I am looking to buy a 4x4 atv and i was condidering the Honda Rincon and the Kawi prairie 650. I live in south florida and would be riding mostly in thick mud and some trail riding. I hear the tranny on the honda isn't the greatest and i kinda worry about the belt on the Kawi any input would be helpful

thanks

 

Slammed,

Careful bro.... My pal just bought a Rincon from Honda. Got it home and it was BROKEN OUTTA THE BOX!

Now the dealer is giving him crap about replacing it. And they have NOT been able to fix it, even with help from corporate tech support!

Brand new and broken, zero hours of use.

Pretty sad if you ask me.

My pal is SO pissed off that he's almost postal....

 

I would go with the prairie just for the sheer power. I've heart the belts don't slip to bad on the prairie as in some other belt driven machines. I know they did a test with them in the smoky mountains and the honda finished first and the praire second. The kawasaki was quoted as being way more powerful and the honda a little underpowered for it's size. The honda though more than made up for it's power differnece (acording to atv action mag) with it's excellent handling. I like the power of the kawi but the honda would probably be a little better on tighter trails. Take your pick.

 

Both are nice. I have had my dads and friends up to the racks in water with little to no belt slippage as long as you keep steady throttly, and your not in for to long. P650 has punch, you drop the hammer and it lets you know theres 2 pistions going up and down. pretty good in tight woods, rides good for a straight axle, and has plenty of get up and go. Very well rounded machien. Never ridden a rincon, but i hear they are nice, with considerably less HP.

 

If your going to buy new then wait and get the Prairie 700. Why buy the 650 when you can get the 700. Unless you're buying used.

The main thing I like about the Rincon is the ground clearance.

The main thing I dislike about the Prairie is the belt.

 

Thanks for the input everybody I think I am going to wait for the prairie 700 to come out before I make any decision. I just want to know as much as possible about both bikes before deciding to spend this kind of money.

 

Good idea to wait for the 700, I agree with everything Coyotechaser said. Good advice.

 

Yea but wait and see what the price of the 650 does when the 700 comes out.

 

I love the look of the Rincon, but have heard of so many problems with them so far. Not typical for a Honda to have so many problems early on. Maybe that is why they are late on releasing a sport quad.

Anyway, I love the V Twin Concept (part of the reason I bought my V Force). The engine on the Kawi easily blows the Honda's away (not even really disputed by the Honda die hards), but I think the Honda has a better suspension and looks.

I don't think the CVT is a disadvantage really. It is simpler than the Honda auto and the one on my V Force is a torque transmitting monster.

It's a tough choice, but my good experience with the V Force would push me to lean towards the Prairie 700.

Either one will be a fine quad and your pals will be envious either way. Good luck.

 

Hi..i own i honda rincon and have 240 hours 2500 miles on it..the rincon has gave me zero problems..my buddy that lives in blackriver falls wisconsin..he has 4700 miles on his..with zero problems..my rincon tops out @66mph..and gets there fairly quick..mine rides very nice..there is no comparison between IRS and a swing arm suspension...that is what made my choice..and dependabilty..from honda..ride both machines and then choose..(btw) the prairie has a belt drive vs the rincons shaft driven.!@#$Good Luck with your choice