Yesterday I made a very difficult decision; I traded my 2002 Griz for a 2002 Kaw 650. The Kaw dealer made it very fair and I didn't get hurt financially to bad, I just have to buy the accessories - winch, hitch, etc... You are probably asking why I would trade so soon. Well, I problems with the plastic staying snapped together since day one. We also do a lot of water crossings and every time the Griz "smelled" water it began to spit and sputter like it was allergic to water. My local Yamaha dealer change managers and he is know for being a little on the shady side. Bottom line the Kaw dealer made me a deal I couldn't refuse.

Comparing the two I have to say that I think I like the diff lock system on the grizzly better and the "on-command" auto tranny is sweet but other than that I feel the Kaw is a better machine for the type of riding I do. I really like the lower center of gravity on the 650; it makes it feel like a much smaller machine and improves the handling. So far I'm very impressed with the Kawasaki and I know I made the right choice this time.

 

WoW[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]
Very interesting post. You should get plenty of replies on the matter. I've have 2600 miles on my 99 400 4x4 prarie and it still rides like it did new. When my extended warranty runs out next year I'll be looking to trade it in and post such as yours are leading me back to team green.

What is the difference between the two in seat of the pants power delivery?

 

If I understand corretly the Kaw is like 42 hp and the Yam is 44 or 45 hp. They are within 1 - 2 hp of each other. I think the Kaw does a much better job of putting the power to the ground. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

My 02 Grizzly said 41.5 hp on the statement of origin. The raptor may be around 44 or 45.

 

Man I'm happy to ear that.. I was going to traded my 650 for the 660...
I'll never try the 660 so I didn't know if it can be better, and hearing from a 660 that he like most the 650 make my decision easyer.. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

the raptor is nowhere near 45hp in stock form. its somewhere in the low to mid 30's. i think you have made a good trade. yamaha has not been very famous for having a new model without defects. yet all quads do, just yamaha's are usually a bit more of a problem than the others.

 

Now that you've had the 650 for a few more days now. What are the real "seat of the pants" differences in the way they both handle arounds turns and handle the bumps at speed? Any other observations? Thanks.

 

The biggest problem I've experienced with the Kaw is keeping my teenage kids off it! Seriously, the biggest difference in my opinion are the following:
The center of gravity is much lower which results in a very nibble handling machine - the 650 feels much smaller than it is and it makes for a great woods machine
I feel the torque is much smoother on the low end and the power band feels smoother
The diff-lock lever allows you to work the diff-lock system whereas the Grizzly's is either on or off
I found the IRS on the Grizzly to be much more difficult to ride, there is just to much body role for my likes
The Kawasaki rides really smooth - the suspension works very well
For my the type riding I do, the Kawasaki is a GREAT machine, however,I encourage everyone to test ride both machines and pick the one that best fits their individual riding styles

 

OldmanWheeler

Funny you keep mentioning the lower center of gravity on the Kawasaki, I've been preaching it as the most overlooked aspect of the Prairie every time someone ask me what I think. And (in my opinion) when you say the quad feels smaller than it is, that is exactly what me and my riding partners feel. Every time I go riding I forget how big the Prairie 650 is until I get off and see it again it really handles that nicely. One last thought after you get the hang of the dif lock lever I feel you will think it's one of the most thought out options ever put on a utility quad.

 

Big Wave I couldn't agree with you more!!!