I know Kawasaki makes a good, reliable unit (the Bayou in particular) but am surprised to see how unpopular this product is. In fact, based on the very scant posts, the Kaw seems like the absolute least popular ATV made. Just curious as to why.

 

Tealboy- the reason kawaski is unpopular is because the machines are boring and dependable.The reason that there are not many posts is because that don't break down very often. The kawaski's don't lead in any one catagory, performance,handling etc.I own 2 kawi's,never have any problems. I looked at all the manufactures but the kawi's were a better value imo than the others. The fit and finish of the machines were the best.

 

Actually, Kawasaki is in third place when it comes to least popular. Suzuki has three percent of ATV sales. Bombardier has less than that, Kawasaki has slightly more than Suzuki.

 

I've used a Kawasaki KLF 400 dozens of times for trail riding (I don't own an ATV, I only ever rented them) and have never had a problem with them, they have always got us home and have been very reliable.

I getting close the purchasing a couple ATV's and I didn't consider the Kaw's for basically one reason - no engine braking on the automatics.

Other than that they seem like great machines.

Cheers,

 

Like the other posts here said, Kawasaki makes a good product, but there aren't a lot of models, and they are all outdated now compared to most of the other manufacturers. The 650 V-twin Prairie, which will be out fairly soon, should change that dramatically. Kawasaki is slow to bring in new models, but they are usually well thought out with few "bugs" right from the beginning. Instead of just having as many features as the competition, as was the case when the first Prairie came out, this one will have some "original features" (for an ATV) that sound very impressive---V-twin engine, gas tank in rear-with a fuel pump in the tank and a digital gauge, dual piston front disc brakes, wet clutch manual front locking differential, wet clutch sealed rear brake, adjustable foot pegs in floorboards, 90 watt multi-reflector headlights, electrically activated engine braking that reads engine speed. Kawasaki is right up there with "Honda-like" quality so hopefully the 650 will be the same. There are some great ATV's to choose from now. They all just keep getting better!

 

I've got a 93 or 94 300 bayou, still looks and runs like new, no problems. If there had been a 500 bayou last year I would own one now. They are good machines, just not very exciting.

 

Kawasaki sales might be low for now, just wait & in one month there sales will be booming. If Kawasaki delivers what it promises in the Prairie 650 then they will be flying out the doors at the dealers.

I plan on purchasing one. Currently there are two Hondas in my garage, soon there will be a Kawasaki. Kawasaki quality is very good in the past just hope the new Prairie.

Kawasaki needs to get the Prairie right, my Hondas are great but just received the SECOND recall notice from Honda on the Rancher. This makes me wonder if the Honda quality is starting to slip a little?

 

It is a shame that they are involved with factory sponsored racing and they don't produce their product. They would really liven their sales if they actually produced a 250 2stroke racer. I am hoping Honda does, also. Getting tired of Banshee this and Banshee that.

 

You have to give credit to Honda for winning the marketing battle. People are willing to pay more (especially kids who aren't fitting the bill anyway) just so they can say they own a Honda. And while Honda is known for reliability, spend some time reading the Honda posts and you will see that their models are not completely bulletproof as some might claim. Having paid more just to own a Honda, I too would defend them as being better than anything else.

For what it's worth, I own both a "97 Kawasaki Bayou 220 (bought new) and '92 Honda TRX300 (bought used). I keep the Honda in another state and ride it only a few times each year. The Bayou is at my house and ride it much more often. Why do I ride the Kawasaki more than the Honda? So the Honda will last longer.

 

Why are we discussing this on the Honda forum?
(Just curious)