Also posted this in the 'lookin to buy' forum but since I'm leaning toward a Kawi....

Hi guys - New to the forum but have been riding my '96 Kodiak since, ...well, '96!. Recent trip to Hatfield trails woke me up to the fact that its time to upgrade.
I've been lookin at the Kaw BF 650..It *really* is a good value...BUT...it has the single rear shock like the Kodiak. One of the things that is driving the upgrade is getting a better suspension, The Kodiak is a true Farm / Utility quad.(I would LOVE to have selectable 2-4wd) I was outclassed at Rockhouse.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]The guys I rode with all had newer stuff that got thru the woods fast and comfy. SOOO.... My question to you guys with wisdom...

1- I'm not real sold on IRS - Is a quad with dual rear shocks on a SRA much different than a single shock setup - like I have on the Kodiak?
2- I've read a lot about the TieRod issues with the BF - are they dependable? I went on a Poker Run last weekend (rode a DirtBike though) and didn't see a single BF 650 - wonder why??
3- I like the Vinson too but don't want to make a lateral move (400 -> 500 CC) But I'm not the kinda guy that HAS to have the biggest, Newest, Meanest thing out there (KingQuad, Rincon etc..)

This is a great forum - I'm learnin a lot from you guys!! Any opinions? Comments?
Thanx
M

 

I just bought the 650 brute force and love it to death. the solid rear axle isn't such a bad thing. Less CV joint boots to fix and better stability. The V-Twin has lots of torque and power. Just jetted mine for the area I'm in and it made a big change in response and power.

 

Get the BF650! I was looking for a similar machine just a few weeks back. Since I purchased my 650 I have nothing but good things to say. Plenty of power,speed, and the CVT works well. I feel the same way about the IRS and have had no trouble with the 650's ride. Plus try and beat the price $5800 + tax. How many ways can you say "Deal!" I'm sure you won't go unhappy.

 

You will not be unhappy with the BF650. I love mine. I like the SRA better because it is much sportier than IRS. Of course it doesn't ride as smooth as an IRS equipped quad but it doesn't rattle your teeth out either. Plus you cannot beat the deal you can get on one and you'll love that v-twin.

 

I used to own an IRS machine and I wouldn't trade my prairie for 2 of them. The only time you really notice the ride difference is at very slow speeds on very rough terrain. What most people don't realize is that the majority of IRS machines have some type of sway bar setup on them. Meaning that one rear tire is only allowed to move usually about 2-4 inches before the sway bar forces the other to move. Therefor it is not trully independent suspention. And the ride quality and handling of a solid rear axle machine is usually far superior at mid to high speeds. Get the 650 brute you will be satisfied. Also if you install an ignition module like the $100 one from highlifter you will be amazed at how well you will perform against the majority of the other big bore machines.

 

FASTFATBOY,
I think you have the truest rendition of an IRS machine about the sway bar effect my thoughts exactly. I have been looking into an IRS quad for comfort more than anything. So far the only one that doesn't have the flip over feeling is the Outy style IRS. Never thought about high speed runs on an IRS this brings it into perspective.

 

The SRA guys make some valid points. As a Brute Owner that rides with a Prairie rider I can summarize the differences for you:

1. The SRA rules at higher speed sport riding. However....do you just ride on flat race tracks all day? Most people dont.

2. The IRS rides better, but not as much as you may think. The Brutes IRS is stiff but this helps high speed riding.

3. The Prairie can be jumped without killing it as long as it's not oo high or too often. The Brute aint a jumper.

4. The IRS kills the SRA in ground clearance. This is a MAJOR issue if you do a lot of mudding in rutted terrain. Once an SRA gets off camber in a rut...it is ALL over as the low-side of the axle will get hung easily.

5. The Brute tie rods are getting a bad rap, but this is a case by case issue. It *appears* that a lot of the tie rod problems are happening to people running HUGE tires and other "mods". I have almost 2000 miles on my Brute and mine are perfect. Otherwise, neother system is more or less reliable. If the machine is cared for and ridden responsibly then it will last a long time either way.

6. The BF650 is a great unit and is simply a newer version of the legendary Prairie so buying one of those is a GREAT choice.

7. The Brute is also cool as hell and mine has been excellent.

Hope that helps.

 

JS... if you have to have the "biggest meanest" quad out there... then you need the 750 Brute, 800 Sportsman, or the new soon to be released 800 Bomber...

however the 650 Brute is for all practical purposes a 700 Prairie, with the 650 motor, & Brute plastic... it is IMO, "the" quad to buy right now, as far as getting the best bang for the buck... none of the ( fixable ) issues with the 750 Brute are there with the 650 Brute... & any of the performance upgrades that can be done to the other V Twin Kawi's can be done to the 650 Brute ( & there are tons of performance upgrades... probably more than any other utility quad out there )

Tie rods are not generally a problem with the Prairies, & the 650 Brute has the Prairie front end components...

 

Thanx guys - Been a big help - all I gotta do now is reach in my pocket and make it happen. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] See ya on the hill!!
Mike

 

JumboShrimp
Ditto on what newbeatle said.

I've owned my 02 Prairie since new, my 3rd ATV, & The Prairie 650 is the best I've owned so far. You can't go wrong with the Brute 650. Adding a high performance ignition (Dyna or DG 5 & flywheel key), performance clutch springs, Heavy duty front strut springs and or shocks, and better tires transforms the little 650 from "Dr Jeckel to Mr Hyde." All the power you'll ever need on the trails. Plus you have 2 "Other" GREAT websites for tech tips & maintenance.

My riding buddy has a Honda 650 Rincon and he calls my 650 Prairie the "Hot Rod." [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]