I'm surprised I haven't seen more 650 Rincons competing at a higher level in the GNCC Utility Stock and Utility Modified classes. What gives? I have a modded VForce that I raced this year as well as a Rincon that I will probably race next year in the GNCCs, as the suspension is so much more forgiving over a 2 hour race (that I think I can probably have faster times overall). I'm curious why I haven't seen more competing.

 

Hi JJDog,

I don't mean to change the subject here but I'm asking all of the Rincon owners what their likes & dislikes are of the machine? I heard that the engine braking is not good and that reverse has a rev limiter. I used to own a Kawasaki Prairie 650 and I recently sold it due to hardship. I'm looking for a new machine in a few months though. How is the power of the Rincon? Does it have a good amount of torque?

Thank you,

IronBear

 

IronBear,

My highs and lows are as follows:

Highs
1. Suspension and Handling - On fast really rough terrain (fire roads/rough trails) no sport-utility can touch it. I actually think I'm going to race the Rincon in the GNCCs next year and "bench" the VForce 785, the suspension and handling work that well in the woods.
2. Layout - Fits all sizes (I'm 6' 190lbs and my girlfriend is 5'4 and 125 and we both love the layout).
3. Mileage - Compared to my VForce 785 (which absolutely guzzles and gets only about 10 miles to the gallon when you're really on the gas) and probably the Prairie 700, the Rincon will go forever. If you go on 50 mile trail rides like I do, this is not an insignificant factor.
4. Looks - It just looks a hell of a lot better than the others.

Lows
1. Tires - They're very flat prone so I switched immediately to ITP ATRs (which I'm very pleased with).
2. Lack of Locking Front Differential - Although I haven't needed it yet, it would be nice knowing that if I needed it I could lock the front end at the flick of a switch.

Some of the magazines complain about the power, but for my needs (very fast trail riding/soon to be GNCC racing) it's more than enough. If you're really into deep mud bogs or towing (which I'm not), you might need more power. Overall, I love the Rincon. Althought it may give up a few horsepower to the Praire, Grizzly, etc., I wouldn't trade it for the others. Once you ride a quad with fantastic independent rear suspension on fast trails, it's hard to go back to a solid rear axle. Hopefully that is helpful.

 

Hi James,

Thank you for your respons. It was really helpful. Like you, I do fast trail riding but I also go up some steep hills. How is the Rincon on steep hills? and the engine braking? Torque is really important to me. I'm sure you can install an aftermarket silencer and jet kit to wake it up, that's if it didn't have the power to go up steep hills.

About the rev limiter, is there a way you can disable it?

Thank you for all your help.

IronBear [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

IronBear,

Rev Limiter - I haven't felt the need to override the rev limiter, so I haven't tried to find a way to do so. I'll have to defer to others on this one.

Engine Braking - Again I'll have to defer to others on this one. Personally, I have no trouble with the engine braking on the Rincon. Maybe others feel differently, though.

Torque for Hills - If you're climbing hard-pack dirt/rock hills, the torque on the Rincon is fine. However, if you're going to climb power-robbing soft hills (sand, coal shale, etc.), you may run out of steam on the Rincon (compared to a Prairie or Grizzly), as it's not a "hillshooter" that can compete with Raptors, DSs and big bore pur sport quads. I use the VForce for climbing the soft monster hills. I ride a lot in central PA with guys on modded sport quads (Raptors, Banshees 440exs, Suzuki 400s, Predators), and don't try the same softer hills as those guys when I'm riding the Rincon (it's just not what I bought it for). I would try to find a buddy that has a Rincon and give it a spin to see if the torque is sufficient for your needs.

Another couple of pluses that I thought of:

1. Compared to the Prairie and other non-IRS-equipped quads) is the ground clearance. On the Rincon, I just fly over large rocks and obstacles that I would instinctively go around on non-IRS equipped quad (thereby slowing me down a bit getting around the obstacle.

2. On the Rincon it seems as though you can hit trail obstacles at very awkward angles and it just seems to absorb the hits (such as hitting a tree other than straight-on) without distubing the steering of the quad or jerking the handlebars out of your hand. I'm not sure what you'd call this, but it was an attribute that pleasantly surprised me.