My neighbor has an Praire 400 2wd for sale for $3900. He has ridden it about 5 times and know has lost intrest in the bike. He is selling for the payoff only and not try to recoupe any lost money. Being a Yamaha owner , is this bike worth the money? Is there any problems that the belt drive or is it reliable? if I buy it it will be for my wife to drive . Any feed back you have would be helpful.

 

They are very reliable. The belts were recalled on 99 an older ones. The engine is water cooled and 4 valve, so it has more spank than a 400 kodiak.

However, I got a 4x4 prairie 400 for $4200 with only 250 miles on it a year ago. The deal you have been given is a little too steep IMO, unless you really want 2x4.

 

I have had 2 400's, both 4x4 though, a 2000 and a 2001. I liked them a lot. However, the new atvs with all of the features (like the 650) kind of dates the 400. Also, remember there is no engine breaking. Maybe for just a knock around machine...

 

Squire's right, they lack nicer features of the 650. They steer easy, ride smooth, handle great. Brakes aren't as good. They almost don't vibrate at all, very smooth.

They are good machines, I just feel that you could get a 2x4 cheaper than that.

 

I've got a buddy who has a 99 400 4x4 with less than 800 miles for sale for $3800.This was actually my old bike and I promise I only rode it to church on Sundays.I sold it to him when I bought my 650. He did fine with it until I let him take a ride on the 650 and he instantly had to have one. I think it is a pretty reasonable deal on his 400. I don't know where you are located but he is in southern Ohio and goes by PrairiePuppy on this forum if you are interested. The drive train on the 400 seems to be bullet proof with no electrical switches or solenoids to go bad. Nyroc is correct that the belts were recalled on the 99's and earlier. I had mine replaced but never had a problem with the original belt. It is a very solid machine with adequate power, a reasonably low center of gravity, and decent brakes.

As far as the deal on your neighbor's bike, you didn't say what year it was so I can't judge what kind of deal that is. If it's a 2001 or 2002 it's probably not bad. If it's any older than that I'd walk away. IMO.

 

I think i will pass on the deal . Afetr all it is christmas time , and the could be better spwnt on something else. After thinking about it a while , a recall telling my neighbor he paid to much for it when he bout it. thanks for the info