2003 Kawasaki Bayou 250 and the Prairie 360

2002 Kawasaki 360 Prairie and 250 Bayou

IRVINE, Calif. – Following the introduction of the industry-leading Prairie® 650 all-terrain vehicle (ATV), Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., has unveiled another new ATV that promises to keep the company in the technological lead.

The new Prairie 360 utilizes much of the same technology found on the Prairie 650, but is targeted toward mid-class ATV buyers with an engine displacement of 362cc.

“Mid-class sport utility ATVs continue to evolve as do their many uses,” said Vince Iorio, marketing manager, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. “The Prairie 360 gives the discriminating ATV buyer the best of a 300cc ATV, such as being light weight and maneuverable, with the higher torque of a 400cc ATV. Kawasaki has even gone several steps farther by incorporating the most advanced features of the industry-leading Prairie 650. The result is an ATV with unmatched comfort, reliability and technology.”

The Prairie 360 is powered by an air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The new engine produces more torque than Kawasaki’s venerable Prairie 300, yet the overall powerplant weighs less than its smaller sibling.

Technology from the Prairie 650 has trickled down to the transmission and running gear of the new Prairie 360 in that it utilizes the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS) and features the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC™). KEBC uses engine compression to help slow the ATV in technical maneuvers such as crawling over rocks or descending steep downgrades. The gear selector, which features Hi-Lo and reverse modes, has also been borrowed from the Prairie 650 and is conveniently located adjacent to the 3.5-gallon fuel tank.

Complimenting the automatic transmission is selectable, shaft-driven four-wheel drive. At the touch of a button, the Prairie 360 rider can choose two-wheel drive for less difficult terrain, or select four-wheel drive when traction at all four wheels is needed. Like all Kawasaki Prairie ATVs, the Prairie 360 features a limited-slip front differential, so steering is light and more precise. It also includes Kawasaki’s exclusive Variable Front Differential Control, another technology that has trickled down from the Prairie 650. By pulling a lever on the left handlebar, the rider can “lock” both front wheels for maximum traction. When riders feel that maximum front wheel traction is no longer needed, they simply release the lever. The system is both simple and effective.

Stopping power for the Prairie 360 is provided by dual hydraulic floating front disc brakes and are assisted by a sealed, oil-bathed multi-disc system on the rear-another Kawasaki exclusive. As an integrated part of the aluminum swingarm and shaft drive, the sealed braking system provides superior stopping power, yet requires minimal maintenance because it is protected from water, mud, dust and debris.

The chassis of this new model further enhances Kawasaki’s reputation for designing smooth-riding and light-steering ATVs. Front suspension duties are handled by supple yet sturdy MacPherson struts with 6.7 inches of travel, while a sporty, single-shock aluminum swingarm with 7 inches of travel is mounted at the rear.

The Prairie 360 bodywork has familiar Kawasaki styling, yet it projects a uniquely muscular image. A large saddle, full-sized floor boards with adjustable footpegs, and steel cargo racks that can carry a combined weight of 242 pounds give the Prairie 360 rider the comfort and convenience needed for day-long trail rides or work in the fields. Powerful dual halogen headlights brighten the pathway and a hitch bracket is standard. To enhance ride quality, the Prairie 360 rides on 12-inch wheels at all four corners.

Available in Red or Hunter Green, the Prairie 360 is scheduled for production in spring of 2002. Iorio said the price will be highly competitive with current 300cc and 400cc sport utility ATVs.

Bayou 250

     IRVINE, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., has announced that one of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) industry’s bestsellers, the Bayou® 220, has evolved into the new Bayou 250 ATV.

The new Bayou 250 will carry on the tradition of its predecessor as a highly-reliable, versatile and affordable ATV that hunters, farmers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts so appreciate.

In the engine department, the smallest Bayou’s displacement has been increased from 215cc to 228cc. Like the previous model, power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a 5-speed semi-automatic transmission and shaft drive.

The new Bayou 250 also sports a more aggressive front end, including a new bumper and larger cargo racks made of sturdier steel tubing. Plus, it is the only ATV in its class to feature semi-independent rear suspension. With independent A-arms up front and its semi-independent Quad-Link™ in the rear, the Bayou 250 provides a smooth, compliant ride without the complexity and maintenance requirements of a fully-independent design. Other features include triple drum brakes and a standard hitch bracket.

Production of the Bayou 250 is tentatively scheduled for January 2002 and will be available in Red or Hunter Green colors. The price will be announced near the start of production, and as with the previous model, Kawasaki expects the new Bayou 250 will generate a large percentage of repeat buyers.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., is the wholesale distributor of JET SKI® watercraft, ATVs, MULE™ utility vehicles, portable generators, power products, and motorcycles. The product lines are sold through a network of independent retailers. The company employs more than 600 people in the United States, with nearly 400 of them located at the Irvine, CA, headquarters.