Arctic Cat XC 450 Review and Specs 2022

Arctic Cat XC 450: The year 2011 saw the launch 2011 of the two-purpose Arctic Cat XC 450. 

The intention was as a replacement for it the DVX 400 model, the medium-sized machine was designed for recreational riders as well as aggro-drivers in training. 

The suspension bushings are maintenance-free, as well as the big fuel capacity, as well as sealed driveshafts, are a few of the top characteristics that have made the XC the ideal choice to practice those huge leaps and angles for cornering.

The Arctic Cat XC 450 is Arctic Cat’s first-ever crossover 4×4 with a reputation for speed and reliability. 

The low center of gravity design, astonishing capability to lift, Electronic Fuel Injection, and FIS suspension make this sporty quad the ideal experience for beginners and those who want to go on adventures.

Fast, capable, and capable, many people would prefer a larger engine was available with the Arctic Cat XC 450. 

The XC could be a quad engine that could compete against big-bore beasts. However, despite many an off-roader’s dreams however, the XC 450 still delivered a satisfactory performance in its basic configuration – as you’ll soon learn in this article.

Innovation Through Adversity

This is true in the case of the Arctic Cat XC 450 since the sport quad was launched during a time of economic hardship. 

At the time, consumers were searching for bargains and ways to save money on their purchases. 

Because it was impossible to purchase the $10,000 price tag for big bore beasts, Arctic Cat ended up making and releasing their first crossover 4×4.

Consumers loved the cheaper-priced quad with just the right features of a work-oriented-race-friendly wheeler. 

Some off-roaders were hesitant about buying the XC 450, given it came with a Kymco-built engine.

Many Mongoose 300 owners have identified problems in their Kymco engines, and are cautious about purchasing an off-road vehicle using the same power plant.

It was a difficult impression to make however Arctic Cat and Kymco successfully achieved this. 

The first thing to note is that the prototype of the ATV Kymco’s Maxxer 375 – was able to earn an impressive image in terms of engine performance.

In addition, the engine was upgraded from an air-cooled class 366 to an engine that was liquid-cooled to 450-cc. Finally, it was the XC 450 that demonstrated capabilities that were as easy in their design as bulletproof and enough to reassure those who doubted the reliability that the quad.

Arctic Cat 450 XC Specs and Specifications

Engine

Instead of the Kymco Maxxer375’s motor, this newly branded Arctic Cat XC 450 was equipped with the company’s own H1 water-cooled engine. 

It was paired with a lighter 72-pound frame (compared with its larger 425-cc cousin) and EFI the XC’s engine gave drivers a huge quantity of power that could be used. 

As for engine lubrication, the manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity later changed from 5W-50 to 0W-40.

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Platform	4-Stroke SOHC, four-valve
Cylinder Arrangement	Single-cylinder
Engine Cooling	Liquid w/ fan
Bore x Stroke	89 x 71.2 mm (3.5 x 2.8 in)
Displacement	443 cm³ / 27 in³
Carburetion System	Electronic Fuel Injection
Air Filtration	Cyclonic air filter technology
Valve Clearance – Cold Engine (Intake/Exhaust)	0.10 mm (0.0039 in) / 0.17 mm (0.0067 in)
Cam Lobe Height (Intake/Exhaust)	34.71 mm (1.37 in) / 34.48 mm (1.36 in)
Maximum Power	(20.1 PS/14.8 kW – L7e) / (34 PS/25 kW – off-road)
Recommended Fuel	Unleaded gasoline of at least PON 87/RON 91 rating (oxygenated), containing < 10% ethanol, < 5% methanol, or < 5% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.3 L (4.3 US gal)

Lubrication

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Engine Oil Capacity	3.3 L (3.5 US quarts) – overhaul 2.8 L (3.0 US quarts) – change
Engine Oil	Arctic Cat ACX All Weather (Synthetic), API-certified SM SAE 5W-50 oil or higher – applies to variants
Oil Pressure, 60°C (140°F) @ 3,000 RPM	58.6 kPa (0.6 kg/cm², 8.5 psi) – above 68.9 kPa (0.7 kg/cm², 10 psi) – below **threshold is 117 kPa (1.20 kg/cm², 17 psi)
Rear Drive Fluid Capacity	250 ml (8.5 fl oz) of SAE 80W-90 Hypoid **one inch below plug threads
Front Differential Capacity	9.3 fl oz of SAE 80W-90 Hypoid **at the plug threads
Coolant Capacity	1.8 L (1.9 US quarts)

Drivetrain

As with all Arctic Cat quads, the vehicle comes with a variety of driveline settings activated by the flip of the switch. 

The power is delivered to the wheels via a centrifugal gearbox with belt-driven and primary clutches as well as Dramatic(TM) CVT transmission (EBS Hi/Lo range as well as neutral, and reverse as well as reverse and neutral). 

