Update -


Finally got my BF back on 9/22. The Controller they waited for didn't fix the problem. Turns out is was a bad actuator, which they took off another machine anyway. To top things off two days after getting my machine home I get the suspension recall letter from Kawasaki....The fun never ends.

On the upside, when I bring the BF in for the recall, the dealer can fix the dash that seems extremely loose now.

All this and I haven't hit 8 hours yet........

 

donnh, you had two probs, what piece caused what problem? just want to be on the lookout.
I just switched from a Polaris 700 EFI and I had no troubles at all out of it, but the '02 carb model I had was quite a pile of crap. I didn't get another Polaris because I was sick of the drivetrain noise, it sounds like rocks in a cement mixer while you're riding (they say it's normal). The Polaris ride, however, is unmatched by this Brute. the Polaris was WAY smoother and easier to handle. I had to buy new tires and rims just to get a hold of this Brute. I did just get a recall notice on my 700EFI, which I no long have, about the fuel line getting holes rubbed in it and another problem about if you turn it all the way to the left or right the throttle might floor itself and stick wide open, so I think Polaris is still plagued by reliability issues.

 

Havent had any problems. and through brake in i rode it really hard and let it cool then hard then cool.

 

Glad you got the transmission problems worked out in your Brute. On a positive note, if something is going to go wrong, you would HOPE it does within the first 2 weeks of ownership. That way, the dealer and your manu warranty will serve you well.

I have to loudly reiterate the CONSTANT problems with my Polaris (a 2000 Sportsman 500) of which it took the better part of a year to iron out, and then I had just strange problems crop up at this point. Four years later, it seems like the Polaris is through with giving me grief. With the few minor porblems I have dealt with with my Brute (at about 9 hours now), I can honestly say it has been nothing compared with my Polaris experience. Sounds like the 700 Sportsmans are just as finicky. You literally roll the dice as to what machine you bring home with the Polaris'. I think you made the right choice with the Kawa...

As far as shifting, I too have trouble shifting, but only when the quad is under a load. I was hauling a trailer and the pull from the weight of the trailer made shifting nearly impossible until I was able to rock the quad fwd and backward while trying to shift the lever into neutral, for example. I had to rock many times on trails with my Polaris, so I assume this is something commonly needed to do on automatic belt driven quads. But the experts here will know EXACTLY why...

Otherwise, the only problem I have with my BF is the insane wheelies I have been riding off the slightest incline or dip. I think I am addicted.

 

mine's been to the shop for the recall work and now the engine braking actuator won't shut off. I dont even have 10 hours on this damn thing yet. the dealer cant look at it for a couple weeks and I think he's the one that screwed it up. It wasnt doing this before the service. anybody know what would make the actuator keep cycling every 5 seconds after the key is off. I had to pull the fuse so it wouldnt run the battery down. the tech said to make sure my battery was charged so he scares the hell out of me, I dont think he knows any more than I do!

 

.. I've been thinking of a 4WD unit womwhere along the lones of the Prairie. The sticker in the whole thing isall the sensors and actuators all over; engine braking acuator that engages the belt, rear brake actuator/ sensor and on and on. This is not to diss any of the 4x4's- just my observation of these things. Yes- they're great when everything works- but waht a pain in the rear quarters when something goes south on ya. I just found out that there once existed a Prairie 300, JOY! but hey-- best of luck to you all with your new steeds. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Sorry for the late reply but I've been away for a while.....

Apparently all the problems on my BF were due to a bad actuator......

They were:

- Hard to move the shifter. If I was not moving I would have to rock the machine back and forth to put it in gear. Also no reverse at all.
- Dash indicator flashing between 2 and 4 wheel drive
- Parking brake barley worked

 

That was on the '04 EFI, had a recall just like other machines and makes/models....I have the '05, about 400 miles so far, not a problem...looked at and rode the BF, but here in New Mexico I run from 5000 - 13000 feet in elevation and my last carb'd model I had to put in a dial-a-jet so I could get it to run across the hole range of altitude..

 

right now I'm sorry I didnt wait on the 800 EFI, as long as the dealer fixes this under warranty I'll be ok with it but if I've got to fork out 5-6 hundred dollars on a brand new atv this will be the last kawi I ever buy.

 

My P360 did the same thing and my dealer told me it was because of moisture so I got the atv back from the dealer took the actuator off and put silacone(spelling) around the seals and havent had another problem since about 150 hours ago.