Tater 300 EX, you never answered my questions about the 650 under your post "I got to see the new 650 yesterday". If you have time, could you please reply to my post. I'd like to read your comments, since you've seen this machine first-hand. If anyone else has seen the 650, I'd like to hear your views also. Maybe it's just me, but I'm surprised that more people aren't wanting a locking hub or something similar on a rear axle so that they can drive on grass without chewing it up. I guess most riders don't use their machines around the house.

 

I just got home from an event in Clearfield Pa. Kawasaki had the new 650 there, I talked with the kawasaki rep for about an hour he showed and explained in great detail there new machine if you have a specific question respond and ill try to answer your question

 

We just got to see the new 650 Prairie in Sinclairville, N.Y. this past Sat. the 14th. The machine is very impressive. After the question and answer time the guy took the machine off the display stand and did a few passes in the field. This machine is fast! I have never seen a faster sport-utility from a standing start. I am sure Kawasaki will sell a ton of these machines.

 

Kawasaki builds good quality products. If the new 650cc has that type of quality then these quads will be flying off the show room floor.

Being in the market for a new 4x4 next year the Kawasaki 650, is my first choice, then the Polaris SP500HO.

I am waiting Kawasaki, bring on the new beast...............................

 

I thought I would give a little more info about the 650 Prairie from what we saw of it this past Sat. the 14th. As most of you know Kawasaki is going around to show off their new 650 Prairie that they say will be coming out next year. I was very impressed with this machine. The rear shock will have a remote gas resevoir (spelling?) It has front struts, but the interesting thing about them is that the lower end is flared out to act as a cv boot protector. Neat! Approx. 7 inches of travel on both ends. The rear brake set-up is built right into the swing arm, working on the drive shaft instead of the rear axle. It is totally enclosed. It has 2-32mm Keihin carbs. It has engine braking that is activated by a electric servo that put pressure on the belt when the throttle is let off. The info was given to me by the rep. there from Kawasaki. The gas tank is under the seat. The air cleaner is where the gas tank usually is under a cover that is removeable. There is more but I have to get going. As you can tell I am excited about this machine.

 

As to locking hubs on the rear, I've ridden a "one wheel wonder" (stripped out hub) and it'll tear up the lawn faster than anything, as it will get stuck on a booger. In order to make this work, I believe you'd need a differential to put some torque to both wheels.

 

Does any one know if you will be able to switch the new 650 in and out of 4 wheel drive?

 

According to the article in ATV Connection you will be able to switch in and out of 4 wheel.
here is a link to the article. https://atvconnection.com/atvconnect...prairie650.cfm

 

WOW! I can't wait, I own a 2000 Prairie 400 4x4 and I like it very much, the quality is great, but It would be nice to have more power, and the selectable 2wd 4wd would be a plus, this new one sounds great, I'd like to hear lots and lots more about every part of it though. Im very excited!!

 

Yes, you can switch it in and out of 4-wheel drive. It is a switch on the right hand side of the handle bars.