Thanks for the pics. It looks good. Are those Struts I see? I noticed no independent rear suspension. The die hard Polaris people will not change their view even with the twin.

 

The biggest downfall I see is the rear suspension, and that means alot to a lot of people (me included). Why not do it right all the way?

 

Why not do it right all the way? Is there really a right or wrong way? Granted IRS makes for a good ride and ground clearance but it drastically increases the weight of the machine. With IRS and a twin would closely push this machine in the OHV category which in Minnestoa would limit the amount of trails you would be able ride Legally.

 

Yes there is a right and wrong way. A better suspension wouldn't of added the weight you are talking about. How about a semi independant suspension, that would of added about 30lbs or less (well worth it). We are still talking probably less than 700lbs. They would of sold a lot more machines.

 

Sorry, theres no right or wrong way to make a quad. it's only wrong for the person that decides to not buy it because of that reason.

Since you need IRS buy a polaris or an Artic cat.

 

I do have an Artic Cat, and you must of never road a good 4 wheeler and don't intend to.

 

Well, I currently own a Rubicon. If that not a good wheeler I don't know what is. Incidentally I made the switch from a Polaris Explorer 400. Talk about a POS. This was the worst investment I've made. Not only a bad investment, but it was an investment that never ended until I sold it.

BTW- I'd put my Rubicon against your AC any day.

 

is it just me or does the prarie only have one shock in the rear end? this means that it's not even semi-independant rear suspension....even my bayou 220 has semi-independant if this is the case...why wouldnt' they even put the semi-independent on?

 

Ive heard from many people that the single shock design on the praire 300,400,is one of the best around and is very plush.I do agree with buyou220atv because semi-independant like on the bayou is a good mix between IRS{loss of ground clearance ive heard}and single shock {not good on
rocky trails}.Its Kawasaki so it must be good!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Tater, thanks for taking pictures of the 650. I want to ask a few questions and make some comments though.
I have a 97 Prairie and the front bars are all one piece. In your first picture, it looks like the vertical bars on the outsides of the grill are joined to the bar around the lights by pop rivets. That sure looks cheap to me. Is the fit and finish on it really good? That is something that is really good on mine so I hope they haven't gone cheap!
It looks like they still have the light front Dunlop tires on this machine that came on mine. I wish they would use tougher tires. They are very easy to puncture. Hopefully they are different than they look. The rear tires have a different tread than mine. Mine have the same tread as the front ones. I think all ATV's should come with tires that are at least a 4 ply rating.
Are they going to produce this machine with the gold wheels and frame that the one in your pictures have? I certainly prefer gray or silver.
Is the digital display large enough to read easily? I was hoping that they would have one similar to the Honda 450s, also with the third light.
Does it have more ground clearance than their current Prairie? From what I've read, the suspension travel is about the same. As far as the rear suspension goes, it looks very similar to mine, and my Prairie rides very comfortably, so I'm not concerned about IRS.
Did they say much about the transmission? I heard it is a second generation CVT---whatever second generation means. If they still use a belt, I hope that heavy loads don't put a large strain on it, and that it will require little or no maintenance.
What did you think of the racks? I really like my all-metal ones. Do these ones have any big advantages?
I also hope that it has a tighter turning radius than mine.
I don't know if many others would care about this, but I was hoping that this machine would have a locking hub on one of the rear wheels so that if you have to drive the machine on grass around the house, you could make it a one-wheel-drive and not tear up the lawn. I don't think that it would be very expensive to do that, and it would make it much more versatile in my opinion.
Did they say what its top speed is?
If the gas tank is under the seat, where did they put the battery? I hope they didn't hang it inside the rear wheel well, exposed to the dirt and water.
If you could comment on my views and questions, I'd appreciate it.