Posted: 06/17/2010
By: By Jerrod Kelly Photos by Enrico Pavia
Arctic Cat introduced six new power steering models, including three versions of its 550 H1 EFI model, at a recent press intro held in Moab, Utah. SmartATVshopper.com was on hand to test the power steering-equipped 4x4s in the deep snow and challenging rocks.
Perhaps the most appealing ATV in the Arctic Cat lineup is the base-model 550 S, which is the most affordable EPS unit at $8,349 retail price (tentative). The 550 S is identical to the standard 550 H1 EFI, but comes in a vibrant red color, includes the new power steering assembly, updated rear differential switch and a slight change to its toe. It’s hard to notice a distinct visual difference at first, but one glance inside the front of the chassis reveals a 14-pound, aluminum-bodied Electric Power Assisted Steering system designed by Globe Motors Globe Motors according to Arctic Cat specifications. The entire assembly is larger than other systems we’ve seen/tested.
Arctic Cat said the system took roughly three years of development and has been tested in many severe conditions, including the harsh Northern Minnesota winters and the unbearable heat and abrasive sand of the Imperial Sand Dunes and Little Sahara. It also said the power steering models were still being field tested at various locations around the U.S. to weed out any unforeseen issues. In fact, you could consider our seat time as part of the testing process. Arctic Cat provided pre-production models and said it would utilize our ride for further testing feedback. One of the dozen or so models we rode suffered a mechanical breakdown but did not involve the power steering (left rear shock mount broke; not completely welded during assembly). The remaining machines and power steering assemblies performed flawlessly during our test.
Power Steering
Arctic Cat Engineering Product Manager Mark Esala said a Variable Assist Power Steering and non-linear configuration was used because the unit adjusts as your riding style/approach changes. Another feature of the new Arctic Cat power steering is how the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is programmed. Arctic Cat says it was built to maintain a light steering input effort, but also to sustain enough feedback to enable riders to comprehend how the tires’ contact patch interacts with the various terrain. It’s about “keeping the rider and the ATV connected,” said Arctic Cat, “which is lost on competitive units.” Also, Cat’s system works when the ignition is turned to the “on” position or at idle. This simplifies loading the unit on a trailer or maneuvering the machine in a garage. But Arctic Cat says it also has other advantages, such as to conserve a rider’s energy in 4x4 diff. lock mode. Also, the power steering can reduce the torque required to move the bars in rocky, rough or muddy conditions or when turning with heavily-loaded racks. Arctic Cat said the unit pulls 36 ft-lbs of torque, roughly three times that of the competition.
Two other changes on the 550 S related to the power steering was to toe it out 1/8-inch on either side and pinch the front left frame tubing to accommodate the large power steering assembly. Esala said the slightly altered toe produced a different and more acceptable feel with the EPS. He also said the frame retained its sturdiness despite the slight alteration. Here’s some more info on the power steering assembly.
Arctic Cat Power Steering Attributes/Intelligence
Attributes
- ECU controlled
- Brushless motor (improved durability)
- Aluminum housing (non rust, lightweight)
- Full assist with ignition turned on
- Non-linear configuration
- Maintains balance between steering input and trail feedback (keeps rider in control)
- Defaults to manual steering
Intelligence
A. Inputs for EPS adjustments
1. RPM
2. MPH
3. Input from operator
4. Input from wheels
B. Higher assistance speed than competitive units according to Arctic Cat — “At higher speeds or torque loads it reacts much faster. At high speeds and high power it won’t power out (like competitive models).”
Test Ride
The ride on the 550 S was very notable, especially in the handling department, something we haven’t always said about Arctic Cat ATVs. We’ve always praised them for their superb ground clearance, working abilities and mostly comfortable platform, but now we have another reason to commend these 4x4s. Now that the steering has improved, the fatigue been reduced and more control supplied (thanks to the EPS assistance), we can focus on the ride and the terrain and less on the machine’s less favorable features. The new S-version Arctic Cats handle much better than their non-EPS brothers.
Arctic Cat spoke about a day — sometime in the future — when side-by-sides (like its Prowler) could include power steering. We’re all for it, but we’d first like to know when will power steering make it to the Thundercat 1000 and Mud Pro lineup?
550’s Other Characteristics
The 550 S uses the same H1 (hemispherical-shaped heads) 545cc single-cylinder four-stroke powerplant — produced at Arctic Cat’s St. Cloud, Minn., engine plant —as the standard 550. The liquid-cooled single overhead cam engine, fed by electronic fuel injection, produced good power even in the upper elevations of Utah’s La Sal Mountains. The 550 S surprised us, as we carved our way up the snowy mountain roads, when it held its own against the larger 700 S 4x4s in our group. About the only time this unit felt overmatched was when we hit trails covered in two feet of snow. However, even then the Arctic Cat continuously pulled us through, and remained controllable. Outfitted with 25-inch Duro Red Eagle tires, the 550 produced surprisingly good traction, despite packing up with white stuff. You’d think stock tires like this would suffer in the deep snow, but they did fairly well. More importantly, they held up to anything sharp that was hidden beneath the snow.
