i have about made up my mind on which one to get but here is 1 more question,which one has the best engine braking?which one will slow down the machine the most on a steep hill without using brakes?

 

Not being familiar with engine braking when I first got my Rubi, was was very surprised by it. The first time almost thru me over the handle bars. I came to a slow crawl on one hill the first ride. Was fun playing with the braking.
Dont know about the 650, but the Rubi's works great.

 

Only know of the Kawi by riding it around test track but it definitely seemed to slow you quicker, almost like applying the brakes. It was actually a little too much for my liking but I bet on a steep hill it comes in real handy.

 

I am not sure if the ruby has two or 4 wheel braking, but the 650 has 4 wheel braking. Do you need the extra power the 650 can offer? If so, get the 650. How much hp does the ruby have? I heard it was 24 hp. I thought it might be in the 30's for a 500cc engine. The 650 has 42 hp and spanks my 400ex in a drag race.
Thanks.

 

Does the 650 have a high and low range? I don't know but this is very handy to have. I also think the 650 is a belt drive which I would prefer not to have. I also don't think it has a headlight on the handle bars which turns the direction your going and also sits up high enough to shine above tall grass or deep mud(very handy). For trailriding I never need to go faster than the Rubicon is capable of(55 mph). In reality I never go faster than 30 or 35(no need to). I personally like full time four wheel drive so thats not an issue for me. I would pick the Rubicon for the superior quality and reliability. One more thing the Rubicon will probably retain it's value better. The 650 is probably faster but requires alot more fuel per hour and I just can't see why someone would need more speed than 55 mph on a 4x4 quad and with the low range The Rubicon has plenty of low end pull. The Rubicon also has all four wheels working with engine breaking. The Rubicon also has automatic or manual shifting which ever you prefer. I know you probably are wondering which one I would choose. It would be the Rubicon hands down!
Steve

 

yes the honda had 4 wheel braking because it is all time four wheel drive.your 650 will to if it is in 4x4.i really dont need all the 650 power because im not buying a ruby for dragracing.i relly like the looks of the honda so i will probably get it.

 

The kawi has so much torq you can wheelie it form a stand still and about 10-15MPH thats in high to (thats sweet)

 

I own a 650, so I’m a little biased. I have friends with Rubicon’s, which I have swapped rides with frequently. My friends and I agree that the 650 is much more quad for the money. The Prairie has better handling, a better suspension (softer), better brakes, better torque and acceleration, and a true locking 4x4 system that can be switched to 2-wheel drive. I’m not sure about the Rubicon’s engine braking, but I know the Prairies is excellent. Yes the Rubicon has been out for a year, and it has the Honda name, and it might look better. But after riding both, I’m very glad I picked the Prairie. It was even over $1000 less than the Rubicon at my dealer.

Yes, the 650 does have high and low range, and the drive belt really isn’t an issue. Unless you get water over the handlebars, you won’t have a problem with it. I agree you shouldn’t need to go over 55, but it sure is fun getting there faster than a stock 400ex (I’ve done it several times).

 

I would definatly go with the Prarie650 for a couple of reasons. It has front disc brakes, and a COLPLETLY sealed back multi disc brake. The Rubi has drum brakes( i think all around ) that are awefull to clean up after a mud hole or two. And the 650 is faster =)

 

Highlifter is coming out with a power kit for the Rubi in a couple weeks. So this will give the Rubicon a bit more power, I guess I would only care about the low end myself. From what I understand you can tune it for low end with this kit. Only time I found having a high top end would be nice is on some of the long stretches of trail. (we have some converted railroad tracks that are really long)