This driveline ensures that the primary clutch works in a continuous exchange with the CVT belt continuously which helps reduce wear and prolong the life of the belt.

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Clutch	One-way centrifugal type
Transfer Type, Shift Sequence	Duramatic™ CVT w/ EBS, Hi-Lo range, Neutral & Reverse (L / H / N / R)
Primary Drive / Drive System	Shaft drive / 28.5-mm (1.12 in) Belt

Ignition

The 450 is equipped with an electric CDI ignition that has an auxiliary pull-start system as well as an NGK Spark plug CR7E. 

Flywheel-Magneto alternators with a rating of 60 volts AC serve as a charging device and power up electronic devices.

The wheeler needs the YTX20HL-18Ah battery 12V similar to one from Yuasa YUAM620BH YTX20HL Batteries (view the product on Amazon) along with, for the best it comes with a NOCO Genius G7200 Battery 12V/24V Maintainer and Charger (view at Amazon) to ensure that you maintain it in top functioning condition.

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Starting System	Electric/Pull
Ignition Timing	10° BTDC @ 1,500 RPM
Alternator Type, Rated Output	Magneto, 60 AC volts @ 5,000 RPM (black to black, no load)
Battery / Amp Hr	12V 18Ah/(10 Hr) YTX20HL-BS battery format
Battery Dimensions (L x W x H)	175 87 155 mm (6.88 x 3.44 x 6.12 in)
Spark Plug, Gap	NGK CR7E, 0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.032 in) gap Torque specs: 1/2 turn (new) or 1/8 – 1/4 turn (used) once the washer contacts the cylinder head
Main Fuse	30 Amp (main); 15 Amp (ACC, fan); 10 Amp (Ignition, hi-lo beam, lights)
Instrumentation	LCD gauge assembly, Speedometer, Odometer/Tripmeter, Tachometer, Coolant Temperature, Gear position, Clock/Hour meter, Differential lock, Drive select, Warning indicators, Gas gauge, Hi-Temp Light, DC Outlet

Brakes & Tires

25-inch Maxxis radials were replaced by the stock rubber in the second year of the quad. However, some trims used those 23 inch Maxxis(r) MS10K knobbies. 

Also, the 25-inch tires as well as other later-year Arctic Cat 450 models used an entirely different pattern of 4/115 bolts. 

For brakes, a front-to-rear linked brake system, with two hand levers, an EBS, and an additional mechanical parking brake offer XC stopping power, and it performs well on steep slopes.

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Wheel Composition	Cast aluminum	Powder-coated steel
Front Tire	Maxxis® 23 x 8-12, 40 kPa (0.40 kg-cm2, 5.7 psi)	Maxxis® 23 x 8-12 OR Maxxis/Kenda Pathfinder 25 x 8-12 40 kPa (0.40 kg-cm2, 5.7 psi)
Rear Tire	Maxxis® 23 x 10-12, 40 kPa (0.40 kg-cm2, 5.7 psi)	Maxxis® 23 x 10-12 OR Maxxis/Kenda Pathfinder 25 x 10-12 40 kPa (0.40 kg-cm2, 5.7 psi)
Rim Size, Offset, Bolt Pattern (F)	12×7 / 5+2 – 4/110
Rim Size, Offset, Bolt Pattern (R)	12×8.5 / 5+2 – 4/110
Front Brake, Operation	Hydraulic w/ brake lever lock (hand-operated)
Rear Brake, Operation	Hydraulic w/ brake lever lock (hand-and-foot-operated)

Suspension

The Arctic Cat 450XC Ride In suspension is comprised of a sturdy yet lightweight chassis with double A-arms with preload-adjustable suspension and 7-inch travel on the suspension (front and back). 

An anti-sway bar mounted on the rear ensures that the four-wheeler is firmly planted on rough terrain and off-camber conditions of riding – essential for riders who want to improve their control and better cornering. 

A lowered profile and a seat design are a great complement to the suspension system’s capabilities and result in a remarkable response to the steering.

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Frame Type	Steel, tubular
Toe-Out	0 – 3 mm (0 – 1/8 in) **The front measurement should be 1/8-1/4 in more than the rear
Ground Clearance	254 mm (10 in)
Wheelbase	1,219 mm (48 in)
Front Suspension, Travel	Independent double A-arms w/ adjustable fork preload, 178 mm (7 in)
Rear Suspension, Travel	Independent double A-arms w/ adjustable spring preload, 178 mm (7 in)

Dimensions

The overall dimensions of the XC were unchanged throughout the production. Dry weight is 272.2 Kg (600 pounds) however other sources show that it increased to 278 kilograms (613 pounds) later. 

It was the only vehicle with no racks for utilities. Like many other Arctic Cat utility-oriented quads, it came with similar 2-inch hitches for receivers as well as 1 050-lb towing capacity.

