looking to buy a prairie 650 and I was wondering the differences in years, mainly prob lems and modifications

 

The 03 has better airbox and clutches, but also has the dumb@ss limp mode. It's the only Prairie that has it. I would look at used P700's too since they are the 5th or 6th time Kawasaki has made almost the same machine but with 50cc more power. I really like both of mine, but going to sell the 02 P650 as soon as the recall is done on it, which should be tomorrow I'll pick it up. Recall already done on the P700, picked it up today.

 

Thanks for the info, I don;t think i can afford a 700 but I will look into it.. Anymore obvious detalis between the two?

 

The most obvious thing between the P650 and P700 is the power, the feel that the back end is trying to come around in front, which I like (4wd stops that).

The recall kit is a serious matter since Kawasaki notified all owners of record not to ride their Prairies until the kit is installed. Ask for proof of installation, if not use as bargaining tool, get registered as new owner, then have kit installed at any local dealer. I say it's serious, because Kawasaki is trying to get out of any failure injury or damage liability with their letter saying don't ride without the new kit installed.

You might be pleasantly surprised if you look hard enough at '04 P700's, which are the same as the '05's. The bikes depreciate pretty quickly, who knows, you might be able to find one. They're all good, the '05's are basically about the sixth version of the same bike + 50 cc's.