The October '03 Issue of ATV action is suggesting that the P700 is the next logical step for Kawie to add IRS to this model, as Kawasaki is now testing the IRS systems but as they also state, it just may be a new 500 Kawie 4x4 with IRS.

 

Next thing I want to see is a 5speed auto P700.

 

I think that will also come with the IRS ATV.

 

i figure it will have a vinson motor or a o700 motor they wouldnt comeout with a p700 and just dump it it will stay or the irs will be an option

 

Ihave a feeling that with the release of the AC650 that the new kawi is going to be an arctic cat chassis with different plastic and probably the 700 motor. It only makes sense as it would be a big savings on cost in the R&D depeartment.

 

I guess anything is possible after seeing the P650 engine in the Arctic Cat. I would still rather see an 5 speed auto offered.

 

I live near the Kawasaki Plant in Lincoln and know a couple of people that work there. Just last weekend one of the guys was talking about the new test model they had in the plant. He said it was a 750 with IRS and the body was tweaked quite a bit from the 700's. But after talking with him on the power side of things he said the guys that have tested it commented that it didn't seem to be a huge gain from the 650's. I am trying to get a plant tour and hopefully spot one.

 

I think the reaction to the artic cat quad will be a huge driver...

What I have picked up from the area kawie rep LAST YEAR was that they were not that interested in IRS as a major objective....concern of theirs was to keep the prairie as close to 600 pounds (safety) as possible and maintain the sporty feel that they believe catapulted the machine. They could not do this with IRS...I know the Grizzly did it but he informed me that they couldnt seem to do it with the prairie. Now research may have proved other wise.

He did say the two biggest interest Kawie had in the ATV market however was something between the p650 and the p360 and an entry level sport quad. That they believe they are losing a big portion of the segment in these areas...so i p500 might be a logic thought and will more then likely piggy back off the z250 (please change the plastic) or stay with the mojave (right). He said they couldnt be more pleased with both prairies, the p650 as the big dawg and the p360 as a step up from entry...and were very satisfied with the addition of the KFX 400...said we may see some tweakin with it but they really like the quad and it seems to be very well received...oh yea...at that time he constantly hinted and commented on a auto sport quad with that wolf in lambs clothing sound (hmmmm v700)

Anyway, the IRS may be coming to the prairie...I like the comment about a IRS 500 however...I do think the P650 will be available in a straight axle even if they do come out with a IRS version.

 

Well, thats all fine and dandy BUT!!!!!! Has anyone heard anything about a 5 SPEED AUTO!!!!!??????