Cam650, and anyone else with hands on experience with these machines,

You said in a recent post that the bf suspension is better than any other utility in it's class. That is good to hear. I am thinking pretty hard about buying one before the hunt. I loved my p650 but the straight axle was hard on my back last hunt. Would you say that it is as "cushy" as the polaris and less tippy also?

Last year at the hunt my p650 destroyed my brother-in-law's pol700 on the staight aways, but at the end of the day, he had less back ackes. I would never by a polaris but I was wondering what you thought about the bf vs. the pol700's overall ride.

Thanks,

Trailburner

 

It appears from other posts that it handles better than other irs machines in stock form. However, people migrating to the BF from a Prairie are finding that they can have their cushy IRS ride and still keep up the the Prairies if they use wheels with wider spacing and better tires. That guy that installed ITP ATRs with ITP C-series wheels on his BF is one that says his handling is excellent.

In fact, even Kisssofdeath (a devout swingarm man) has "seen the light" when he rode the BF at the dealer even with stock tires it handled great.

Kawasaki sure knows their stuff. Knowing the BF is so good stock, and also knowing it can easily be improved, I am seriously considering getting one.

 

I did the write up on the ATRs. Read it here...ATR Report

What I like is that with the ATRs and the adjustable preload, I can get almost any suspension setting I want. Plush to stiff. Not as plush as a Sportsman, but then again, a Sportsman could not get as sporty as you can on a BF. My 2cents...

Brian

 

I almost bought the ATRS for mine but didn't someone say they are kind of flat prone??? I was shocked to hear that about 6 ply tires.
02 650 camo

 

Hi TRAILBURNER,

You just can't go wrong with the BF in my opinion. The longer I own it, the better I like it. I put ATR's on it and it's just the ultimate utility now. The power is without comparison and the handling characteristics are better than both IRS quads that I have ridden (SP700 and Grizz). The P650 can't stay anywhere near a BF in a drag or in the open and the ride on the BF will be much easier on your rear than your P650 also. The P650 will out handle a BF though.

The SP700 by comparison, is WAY down on power and feels, and is MUCH heavier. The Polaris probably has a more comfortable ride, but not by much. I've always liked the look of the Sportsman's much better but I doubt if I'll ever own one again. Hope this helps, should you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Chris

 

Some of us that ride on hardpack do not want extra tire weight, so we get ATRs or Badlands. They aren't nearly as flat prone as the stockers, but are more flat prone than heavier tires. I made a hole in my badlands the last time I was at breaks, and Kissofdeath made a whole in his ATRs on the same ride. But, that is kindof the price of having the best handling tires. He has had ATRs and has never had a prpblem before that ride.

I might suggest the maxxis bighorn for better durability.

 

I have a polaris 700 twin that I love. It is the carb'd verson but still has get up & go power.

I think the Polaris suspension is Excellent rivaled only to the Honda Rincon . But the rincon is Way slower than the Polaris

the Polaris has the rear sway bar that helps alot especially when riding over off camber.

you have a very hard time wheeling the machine which makes it alot more forgiving climbing hills.

I have ridden the Brute Force and it felt similar to an AC 650, but way more power.

my biggest testimony is that my 3 year old son actually falls asleep on it when we go out on rides.

I also like the plastic Racks on it as seeing metal ones on other bikes get Rusty from paint being worn off when carrying cargo.

also never had 1 single problem with it in 800 miles that are on it.

 

Thanks guys. I know I could go ride one around a parking lot at the dealer's but it's just not the same as having it out on the trail.

 

Do you know how those Bighorns drive on hardpack?
02 650 camo

 

sorry, i just don't agree. i have a 650i and went to luray riding last weekend and it doesn't ride any better on rough trails than our honda 450 foreman with straight axle. the polaris models (rode a 500 and 700) KILL the brute force on ride.

i am spending all night on this forum to decide whether to get a king quad or try to put on some elka's. i think i will try some elka's cause i love the power of mine and just bought it and want to give it a chance. it handles top heavy so i hope to find a suspension that makes it ride lower and nicer. at least i wish i had one or the other, good ride or good handling. if you have a corvette the ride sucks but at least you can handle like a sports car. if you own a cadaliac the handling stinks but at least you have an awesome ride.

i fell like i don't have either, just great wheelies. my .02, if you want the best ride and handling i hear the rincon 680 is best. good ride, good handling and power get the king quad 700. best ride, same kind quad power, not as good handling get a polaris 700 and move next door to a mechanic.
only get the kawasaki if you want brute force power. that's the only department i feel i got a win in the column.