DirtWheels did an article on the Arctic Cat 650 in the November issue. They said a lot of good things about it. It sounds like a Prairie 650 with independent rear suspension. It has 10 inches of suspension travel front and rear. And that thing has 13 inches of ground clearance. It also comes with a 6 1/2 gallon fuel tank. Rack capacity is 100/300 lbs. They said cornering wasn't "as crisp" as the Kawasaki, mainly due to the IRS. Overall power was said to be good, but "not quite in line with a Grizzly 660, or the original Prairie."

 

I have had my 2004 Prairie 360 for four months now and it hasn't given me any problems at all. Yes, I baby it, but I baby my 1998 Ford Explorer too and people still ask me if it's new. My 360 has been reliable and it's really a terrific machine.
I guess it's just like anything else in life, if you take care of something, it will give you less headaches.


Good luck with you new machine!

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2004 Kawasaki Prairie 360 4X4
Aztec Red
25" ITP ATRs mounted on ITP C Series Aluminum wheels
Warn 2500ci winch

 

The kawasaki Prairie is a great machine. I love mine. So far I've had no problems and all it does wrong is run out of gas. Also the diff lock is awsome seeing how it pulled me out of some muck that would of surly got me stuck if I didnt use it. You will enjoy the machine.

The big bear is a good machine. The only problem is that it is more of a utility type vehical. I'm sure its a great machine but I would go for the prairie.

 

For mid-size machines, look at the 350 Rancher, the 360 Pairie, and the 360 Bruin.

The Bruin is the most machine for the money. But depending on what kind of riding you will be doing,
may not be for you. It has a high ground clearance and is a bit tippy. If you need higher ground clearance
by all means get the Bruin. It is a lot of quad for the bucks. It also has a tight turn radius for good
manuverability, but the tippiness reduces the speed at which you can take advantage of that.

The Rancher is the cheapest of the three, but also has the least features. The longitudinal engine and low
ground clearance gives it a low center of gravity and superb handling and manuverability. The 2x4 model
has the tightess turn radius of any utility quad made. I love the way mine handles. Of course it has Honda
reliabilty going for it also.

The Prairie has lower ground clearance than the other two, is the most expensive, but has good features.
A neighbor has one and loves it. No problems with cold starts that I am aware of. It does not handle on par wth
the Rancher, but is not as tippy as the Bruin.

Ride all three and decide for yourself. You can't go wrong with any of them.