I'm having a problem with my 2003 Prairie 650. When I have it in low gear, and I apply any significant load (either give it a lot of gas, or ride up a steep hill), it makes a very loud repetitive banging noise. When I first heard it, I thought it was rocks getting thrown from the sand into the skid plate.

When the noise happens, you can feel it let off for a second (almost like it is attempting, unsuccessfully, to shift gears).

It only happens in low, and it happens in both 2 and 4-wheel drive.

I have about 950 miles on it, and have never had any other problems.

A friend's nephew was riding the quad, and I'm wondering if maybe he tried to shift while moving.

I haven't had a chance to look into it yet, and I'm hoping somebody has some suggestions.

Thanks,
-Matt

 

Got the same bike, same problem. Will watch replies with interest.

 

Check your bolt where the gear shifter rod goes into the motor. mine came loose and it had the same symtoms. If it's loose it will take a while to re-adjust the shifter. I don't think shifting while moving would cause this unless he was going from Hi to low. Mine lost all power at the wheels at the same time.

 

This topic has been covered many times. If you use the search feature, you'll find lots of info on how to fix it. It's either loose motor mount bolts, loose shifter bolts, or your shifter needs to be adjusted.

 

Yep, this topic had been beaten to death since years ago.... If nothing is loose, try adjusting the shifter linkage rod. Your trans gears are not engaged fully when in low gears...