Hi all, I'm new to the Kawasaki board. Just picked up an 03 Prairie 650 and got my first real ride on it today. Props to all you guys and gals who jumped on the ship a few years back. What a fun bike to ride and what a smooth powerplant. Just wondered if there were quirks or problems that have been found regularly on the 650. Basically anything to be aware of. The salesman warned me about the gas shut - off in relation to a crank case flood problem, anything else?? Also I could do without the Dunlops what have you guys been changing out to for a good all terrain tire and how big can you go without any rubbing??

Thanks,

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

 

congrats on the prairie!!!! the **** rocks!!

i haven't been able to ride mine much yet do i can't help ya any with the quirks other than keep the gas off when you park it.

As for an all terrain tire you cannot beat the Kenda Bearclaw. They do nothing spectacular but do everything well. I'm going to put mudbugs on the prairie though......have a couple 589ed and one vamped Rincon i need to pee on. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

As for sizes i'm going to go one size up to 26's.......thought about 25's but the tread depth on most 25" tires is shallower than 26's......i know the mudbugs have the same tread across the board but hear the they dont' measure a true 26.....more like 24 1/4......

Unless your going to do more mud riding that trailing i'd stick with 25-26" tires......the 27"+sizes will start to robe power.....not to noticable on this beast but it still will take away a little get up and go.

just my opinion

hope this helps
cart

 

Twin air filter - power
Diamond G snorkle - power
EPI black spring - increased belt life
Stock exhaust mod - power
Progressive strut springs - Really good handling
Holeshot module - more power at takeoff from standstill
Winch - Get unstuck. Maybe you won't need that in utah.

Don't put synthetic in engine until you have a 100 hours.
Keep the belt adjusted tight, and it will last longer.

 

Congrats browntrout
You will love every run on the kawi.
The shutting the gas off after every run or even during stops is a lot of bull crap. I would leave it on while at home to see if the cylinders fill up, if they do send her back for the warrenty choke spring repair. Or check out nyrocs site on how to repair them yourself. Remember its not a quirk its a defect and you shouldnt have to shut off fuel. This is the kawi dealer saying "gee browntrout it happens ,but we have no idea what in the he!! is causing it." This is usually said while he has one finger up his nose.
Enjoy every ride.

 

Incredible bike is an understatement. I may have to get another. The dealer sold my trade, before I could buy it back! HMMMMM........could be a P-700 in my future.

 

Thanks for the replies, GREAT INFO!

 

Browntrout, you will find that everywhere you and I recreate is up in elevation most of the time, the 650 will blubber at 7500 ft and above. If you are going to leave the machine completely stock you or your dealer need to drop the main jets down one size, trust me on that. Also at our altitude taller heavier tires really rob the performance, stay with the 25's and look at bearclaws or mudlights as previously mentioned.

 

For high altititude use, not only is jetting required, but you should also change the Primary and Secondary clutch springs. EPI has a high altitude spring kit. So should Dalton Industries.

 

Which is it for sure, on the gas in oil problem. Is it the pressure build up in Gas tank, or choke spring that needs replaced or repaired, or both?

 

Dealer did rejet it, I have the numbers on the mains and such written down. I rode it at about 9,500 to 10,000 Sunday and it ran well other than some idle problems which isn't unussual. Sticking with the 25's does sound like a good idea.