I'm looking at buying a used ATV for a trip to Colorado in 5 weeks. I've got a Polaris 4x4 for the wife and I like Polaris, but I like the Kawis too. Is it true that the '02 P650's were lighter and fastest? An '02 fits the amount of cash I have to spend, so I'm just wondering if there have been known problems with them. I've seen a couple advertised with low miles for $4000.

 

I owned an 03 P650 for the past 2 years (was very happy with it)... and I just bought a 2002 P650 that came with a lift kit, lift springs, large mud tires, etc. I recommend NOT getting a used utility quad with a lift kit and large mud tires b/c its hard on the parts (CVs, steering components, etc.) Be aware that Kawasaki made a few upgrades on the 03 model, so here's a few things to look for in an 02 P650.

1) CVT clutches...I think the center bearing on the primary clutch tends to wear out prematurely on some P650s. Not a big deal to replace this, but something to be aware of.

2) Choke Cable Sticks sometimes...this can ocassionally make the quad idle poorly and/or fill the crank case with gasoline if the petcock is left "on" for extended periods. They changed the choke springs in the 03 model and elminated this problem.


Here's something to watch out for on all P650s...

1) Regrease or replace the swing arm bearings at 1,000 miles (or 500 miles if used often in the mud). Check for a metal to metal popping sound when you ride it and check for slop in the swing arm when you move it side to side.

2) Check condition of the front steering for slop...this could be a sign of worn out tie rod ends, wallowed out steering stem holes where tie rod ends attach, worn ball joints that go into the bottom of steering knuckles or all of the above. NOTE: I just replaced ALL of the above on the 2002 P650 that I just bought...now my steering has no more slop.

Some other things to be aware of...late model 2003 P650 and all P700s were upgraded with a better airbox design (20% more air capacity), better designed CVT clutches to eliminate bearing problem mentioned above, and a few other minor things too.

With that said, I think the 2002 P650s are a good bargain and if you can find one without lift kits and huge tires at a decent price, I say go for it!!!

Happy trails...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Great atv. Just use LOW gear as much as possible and your set.