| Arctic
Cat 700 H1 Sport
Utility ATV Review >> Continued |
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| Arctic
Cat 700 H1 Sport Utlity ATV |
Stepping down a few hundred cc’s to the
700 H1 4x4 EFI model, we sort of thought we would
be in for a power fix after giving the Thundercat
1000 H2 a workout. Long story short, no one seemed
to miss the power difference in a trail environment.
(Please don’t tell anyone, we have to keep
up our status in the power hungry club!) The 700
offers all the power one needs for average riding
and for use on the farm. I know we still have
that gleam in our eye from the arm ripping power
the Thundercat provided, but all that power will
wear you out if you try and run it hard for long.
This is where we feel the 700 excels as it offers
good solid power.
The 700 H1 shares most of its big brother’s
attributes with regards to styling and layout,
it just happens to be a few inches shorter in
length and a few pounds lighter. The braking
seems better and that is probably due to not
trying to stop the extra weight (of course at
high speed, why have a Thundercat if you’re
not going to drop the hammer!) I have still
found myself reaching for the right hand brake
lever that isn’t there, but all in all
liked this model a lot.
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The Arctic Cat 700 H1 came climb over
just about anything with 12" of ground
clearance along with an impressive 10"
of suspension travel |
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| Arctic
Cat 700 H1 & Thundercat both have
great tool kits for doing on the trail
maintenance |
The biggest drawback I have found on both models
is the notchy shifter engagement that is so
prevalent in this type of set up. I know it’s
the nature of the beast in a linkage style system,
but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
One huge plus to both models is the killer tool
kit provided under the seat. Every manufacture
needs to take a lesson from what Arctic cat
does and provide each model with such a well
thought out kit with nearly every tool you may
need on the trail.
Handling on the 700 H1 was more positive and
I actually preferred the suspension over the
Thundercat. The taller bars fit my comfort zone
and the machine is just easier to ride. Sure,
it lacks the punch of the Thunder Cat, but for
a typical ATV owner there isn’t much to
complain about….well ok, the grips are
on the firm side.
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Whether you ride in the woods , fields,
or even the desert, the Arctic Cat 700
H1 provides a fun and enjoyable ride |
