I am looking at a P700. Not for hard riding but more casual rides, snow plowing, hunting, etc. Although I haven't gotten to ride one yet due to the cold and snow, I noticed the rear suspension seems softer than some of the other makes I have looked at.

Has anyone had a problem with the rearend bottoming out on a P700 when the rear racks are loaded? Seems the rear drops easily when you push down on the rear racks and I wondered if it will be a problem.

Also, I am a big fan of reliability. What seems to be the most common problem area or high maintanence part of the P700?

Thanks,
Craig

 

Have not had mine too long but i love it !

 

I loaded my 650 down it doesn't bottem out on the rear at all, the front can under excessive weight upfront. I would recommend beefing up your rack mount on the rear if you plan to overload the back rack. The rear shock is gas charged so it's tough. I would say the part you want to watch the closes is the clutch... do the black spring etc.. you shouldn't have a problem... other than the problem of going home. The Praire can handle everything you want it to quite reliability.

 

Thanks. I just wondered about it since I didn't have to apply much weight to it for the backend to sink. I was just concerned about how it would act while in motion with 100+ lbs of gear back there.

Craig

 

100+ LOL no problem... I had a lot more than that on mine.

 

SPD, another thing to consider is what the rear shock is set at right now. My 650 was pretty cushy in the back until I tightened up the preload on the rear spring. Takes lots of weight now!!

 

Clear on the shock settings. I'll check when I go back to the dealer. May have been set on the squishy side.

 

When you put weight on the P700, front or back, it is easier to push down than the Grizzly or the Polaris.
The Yamaha or the Polaris barely move when pushed on. P650's the same.

I bought mine from a 400 lb man who also hunted with it. I looked under it pretty good before buying it and it looked like new almost. No dings, nothing.

I don't know why they feel 'squishy' next to the other big bores, but it doesn't seem to be a problem out on the trail.

 

Craig, So far so good. I got mine(700), just before hunting season, and was fortunate enough to take 2 deer, also hauled out some for others and it carried them with ease. And with no mud on me or the deer! (thats the best part for me). Lately we have been getting ALOT of snow, and plowing has been almost fun, or should I say the ride after plowing is fun. All in all I have no complaints or service issues with the quad yet. Take 1 for a ride and see why everyone who does says what they do. I bought mine for the same reasons that you stated and am very satisfied. Take care & good luck with whatever you choose. Bob

 

I have owned a P-650, and a V-700, I now own a P-700. All were very reliable. The Prairies have a fairly plush suspension. I have ridden 125 miles in a day through the mountains(Hat/McCoy Trails), and could still walk at the end of the day! The Prairie frt. suspension willl need some help(Progressive's spring/and preload adj. kit)if you are gonna plow snow, or ride fast through the woods.