I am looking at either a 650v2 or a 700efi. One dealer told me the kawi tranny and clutch are way worse than the suzuki. I am a casual rider and just sold an 04 Grizz to make the move to cat. any help from you v2 guys and anyone who has experience on the 700 would be great. Also, anyone have any news on the painted plastic on the 700. not sure how that is standing up...

 

The V2 tranny requires a bit more maintainance, specifically, the belt must be kept in proper deflection (tight). This is a job that you can do yourself, but it does require a few special tools, and it can take awhile the first few times that you do it. From all the information that I have read, I would agree with your dealer's assessment of the two belt systems. I would not, however, rule out the V2 due to the belt system. It is a flaw, in my opinion, but is relatively easy to overcome. For me the deciding factor on these two bikes would be price. If the V2 is discounted significantly, I would go with it, otherwise I'ld get the 700. As far as performance, and again this is from what I have read, the V2 may actually be slightly faster, but either way they are very close. The 700 has had some suspension tweaks that will probable allow it to handle abit better.
Either way you are going to be happy.

 

i all most bought the H1 ,but i com paired them side buy side road them both . the V stood out the better of the two .i don't like vibration and the H1 had more than i like and the power of the line just was not at all explosive

 

YOu wont have any probs from the v2 as long as you use low gear as much as possible. When climbing, pulling, mudding, etc. That will help keep the belt in spec longer so you wont have to work on it much at all. I use low and put around 2500 miles on my kawasaki tranny and ive taken 1 shim out on the second belt. NOt bad

 

I havnt had a single problem with my V2. Only people without belt drives are saying their tranny is better. I have 840 hard miles on mine without a slip, or anything. I havnt touched my deflection and drive in low all the time. You will love the power!!

 

Rode both today. Didn't like the whine of the tranny and clutch on the 650. 700 seemed smoother and more of what i'm looking for. 650 had LOTS of low end power but... i don't think you should have to make clutch adjustments on a new bike. Picking the 700 up tomorrow! Thanks for the posts.

 

Nice, get some pictures up of it! Where in ND are you located? I head up there sometimes. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]