With all the hype surrounding side-by-sides these days, ATVs sometimes get lost and/or overlooked.
And that’s a shame because there are some excellent four-wheelers being designed and manufactured for those who like to go solo.
No doubt side-by-sides are hot commodities in today’s market. We’ve heard from more than one source that the number of side-by-sides sold will pass ATVs this year.
While we’re in the camp of loving side-by-sides, we still really enjoy riding four-wheelers. A lot.
And that includes Arctic Cat’s 700 ATV. We spent part of last summer on one and the more we rode it the more we liked it.
We mostly used the Cat 700--our model was a Limited version so it was loaded with features--on mountain roads/trails and backcountry roads. We also previously spent some time on the Cat 700 at the Oregon Dunes. The Oregon Dunes ride on the Cat 700 was a pleasant surprise, actually. This machine isn’t what you’d call dune-specific, but it held its own and powered up the biggest dunes the area had to offer.
Great For All Kinds Of Terrain
Last summer our Cat 700 was able to go on some narrow mountain trails that our side-by-sides couldn’t. That’s just one advantage ATVs still have over side-by-sides. Rocky river bottoms (mostly dry when we rode there) were also no problem for the 700. It’s a great all-round vehicle for all kinds of terrain.
Cat updated a few things from our Oregon Dunes ride to the model we rode most recently, most notably in the area of ride calibration.
Here’s a snapshot of what is new on the 2013 model:
• Swaybar and shock/spring recalibration (on XT, Limited models)
• Park in transmission with high, low and reverse
• XT package comes with painted bodywork, electronic power steering and aluminum wheels.
• The Limited package includes painted bodywork, electronic power steering, aluminum wheels and a 3,000-lb. winch.
Package Levels
You may remember Cat announced not too long ago that it was organizing its ATV lineup by not only engine size but also “package levels.” Those include: CORE, XT and Limited. As you can tell from the features listed above, CORE is the base model, followed by the XT and then the Limited. The Limited model we tested features the green metallic paint, although there is a Camo version of the Limited also available for an additional $200.
The addition of the swaybar is, of course, aimed at keeping the vehicle flatter while cornering. Recalibrating the shocks and springs will also help in that area while delivering a more plush ride. We were definitely impressed with the ride and didn’t think the changes compromised the ride at all on rocky and uneven terrain. Of course, the ATV’s low center of gravity helps give you confidence in those kinds of conditions, too, but it might just be the electronic power steering (EPS) that inspires the most confidence in the Cat 700.
Simply put, you can ride harder and longer and through rougher terrain more easily with EPS. Yes, it makes that much difference. And, as Cat points out, EPS reduces the torque necessary to steer the vehicle when changing direction with loaded racks or while navigating tough obstacles such as rocks, deep mud or logs.
The variable assist system is driven by an electronic control unit (ECU) that measures steering input force versus tire resistance and vehicle speed. With that information, the ECU provides the appropriate assist to the steering column through an electronic motor. According to Cat’s spec sheet on the vehicle, “The Arctic Cat power steering ECU program is designed to maintain a light steering input effort, but maintains enough feel so you have a better understanding of what the tire contact patch is doing in relation to the terrain.
Light Steering
What’s amazing to us is just how light the steering effort is. The way to really notice it is to ride a vehicle without EPS and then one with and you’ll quickly and easily see the difference. This is especially evident in rough terrain, like going over rocks or logs or rock crawling. EPS “absorbs” the jarring that happens when you cover rough terrain.
While this ATV’s 700 H1 engine isn’t the biggest Cat makes for its big bore ATVs—those who want more horsepower can turn to the H2 1000 V-twin powerplant—this 695cc SOHC, 4-stroke with EFI is plenty stout. It offers decent torque and a smooth powerband from bottom to top. We wouldn’t say the 700 hits hard right off the bottom; rather it builds power as it goes. And that’s okay in most riding conditions.
Here’s an example of what we mean. Banshee Hill is a favorite hillclimbing spot for many who ride the Oregon Dunes. It’s a steep climb hill through the pines and a place where the big horsepower crowd loves to go. We like a challenge just as much as the next guy so we went there with the Cat 700. With this vehicle, you had to start a little farther back than some vehicles—namely smaller sport ATVs and dirt bikes—in order to build speed enough to climb Banshee Hill. You couldn’t start right at the base of the hill and make it to the top. Of course, the tires are also in play here as the Cat 700 we rode had stock tires, not paddles or anything like that.
That being said, it’s not a knock against Cat’s 700. It made the climb several times. And we felt the 700 had plenty of power when we were riding along the mountain trails.
We really didn’t experience any issues with the unit we test rode and thoroughly enjoyed how it handled on the trails, how the seat felt, the easy-to-read digital/analog combo gauge and overall feel of the machine.
How does Cat’s 700 Limited compare in price to other ATVs with similar features and engine size? It’s on the high end when just looking at the MSRP. Cat’s 700 Limited retails for $10,799 ($10,999 for the Camo version); while the MSRP on the Can-Am XT 650 is $10,199, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI Auto, 4x4 EPS SE goes for $10,099; and the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS is $9,999. Cat’s XT retails for $10,299 while the base model is $8,999.
