Can someone tell me why Kawasaki models are heavier than Honda? Example, Kawasaki 300 Bayou 4x4 is 573#, while Honda 350 Rancher 4x4 is only 524#. Thanks, Jim

 

The Kawasaki has a subtransmission (dual-range, providing 10 forward speeds); the Honda does not. The Kawasaki has a dual-shocked, semi-independent, swing-axle transmission; an arrangement generally heavier than the Honda's mono-shocked swingarm.

Also, the Honda makes one less right-angle turn in the power train, saving on gears and weight in this department.

These features account for a considerable portion of the weight difference, other design and material choices account for the rest.

Tree Farmer

 

The Kawasaki uses slightly bigger, and therefore heavier, tires than does the Honda, 24x8x11 vs. 24x8x12 in front (probably a wash) and 24x10x11 vs. 24x9x11 in back.

The other thing to remember is that each manufacturer calculates the "dry" weight of their machine differently. For example Polaris weighs their machine with the battery, and Yamaha weighs theirs without the battery. To illustrate this point I have reproduced the data recorded by 4 Wheel Action Magazine in their August 1996 shootout of five midsize 4x4s:

Claimed Actual Actual Delta %
Dry Wt. Dry Wt. Wet Wt. Claimed Dry Wt.
Vs. Actual Wet Wt.

Honda 527 529 554 5.12
Yamaha 564 602 623 10.46
Polaris 567 555 583 2.82
Kawasaki 573 582 604 5.41
Suzuki 604 627 653 8.11

The only weight that really counts is the wet weight, nobody rides them without gas, oil, and battery acid that I know of.

In the "wet" weight category, Honda is still the lightest of the five quads tested. And in fact the Honda's actual dry weight is amazingly within two pounds of its nominal dry weight. The Polaris is slightly lighter than claimed and the Yamaha is significantly heavier than claimed.

My Bayou 400 4x4 has a claimed dry weight of 595 pounds. But by actual measurement on a precision scale designed for aluminum recycling, my Bayou 400 checks in with an all-up wet weight of 644 pounds.

The low-down on this weighty issue is that each manufacturer calculates the dry weight of their machine differently, and in some cases weighs a pre-production sample where the actual weight is likely to change once regular production begins.

So, take the manufacturer's quoted dry weight figures with a grain of salt, and figure on a roughly 5 to 10% greater operational weight when you hit the trail.

Army Man