2011 – 2012 Arctic Cat CX 450i	2016 – 2017 Arctic Cat XC 450
Length	1,862 mm (73.3 in)
Width	1,207 mm (47.5 in)
Height	1,189 mm (46.8 in)
Dry Weight	272.2 Kg (600 lbs)
Towing Capacity	476 Kg (1,050 lbs)

Exterior

The 450 comes with an aluminum tubular frame and a body made of plastic. Each model is adorned with a sporty bodywork with a majority of the trims being painted in metallic shades, giving the 4×4 ample protection from mud. 

The four-wheeler’s pointed fenders have much to be desired, especially if you are looking to do some serious mud-bagging.

 Its 450 XC also comes standard with footrests that are integrated and handlebars, as well as a front bumper, and an ash plate. 

The body panels are Black Metallic, Orange/Black Metallic, White Metallic, and Lime Green. 35-watt Halogen headlights as well as a 5-watt taillight and the brake light, 21-watt, provide the quad-superior lighting distribution.

SPEEDPoint(tm) Attachments

This innovative accessories system (a.k.a. MultiRack Platform or MRP or SpeedRacks) is able to accept a variety of special Arctic Cat XC 450 accessories by fixing them to the rear and front Fenders of the quad. 

It permits XC owners to use accessories that can be securely held and haul equipment.

Arctic Cat Price 450XC

The cost of the Arctic Cat XC 450 falls between $6,699 to $7,699 according to what year it was made, the trim and driveline options available. 

In contrast to other Arctic Cat off-road vehicles, the XC series was not available in various models. 

Therefore, you can expect to see the standard models in a variety of colors as you study. The price listed in the table below (source: Nada Guides) doesn’t take into account package inclusions.

Year – Trim (**EFI – Electronic Fuel Injection)	List Price	Retail/Trade-In Values
2011 XC 450i 2×4 (EFI)	$6,699	$2,100 – $2,765
2012 XC 450i 2×4 (EFI)	$6,699	$2,295 – $3,020
2013 XC 450 4×4 (EFI)	$7,199	$2,430 – $3,200
2014 XC 450	$7,299	$2,910 – $3,830
2015 XC 450	$7,499	$3,410 – $4,485
2016 XC 450	$7,699	$3,775 – $4,965
2017 XC 450	$7,699	$4,170 – $5,490

Pros and Pros and XC 500

A crossover 4×4 many might find that this model Arctic Cat 450 XC isn’t the most distinctive of models. However, it’s extremely reliable when it comes to navigating treacherous mud, asphalt roadways, dunes, or even snow. 

Based on the riding conditions (and the level of skill of the rider) it could be equally enjoyable as its more athletic counterparts. 

Are you not sure? Here’s a brief list of highlights and drawbacks and let you an expert on its performance:

Pros:

• Different driveline settings, Dramatic(TM) CVT with EBS, and Start-In-Gear capabilities allow the 4×4 to be easy to operate and provide the feeling of a racing and trail machine. They also aid in an Arctic Cat XC 450 top speed of 52 miles per hour (83.7 kilometers/hour) and predictable handling.
• Spring-preload-adjustable shocks enable operators to tailor the ride to their riding style, road conditions, and specific loads.
• In addition to cutting down on bodies, the roll bar is also able to offset the steering oversteering of the vehicle, allowing it XC to function as an axle quad that is solid through high-speed turns.
• The instrumentation comes with a digital speedometer that gives you a complete view of each aspect of the performance of your ATV, as well as 13 other vital operational indicators.
• The aggressive bodywork and chrome accents, as well as deep-dish aluminum wheels, as well as low-profile Maxxis tires, give this model Arctic Cat XC 450 truly appear like the crossover 4×4.
• Contrary to other sports quads like the XC can change direction. It can transform from a speedster into a professional quad, because of its 2-inch hitch receiver as well as 1 050-lb towing capacity.

Cons:

• From the beginning, the front end has the sensation of oversteering at high speed. Although this extremely responsive steering is perfect for tight turns and on rocky terrain, it could make new riders feel uncomfortable with the bars.
• It is the Arctic Cat XC 450 does not have a locking differential.
• Suspension is very stiff straight out of the box and requires some tweaking prior to riding the vehicle when it’s your first ride.
• Front shocks are more abrasive than rear ones on bumps that have a square-edged design.
• Sharp edges, as well as the plastic around the gear selector, create the legroom somewhat restricted even for those with medium heights and, especially for taller riders.

Although the Arctic CatXC 400/450i isn’t going to rip roads like pure breed racer, it could offer thrills if racing is on your radar. 

Its performance, speed, and usable torque make each ride a satisfying (if not very productive) experience. 

There are some drawbacks, but not insignificant. But, fortunately, the strengths of this quad are too visible to be beaten.

