because it never starts in the winter unless i pull the plug out and put the torch to it.

  • by

    bursielspk

    Thu Aug 24 2006

    I have a 2006 650 h1 that i purchased new in may 2006. It now has 300 miles on it! I don't know why people put down these machines haven't had any problems at all , plenty of low-end torque, enough power to get me up the steepest hills! You can't even tell it shifts with the torque-amatic transmission. Great machine ARCTIC CAT did a good job on this one thanks arctic cat!!!!

  • by

    pwrstrokeman20_00

    Sat Jul 08 2006

    I have a 06 arctic cat and have had so many problems I just cant beleave im the only one. front diffy troubles and the 2x4 electric shiter motors are a joke and dont last any longer then a few hundred miles each. im on my 3rd on. I really like it when there is nothing wrong with it but thats usually only the first 10or15 miles after getting everything fixed. STAY AWAY FROM ACTIC CATS. The company dosent care after they get your money.!!

  • by

    jenbug

    Mon Mar 13 2006

    I purchased the AC650-H1 about 3 weeks ago. The first weekend that I had it, it backfired and then would not run. So I took it to the dealer (80 miles from my house) so they could fix it, and they informed me that they had not impacted the flywheel nut, and the recoil nut was also not tighten (explains why I couldn’t pull start it when I got it). This caused it to jump time, backfire, and blow the baffle out of the muffler. They could only say "sorry". I spoke with the dealer again about the muffler not being right, and they informed me they would ship me a new muffler, if they needed to. Well, that would be pointless now, the dag gone transmission just blew out of it yesterday. Needless to say, I am not at all pleased with this piece of crap. I fully intend on making them take it back because I have lost complete respect for this company! This wheeler could be a bad apple, but the company/dealer ought to be more helpful!!! Before I buy another, I will definitely do my research.

  • by

    phil_carty

    Sat Mar 11 2006

    Hell of a good bike!!! Bring your Honda's, Kawey's, Suz's, and Yam's. We will see where it's @..... BOYYEEE!!

  • by

    bbbbbb

    Fri Feb 24 2006

    100% the best atv i have ever owned it gets outta any mudhole and will ride over anything with the great ground clearance on it

  • by

    damebbf0

    Wed Feb 08 2006

    I LOVE THE 2005 650 CAT V2,HANDLES GREAT AWSOME CLEARANCE AND IM USUALLY THE ONE WINCHING OUT MY BUDS WHO DONT HAVE A CAT,ONLY PROB IVE HAD WAS THE SWITCHING FROM 2 TO 4 WHEEL,BROUGHT IT IN AND GOT A NEW SWITCH,I FIND IF U GET IN A BIG WATER HOLE IT WONT SWICH FOR UP TO 10 TO 15 MIN TILL IT DRYS WHICH IT IS A FLAW BUT HAPPENS RARELY, OTHERE THEN THAT THIS BIKE IS THE BEST OUT THERE FOR A JOKE ,NOTHING AGAINST OTHERE BRANDS BUT THIS ONE IS HARD TO BEAT,BY THE WAY I DONT WORK AT AN ARCTICCAT DEALER LOL,HAVE FUN AND IF U DRINK DRIVE SLOWER

  • by

    warrined

    Sun Jan 22 2006

    I have just bought a new 2006 artic cat 650 H1 300 miles so far great ground clearance good ride great power and starts with no problem in the cold alberta canada weather. I am running 27 12 12 bear claw tires and have had no problem, shifts great and goes in and out of 4x4 with ease. I have always had grizzlys before 600 and 660 but yamaha did not build a new machine so I have switched to Cat. LOVE IT

  • by

    acjohn

    Sun Jan 08 2006

    My 2006 650 V2 out performs the honda I traded for it by far. Power and ground clearance unbeatable. Heard alot of problems with 05 and some 04 models but I think they perfected the 06

  • by

    muota6436

    Wed Dec 21 2005

    My 650 is overall OK, but it I have a hell of a time starting it. In cold weather it will not start at all! I t will crank but does not fire. I had the unit in for repair as the chock was stuck in open. If I continue having starter problems, the for sale sign goes up and I will be shopping for a japanese made unit.

  • by

    larry_boyer

    Tue Nov 22 2005

    I have had many brands from Kawasaki to yamaha and Suizuki. All were trouble free. I have 45 miles on my Artic Cat 650 HI. It is junk!!! Won't shift from 2-4 and back and now wiring harness is burnt up.Dealer says they have to deal with AC in the problems and AC won't return my calls.Don't buy an Artic Cat ATV!

  • by

    pete68

    Wed Nov 16 2005

    Fisrt of all arctic cats are junk and second of all kawasaki motors are junk.