I just bought a new 05 P700. The machine has tons of power and love that part. But, I've had some problems when running steady between 29mph and 35 mph. When I crack the throttle between these speeds it bogs and I have to slow down and then crack it agian and everything is fine. I've had it back to the dealer twice. The first time they found that the carbs were not quite tuned right - I got it back and it has even more acceleration then before - which was great, but still had the bog problem. This last time Kawasaki told them to try a different set of needles in the carbs. I got it back this weekend and the bog problem has almost went away but now I have some backfires and hesitating when the engine is cold. Have also lost some acceleration with these new needles. I going to take it back in again.
I love the machine but need to fix this carb thing - or maybe it's electronic??? Any ideas??

Thanks!


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I have had that happen to me at those speeds, every now and then it happens and always seems to be when I am holding it steady at that speed for awhile and then punch it. I then return to that same speed and try it again and it is gone, takes off fine. Sounds like yours is doing it constantly though at that speed. Really, the only time I am doing that steady speed is when I am riding with others that have slower quads and we are going to a trail on a gravel road and I am being nice so they don't have to eat my dust.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

TKRanch

What did you give for the new 0? I was looking at one the otherday and thought the price was kind of steep for an 05 with 65 HRS and 465 Miles. Is your steering hard at low speed compared to other Quads you have owned? Reason I ask is that I got an 02 Prairie and when I test drove the 05 it almost felt like a power steering belt on your car had broke. Really stiff steering compared to my prairie.

 

Mine bogs once in awhile at those speeds.....seems to happen more at high altitude, +10k.

My 02 P650 and 05 P700 bars turn with about the same effort. One is not any harder to turn than the other.

 

Double Post ... sorry

 

I would check your plugs and possibly go up with the needle (richer mid range). I run mine a little rich and have never had any bogs or hiccups.

 

My 04 P700 has done the same thing as you are describing since it was new. I have mentioned it the mechanic at the dealer and he has suggested the same thing as you have done, ie. change the needles. It does not bother me that bad, so I have not bothered with it. By the sounds of the other replies, we are not alone. There are too many good things with the bike that give me enjoyment, the little hesitation I will put up with.
My bike was working bad about a month ago (bogging down), it enging up being a clamp on the bottom of one of the carbs had loosen. Tightened it up and I was away.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The new needles (run a little leaner) have cured the bog or hesitating problem between 29 and 35mph. But when the engine is cold (at start) you have run on choke for a little while. I might keep it this way? Not that I drive like a nut, but I think I lost a little bit of low end zip with these new needles. It still does wheelies at start (on a hard surface) but not as easily as it did with the other needles (richer mix). The dealer said they can take an adjustment shim out for the belt which will give it more zip at start-off again. But maybe will lose some top end speed?? I still love the power it has and think it will still blow away almost any other brand wheeler out there - out of the hole. Just want to tune it as best I can.

On the steering, always seemed to steer easily for me.

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I gave $6,135 for the my new 05.