I have noticed that my father's 650i rides better than my 750, I also noticed that there are different colored dots on top of the springs on the rear. I have a feeling this means that mine are firmer, does anyone know this for sure and if so has Kawi realized this or done anything about it. Other than that this machine is sick!!!!

 

I'm not sure about the springs, but the Kaw. website sez that the 650i has improvements (over the BF750 I assume) such as revalved shocks (better suspension) and better front castor angles (for better steering/handling). The 650i also has approx. 1" lower seat height than the BF750 (should reduce any tipiness in tight turns). These improvements may be why the 650i rides better than your BF750.

I'm interested in hearing more about the 650i and how it compares to the BF750. Can you tell me more, such as how well the 650i accelerates in a drag race with the 750 and how much better, if any, that the 650i handles tight woods trails at a fast pace?

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

 

mikey - my best bud has a stock 750bf - i have a brand new 650i (3hrs now) - when it had an hour we took them out on his street ( paved private 2 lane road) - the 650i was about a wheel quicker to 30 than we were eqaul to 50 -by 55-56 he was pulling away - backed off at 60 though -was 28 degrees out and wasent wearing goggles -- like a dumb a--....

 

Thanx for the feedback! I do appreciate hearing about the new 650i since no one I know personally seems to have bought one yet. How do you think the 650i compares to the BF750 in the handling dept. I especially interested how well you think it handles tight turns at 20mph or so...like in a XC race. Does it require a lot of effort to steer it and/or does it feel tippy when you make those tight turns at speed?

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

 

mikey- the handeling -in my opinion is really good - not as stiff as some but stiffer than my brothers 05 660 grizz - low speed turning in the trees (mostly where i ride) is effortless - was on a track right after i bought it (had never ridden a 4 whl indy susp. before) was cruizin pretty good - felt good and solid - almost turtled it 1 time on a turn that was glare ice with soft mud on the berm - got a little hot in & slid out and caught the berm - scared the sh--- out of me - thought the front end was to stiff than realized the dealer had put almost 15 psi in front tires - have reset the pressure but have not ridden aggressive since so hope it softened up - it feels better in the yard and is still easy to turn guess the jury is still out - M-R

 

Mikey, raced my 750 against the 650i and found that they are quite even up to about 70kms/hr, after that I pulled away quite quick up to about 100, and then we stayed about even thrugh to I was 112km and not sure what he was, but must keep in mind that I am running 26" bearclaws and he is running stockers, so i could likely get a bit more on take off as I was spinning on asphalt on take off (too much power). lol

As for ride the 650i seemed to be a bit softer but he is running stock tires which makes things smotther, and i think the shocks are different. Steering the 650i is really soft and effortless to steer. I didn't trail ride his 650i but I know he can keep up to me no problem and I ride quite aggressive in the trails. He plans to get a set of aftermarket tires though because I don't think the stockers will last. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers

 

Thanx guys for the feedback. Like I said above, I don't know anyone with a 650i...so I'm pretty much basing my opinion of it on the specs and what little I've read about it on these forums.


Madreindeer,
I haven't spent much time riding Indep Rear Susp. quads either. Can you tell me how well the 650i can slide around corners (if at all). I'm guessing its not as easy to power slide around corners with the 650i as compared to a SRA quad like the P650/P700...but is it possible to slide the back end around in a tight corner when you work the throttle or does it pretty much stick to the path you are steering.

Also, how well does the 650i absorb the bumpy trails at a very fast pace...does it float over the bumps like a Caddillac or does it still have a somewhat firm feel? I guess the perfect suspension for me would be a mix - somewhat soft over the bumps and also not so soft that it dives in the tight turns and under heavy breaking.


Csmallman,
Did you happen to park your 750 next to the 650i to compare how tall the seat height is? If you have 26" tires and the 650i has stockers, then I'm guessing it should be a good 1.5" difference in seat height. Did you notice how soft the 650i seat was in comparison to your BF750 seat...was it a vast improvement in comfort?

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

 

mikey - i think the thing floats over high speed rough stuff -and as far as kicking the rear around ---NO PROBLEM -- i was on ice 2 weekends ago when i got into trouble - but in mud or snow - throw a little english (butt) at it and roll on the throttle - it will also effectivly power slide on pavement with throttle only - a little freaky at first but the bike fits me so good it wasent long before i got compfy - next to my buddy's 750 my seat is about 2 inches lower - his is a stocker but he has his suspension a little stiffer - he's younger he can take it - HAHAHA-and i think it is noticably softer - but will see what the others have to say - i think the front could actually be a little softer - but i'm old & still a little broke up --HAHAHA - hope i can help - M-R

 

Mikey, we did park them next to each other and there is about 1.5" in the difference, but when you are actually sitting on one to the other you cannot tell the difference in stability maybe because i have after market tires. As for the seat, i fell there is virtually no difference. Hope this helps. Cheers.