Thank GOD I bought a 36 month warrenty!!!

I bought my Prairie new in Feb 2003 and since then it's been nothing
but headaches with parts letting go. Don't get me wrong ; the thrill of the
ride ,performance and power is unbeliveable but I'm starting to doubt the
reliability and durability of my machine.
It started with shaft seals (4 in all) .I have 3300 Km on it so that's
allmost 1 per 1000 Km.
Then I went in a mud run. Didn't over do it but got real MUDDY!
I didn't clean my rad enough after and that caused it to overheat.
Well , that mannaged to blow the head gasket on the second piston.
Ill take the blame for that even though it thought I had caught it in time
before it overheated too much, but seems that when that overheat light
goes on , It's too late , the dammage is done.
Then my belt just blew up at 2600 Km. The dealer doesn't understand
why cause when they had checked it the week before, it was still in top
shape. They replaced it but still had to pay the labor ($50).
Last but not least, I had a noise in the clutch. The bushings inside
were completely worn, the forks for the engine brake worn. In short
they had to replace the whole clutch. Warenty, ooouf !
Last week , rear shock greased with oil ; Blown, need new shock.
Again warrenty.
My freinds now ask me if my ATV's still in the shop before they ask me
to go riding . And if that's not enough, they joke if it's going to make the
day without breaking down.
Sure you might think I abuse it but I don't. I don't burry the thing in
water or mud, I don't do jumps, I just do plenty of wheelies(accel. module)
and ride normaly.
When is this going to stop?
The dealers told me to stay out of deep water and avoid going too fast
through puddles so the clutch doesn't swallow any spray. Oh and to
lay back on the dust ; That tends to wear the clutch faster.
What the Hell did I buy, an ATV or a 4WD golf kart!!!

Someone tell me if I did a good thing in buying the Prairie or if my
650 Prairie was supposed to be LEMON YELLOW instead of RED!!!



_________________-____________


Red 650 Prairie 2003
26in Bear Claws
Accel module
Dalton springs
full equiped with everything

Might soon be for sale!

 

 

in an anwser no. i have 1200 miles on mine and i still have one belt adj left. the problums you describe seem self inflected. after every ride i wash and clean my unit. i ride on very dusty trails so after every ride i change out the air filter as well and use an outerware. as far as the clutch your dealer is right dust is like sand paper, but so is the belt dust. you also need to remove your belt cover every 2nd or 3rd ride and blow it all off real good. mine is in great shape and it is not hard to do. it also lets you look things over. as far as belt adj. it does not have to be at specks every time. 1.5" of play is ok as long as it wont hit the switch. the shock there was a responce from someone saying mud will cake on the shaft and when dry and you compress the shock it will force it into the seals and cause a leak. you have a good unit but you need to take care of small things.

2003 kvf650
1200 miles
pro circut t4 and 496 pipes
itp wheels w/atr
itp wheels w/mudlights
stock wheels w/ spider tracks
warn 2500lb winch
camo cover
moose skids
moose 60" plow
every thing going strong

 

Hmmmmmmm!!!! you have me thinking now about my purchase,I don't have the extended warranty because I am hoping that I did the right thing by sticking with a manufacturer that I thought made a superior product.I have an "98" P400 and the thing is awesome and I also have an "03" P650 purchased April 2003 (an awesome machine as well).The reason I bought another Praire is because of the extra power and quality of Kawasaki.There have been 3 recalls so far on my P400,that's not too cool! I have to go out of my way now for the 3rd time to get it to the shop and have it checked out.If I had the same problems that you are having,I think I would consider selling it also.
No offense to other Kawasaki owners but when is enough.....enough?
(meaning: when your ATV is in the shop more than you ride it)

 

My experience with the V-twins has been great. I had 3K miles on my '02 P-650, when I traded it in on the 'Force. It was dead reliable. The V-Force has been extremely reliable.
You experience is a rare one, IMO.