Arctic Cat XC 450 Problems

Carburetors are not included in the XC 450. This has drastically reduced the amount of engine-related issues for this XC 450. 

But, there are problems to expect from the other parts of the automobile. Here are some of the things you should look for, particularly with previously owned models:

Recalls for 2011 and 2012.

On the 10th of November 11, 2011, approximately 1384 Arctic Cat XC 450 units were removed by the American company because of the tierod’s potential to bend, which can lead to losing control and creating a danger to riders.

 As the recall was announced, Arctic Cat has received only three complaints of bent tie rods without any injuries reported. Therefore, the issue with tie-rods was resolved and not present for 2013 models and beyond.

Defective Actuator

As with other mid-sized Arctic Cat models, this problem is also present with models like the XC 450. 

While nouveau Cat owners may be left puzzled, mechanically-inclined riders will find ruling out actuator versus electrical and resolving the issue manageable. 

Page 91 in the service manual will guide you on how to take off the front-drive actuator to inspect. 

The inspection must be performed alongside conducting tests on the fuse and power supply, the ignition, and the switch. If these components fail it is necessary to change the actuator because it’s not serviceable.

Stalling Stalling

There are four possible causes to blame for noticing that your four-wheeler is prone to stalling:

• Spark plugs with a faulty spark
• Failure of the crank angle sensor
• ECU is faulty ECU
• Out-of-adjustment valve clearance

For all of these reasons, the first and the last are the most simple (and cost-effective) things to repair the only thing you need be able to clean your plug and then adjust the clearance to the specifications. 

The ECU/ECM that is malfunctioning is expensive and will cost between $150 and $700 dependent on whether you have to test it and have it checked, repaired, or completely changed. 

The sensor that controls the crank angle failing is the most difficult issue to solve because you’ll have to determine the cause of its failure.

In the majority of cases, an overheated engine or circuitry issue can cause your crank-position sensor or sensor failure. 

Furthermore, this possible cause could be accompanied by other signs like CEL appearing, irregular acceleration, engine vibrations, misfiring as well as rough idle or decreased fuel efficiency. 

The presence of a certified technician to inspect your quad as soon as you notice the issue is essential to ensure the correct functioning and performance of the EFI and, in the end, the engine.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a Fortune 500 US-based company known for its Cessna planes, snowmobiles, and other all-terrain automobiles. 

Its product offerings include gas/electric/hybrid-powered off-road vehicles such as the Prowler, Stampede(TM), Havoc(TM), Wildcat(TM), and Alterra(TM) side x side and ATV series. In addition, it is the company that owns Arctic Cat Inc.

and the creator of the Arctic Cat CX 450 Crossover 4×4, Textron also has Avco, Bell helicopters, Lycoming Engines, TUG, McDonald’s Douglas, Bad Boy Buggies as well as Greenlee tools.

It also has the other 10 subsidiaries it has under its wings. The American company has more than $14 billion in assets total and has 37,000 employees across the globe.

Final Conclusion Arctic Cat XC 450 Review

The Arctic Cat XC 450 is an ideal cross-over quad to own. It’s a wheeler for recreational use and a small hauler and an ATV for racing all in one vehicle, and with a price that isn’t as expensive. 

It does have places for improvement and some owners have found the 600-pound dry weight and lack of a differential lock to be a small drawback.

However, all things considered – should you need 4WD capabilities with a sleek vehicle that is a bit more sporty, you should consider the Arctic Cat XC 450 is ideal for you!

IDENTIFICATION
MODEL TYPE	Sport
BASE MSRP(US)	$7,699.00
DEALERS	Arctic Cat Dealers
WARRANTY	6
INSURANCE

ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE	Single-Cylinder
CYLINDERS	1
ENGINE STROKE	4-Stroke
VALVE CONFIGURATION	SOHC
DISPLACEMENT (CC/CI)	443 / 27
CARBURETION TYPE	Fuel Injected

TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION TYPE	Continuously Variable (CVT)
PRIMARY DRIVE (FRONT WHEEL)	Shaft
REVERSE	Yes

WHEELS & TIRES
FRONT TIRE (FULL SPEC)	Maxxis® MS10KAT 23 X 8-12
REAR TIRE (FULL SPEC)	Maxxis® MS10KAT 23 X 10-12

BRAKES
FRONT BRAKE TYPE	Hydraulic Disc
REAR BRAKE TYPE	Hydraulic Disc

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WHEELBASE (IN/MM)	48 / 1219
DRY WEIGHT (LBS/KG)	600 / 272.2
FUEL CAPACITY (GAL/L)	4.3 / 16.3

SEATS
NUMBER OF SEATS	1

DRIVELINE
DRIVELINE TYPE	Selectable 4X2 / 4X4
NUMBER OF DRIVELINE MODES	2

LIGHTS
HALOGEN HEADLIGHT (S)	Standard