Predator 500 ATV - New High Performance ATV spotted - - ATV at Off-Road.com
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Predator 500 ATV - New High Performance ATV spotted
Publish date: Jul 1, 2002
By:  Jarret Gleason
Source: ATV at Off-Road.com
Sand Lake Recreation Area, Oregon, June 21

I recently ran across some pro riders testing a new performance ATV called "Predator 500". They would give no other clues other than I would find out all the details with the rest of the world, in the Fall. While they would not reveal the manufacturer of the ATV, I did recognize a few OEM parts that only 1 manufacturer uses, so I do have a good hypothesis who makes it... Here are the juicy details:
  • 499CC 4-stroke motor with electric start
  • Liquid-cooled engine, with a large capacity radiator
  • 5 Speed Manual Clutch Transmission, no reverse gear
Suspension:
  • Dual A-arm front with Fox Shox
  • Non-link rear swing arm
  • Adjustable rear Fox Shox with remote reservoir
  • Chro-molly rear axle, similar to the aftermarket race axles
  • Width, about 2 inches wider than a 400EX
  • Estimated weight 420 lbs.
Tires:
  • Maxxis Razr PR performance tires (front 21x7-10 rear 20x11-10)
  • Douglas Aluminum wheels (looked to be .190)
Miscellaneous:
  • Heavy-duty composite swing arm skid plate was impressive!
Ok, with that in mind, do you want to know how it performs? Me too! I asked them if they would go out and race the other ATV's there - including a Honda 400EX, Yamaha Raptor, and Suzuki Z400. Drag Races: The Predator 500 took first every time, beating out even the modified Raptors, by a huge margin. Clearly it was the fastest 4-stroke on the sand that day. How did it do up against the 2-strokes? We couldn't get any 2-strokers to race it! Bummer.

It seems to me that this is going to be a competitive sport ATV, packed with great stock features plenty of power, and a great suspension. I can't wait until this Fall to find out more - the best clue so far - a single URL on the side of the trailer: www.Predator500.com

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Source: ATV at Off-Road.com, 7/1/2002
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