The engine is mated to an automatic transmission (Duramatic) with arguably the industry’s top engine braking. The Arctic Cat slowed down rapidly once we let off the throttle. Don’t get us wrong, it’s not instantaneous, just effective. This setup was especially reassuring on steep descents when we carried more speed around the cliffs bordering the snowy roads. The transmission also features low range and reverse for chores and navigating difficult obstacles and slow-speed trails.
Suspension
This is an area where all Arctic Cats seem to shine. With their large ground clearance (11 inches for the 550 S), fully independent front and rear suspension, we’ve always felt rather comfortable on one of Cat’s 4x4s. In fact, we usually search out rough terrain to conquer, knowing the 10 inches of suspension travel, front and rear, and the five-way preload adjustable shocks will help us tackle rocks and logs.
When you combine a supple suspension with improved handling and less harsh hits (again, thank you EPS), the ride is more comfortable and less fatiguing. That’s a win-win in our book.
Rear Differential Switch
The Arctic Cat power steering models also received one engineering change we were excited to use. Updated for 2010, Arctic Cat’s 2WD/4WD and rear differential lock engagement switch was relocated to the right side of the handlebars near the thumb throttle. It also changed from a flip-type lever to a thumb-operated slide switch.
The first new design, in terms of operation, was probably worse than the original because it was slippery and almost impossible to move with one gloved hand. Esala said the engineering team recognized this issue and made a running change. The new assembly incorporates a “rubber” cover over the thumb-operated switch. This slight change made all the difference in terms of operation. However, the late-season update is extremely easy to operate and performed perfect, even in bitterly cold, snowy conditions.
Our Impression
To put it simply, the 550 EFI S is the best handling Arctic Cat — along with the new 700 EFI S — we’ve ever ridden. Before we call it class leading or dominant, however, we’ll have to put it up against other 500-class wheelers with power steering and also ride it in a variety of conditions. The mostly snow-covered trails let us get an initial feel for the front end, but left us wanting a more cumbersome terrain (rock piles, off-camber dirt trails, whoops, washes and rutted fields). Even so, we were thoroughly impressed with the 550 (and other EPS Cats). We’ve always enjoyed Arctic Cat ATVs for their hardcore attitude toward working situations, overall comfort, huge ground clearance and proven suspension travel. However, until now we always wanted a less fatiguing machine with those same features…it’s finally here!
Although the 550 produces a hearty pull, it has less mustard than its sibling, the 700 H1 EFI S, a machine we also tested. It’s up to you to determine if you need the additional displacement. If not, you’ll save and should be very happy.
Arctic Cat 550 S Variety
For $900 more ($9,249; tentatively) you can spring for the 550 S LTD, which includes an upgraded package. Wearing a specially treated Tungsten Metallic-painted plastic, the LE model gets sturdier and larger front and rear bumpers (brush guards), duo-tone aluminum wheels, a combo digital/analog gauge and an installed winch.
Dressed Viper Blue painted skin, the TRV 550 S GT ($9,349) can accommodate two adult riders (16 and over) or act as a single rider ATV with an optional rear SpeedRack or cargo box. Along with the special plastic, this quad gets the black-and-polished aluminum wheels and matching blue CV boot guards. It’s loaded with the same basic features as the basic 550 H1 EFI model, but includes roughly a foot longer length, longer wheelbase, heavier weight and, of course, power steering.
Positives
- Power Steering
- SpeedRacks (extremely versatile rack system)
- EFI (no carb, no jetting)
- Huge Travel & Ground Clearance
- 4x4 Diff Lock & new operation
Negatives
- Overall Weight (692 pounds dry!)–
- Fit-N-Finish (but improving)
- Single-lever braking
- Love-hate looks
Add Specs here!
ARCTIC CAT 550 S (LTD/TRV GT) SPECS
ENGINE
- Displacement: 545cc
- Type: SOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke
- Bore x stroke: 92mm x 82mm
- Cooling: Liquid w/fan
POWERTRAIN
- Transmission: Automatic CVT w/EBS, Hi/Lo range & Reverse
- Drive system: 2WD/4WD/4WD Lock
- Brakes, front/rear: Hydraulic disc
SUSPENSION
- Front: Double A-arm (10 in. travel)
- Rear: Double A-arm (10 in. travel)
- Tires, front: 25 x 8-12 Duro Red Eagle
- Tires, rear: 25 x 10-12 Duro Red Eagle
DIMENSIONS
- Length: 84.8 in. (TRV: 98.6)
- Width: 47.5 in.
- Height: 48 in. (TRV: 50.3)
- Wheelbase: 50 in. (TRV: 58)
- Ground clearance: 11 in.
- Dry weight: 692 lbs. (TRV: 719)
CAPACITIES
- Front rack: 100 lbs.
- Rear rack: 200 lbs. (TRV: 50)
- Towing: 1,050 lbs.
- Fuel tank: 5.7 gal. (TRV: 5.3)
- Alternator: 25 amps
OTHER
- Speedometer/Odometer: Digital
- Minimum. age: 16 yrs. +
- Color: Red (LTD: Tungsten Metallic; TRV: Viper Blue)
- MSRP: $8,349* (LTD: $9,249*; TRV: $9,349*)