Arctic Cat Mud Pro 650 [2010-2011]: A Rugged Companion for the Untamed Trail
Introduction
The Arctic Cat Mud Pro 650, produced between 2010 and 2011, isn’t just an ATV—it’s a statement. Designed to dominate muddy trails, rocky terrain, and waterlogged landscapes, this machine built a reputation as a no-nonsense workhorse for riders who prioritize capability over frills. After spending a day wrestling it through swamps and crawling over boulders, one thing becomes clear: the Mud Pro 650 was engineered to laugh in the face of obstacles that would leave lesser quads stranded. Let’s dive into what makes this generation a standout in the world of utility ATVs.
Design & Build: Form Follows Function
The Mud Pro 650’s design screams “purpose.” Its lime-and-black color scheme (the only option during these model years) isn’t just for show—it ensures visibility in dense forests or murky trails. The chassis is built like a tank, with a dry weight of 331 kg (729.7 lbs), yet it doesn’t feel cumbersome once you’re moving. The 28-inch Maxxis Zilla tires immediately catch the eye, towering over typical ATV rubber and providing 356 mm (14 inches) of ground clearance—enough to straddle fallen logs or submerged rocks without hesitation.
The snorkel air intake, mounted high on the front rack, signals this quad’s readiness for deep-water adventures. Practicality extends to its cargo capacity: the rear rack handles 90.8 kg (200 lbs), and the tow rating of 476 kg (1,050 lbs) means it can haul deer carcasses, firewood, or camping gear with ease. The digital dash is basic but legible, focusing on essentials like speed, fuel, and 2WD/4WD indicators.
Engine & Performance: Old-School Muscle Meets Modern Grit
At the heart of the Mud Pro 650 lies a 641 cc (39.1 cu-in) single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. While carbureted engines were becoming rare in this segment by 2010, Arctic Cat’s choice pays off in simplicity and repairability—a boon for remote adventures. The liquid cooling system keeps temps stable during slow crawls or high-load tasks, and the SOHC design delivers a broad powerband.
Twist the throttle, and the CVT transmission responds with smooth, linear power. There’s no jerky engagement—just a confident surge that’s equally comfortable idling through a creek bed or climbing a steep, muddy incline. The Hi/Lo range selector is intuitive, with “Low” providing tractor-like torque for towing or rock crawling, while “High” lets you hit speeds up to 72 km/h (45 mph) on open trails.
The Achilles’ heel? Fuel economy. The carburetor and sheer displacement mean you’ll be refilling the 21.6L (5.71-gallon) tank more often than fuel-injected rivals. Still, the trade-off is raw, unfiltered power that never feels strangled by emissions tech.
Handling & Suspension: Confidence in Chaos
Where the Mud Pro 650 truly shines is in its ability to turn chaos into control. The double A-arm suspension front and rear delivers 254 mm (10 inches) of wheel travel—enough to absorb sudden drops or jagged rocks without bottoming out. Paired with those massive Zilla tires, the ride feels surprisingly plush for a utility-focused machine.
Switchable 2WD/4WD and a differential lock transform the riding experience. In 2WD, the rear wheels dig aggressively through mud, while 4WD engages with a satisfying clunk, turning the quad into a crawling beast. The hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear) offer reliable stopping power, though they require a firm squeeze in extreme conditions. Steering is heavy at low speeds but becomes more responsive once momentum builds—a fair trade for the stability it provides on uneven terrain.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Built for Endurance, Not Luxury
This isn’t a machine for lazy Sunday rides. The seat is firm and flat, prioritizing durability over comfort, and the footpegs are narrow but grippy. Riders over 183 cm (6’) might find the cockpit cramped during long hauls, but the upright riding position reduces fatigue during technical maneuvers. Handlebars are wide and rubber-damped, minimizing vibration feedback even during high-RPM climbs.
Storage is limited to the front and rear racks, so adding a aftermarket trunk or saddlebags (available at MOTOPARTS.store) is wise for multi-day trips. The lack of wind protection becomes apparent at higher speeds, but that’s par for the course in this class.
Competition: How the Mud Pro 650 Stacks Up
In the 2010s utility ATV market, the Mud Pro 650 faced fierce rivals:
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Yamaha Grizzly 700:
Fuel-injected and slightly lighter, the Grizzly offered smoother throttle response and better fuel efficiency. However, it lacked the Mud Pro’s stock 28-inch tires and snorkel system, requiring aftermarket upgrades for serious mudding. -
Honda Rincon 680:
Honda’s flagship boasted legendary reliability and a unique longitudinally mounted engine for better balance. Yet its independent rear suspension couldn’t match the Mud Pro’s towing capacity, and ground clearance fell short at 254 mm (10 inches). -
Polaris Sportsman 800:
More powerful (760 cc) and packed with features like on-the-fly 4WD, the Sportsman appealed to tech lovers. But its belt-driven transmission was prone to overheating under heavy load—a non-issue for the Mud Pro’s rugged CVT.
Verdict: The Mud Pro 650 carved its niche as a “ready-to-raid” machine, ideal for riders who wanted extreme capability straight off the showroom floor. While rivals excelled in polish or innovation, none matched its out-of-the-box aggression.
Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive
Owning a Mud Pro 650 is a commitment—but one that pays dividends with proper care:
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Air Intake System:
The snorkel protects against water ingestion, but the carburetor demands attention. Clean the air filter every 40 hours (or after heavy mud/water use). Consider upgrading to a high-flow filter (available at MOTOPARTS.store) for dusty environments. -
CVT Maintenance:
Inspect the drive belt every 100 hours for wear. Arctic Cat’s EBS (Engine Braking System) reduces belt stress, but muddy conditions accelerate wear. Keep a spare belt on hand for backcountry trips. -
Suspension & Bushings:
The A-arm joints collect grit. Grease fittings every 50 hours and replace worn bushings promptly. Upgrading to urethane bushings enhances durability. -
Brakes:
Hydraulic discs perform well but are sensitive to fluid contamination. Flush the system annually and replace pads if thickness drops below 3 mm (0.12 inches). -
Tires:
The Zillas are tough, but sidewall cuts are common in rocky areas. Carry a tire repair kit and consider reinforcing with sealant.
Pro Tip: After deep-water crossings, check the differential and transmission vents. Installing extended vent lines (available in our store) prevents fluid contamination.
Conclusion: The Unapologetic Mud King
The Arctic Cat Mud Pro 650 [2010-2011] isn’t for everyone—and that’s its greatest strength. It’s a throwback to an era when ATVs prioritized brute-force capability over gadgets and comfort. Whether you’re hauling game out of a marsh or conquering a mud pit that terrifies your riding group, this machine delivers with a grin-inducing mix of power and tenacity.
While newer quads might boast flashier tech, the Mud Pro’s simplicity and specialized design ensure it remains a legend among hardcore off-roaders. And when the terrain gets biblical, you’ll be glad those 28-inch Zillas are spinning beneath you.
Ready to upgrade your Mud Pro 650 or stock up on maintenance essentials? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of aftermarket parts, from heavy-duty belts to snorkel kits—because even legends deserve a little fine-tuning.
