I plan to buy atv's for my wife and I . I am 58 . no hill climbing or racing . We live in ariz. and plan to ride in the desert and forest service roads . My wife likes the Bayou 220 . I am not decided between the 300Bayou 2x4 and the 300 Prairie 2x4 .Do you have suggestions ?

 

You can't make a bad choice from the options you name!

The Y2K Bayou 300 4X4 (don't know about the 2WD model, but I imagine it's the same) features new spring rates and shock valving, resulting in an incredibly plush, smooth, capable ride on a machine of this class--with no sacrifice in handling or rack capacity.

The manual-transmission Kawa's feature improved primary clutch materials, resulting in surer drivetrain lockup.

The Prairie may sport the same suspension improvements as its manually-shifted cousins; in which case the choice depends largely upon your preference regarding transmissions ("automatic" or manual).

I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose.

Tree Farmer



[This message has been edited by Tree Farmer (edited 11-24-1999).]

 

George,

I own a '97 Bayou 220 and only regret not buying the 300 instead. The 300 model comes with a slip-type differential that makes it much easying to handle, especially when making sharp turns. It can be placed in the locked position when necessary to get out of more tricky situations.

Good luck.

 

Good point, DRLaney!

I forgot; the Kawasaki Bayou 300 2WD is the only ATV (unless the Prairie 300 has it also) with a genuine automobile-type locking rear differential, offering the advantage of tight turning/easy steering/ no turf-tearing-up when open, and "true" 2WD traction when locked.

Tree Farmer

 

thanks for your replies. We bought the bikes two days ago A bayou 220 for my wife and a prairie 300 for me . We love them . Paid $3175 for the 220 and $4300 for the 300 . These are out the door prices and include 7% sales tax . license and dealer doc. etc.

 

Hope you and the wife enjoy them. My Bayou has never failed me, save only once when I sank it in water that was too deep for me and the 100+ lb. pig I was carrying on the front rack. I had gone through the same deep hole twice before, unloaded of course.
Still, I had it running like new before the day was over.

I strongly recommend you check to see if the dealer installed synthetic oil before delivery and if so, replace it with a good brand of conventional oil. Then go back to synthetic if you wish but only after a tank or two of gas. Synthetic oil has been known to restrict the normal break-in process or "bedding" of internal components.

I also recommend Prestone silicone spray lubricate to protect both metal and rubber surfaces. It is the only spray I have found that is recommended for both. You can find it the automotive section of your local Wal-Mart for less than two bucks a can.

Good luck.

 

drlaney
thanks for the tips . I will follow them