I have a Rancher and like it but need both a ATV for the trails and in the fall a Brute to haul a trailer in for hunting trips cross country. The lack of a dual stage tranny and full 4 wheel drive has got me looking around. The Rancher has been very reliable and does everything it was designed to do, but it can't quite handle the big loads however it is a great bike!
This leads me to the question for you Praire owners, is their product reliable? How does the belt drive work, and is the four wheel drive system type new to the 650? Before I get to locked in on this new model I could use some good information from previous owners. This Bike will put Kawasaki in the big leagues as far as mudding and power, can the rest of the bike handle it? I am intrigued with the features of the 650 so far as with what little I have seen, please tell me what you think. I am a outdoorsman and power to pull is favored over top-end speed, anything over 60mph is never going to get used. Thanks Buckfever

 

Buckfever, I am in the same situation. This spring looking for a bigger stronger quad & my wife will move up to the Rancher.

I have owned Kawasaki products in the past & they make a very good product. The 4wd system on the Prairie 650 should be the best on the market. There will be an auxillary lever to pull, this will make your 4wd locked. Another thing Kawasaki will have engine braking system that will brake all 4 wheels. I believe the EBS on Polaris just brakes the rear. This ATV with its V-twin will have more power than anything else on the market, plenty of torque.

Kawasakis is advertising that this thing will weigh less than other 500cc models (Polaris Sportsman). It should be very interesting. If Kawasaki delivers what they promise they won't be able to keep these things in stock.

Try this web site for some additional information.

www.prairie650.com

 

I have a 00 prairie 300 4x4 and am 150% satisfied with the overall design of it. the 650 is the thing that dreams are made of. I have tested and rode just about every other make and model and still think the prairies are the creme of the crop. I wouldn't be surprised if the 650 os crowned atv of the year

 

I owned a bayou 300 ('96 model) and never had a problem! Now I have a prairie 300 that I love.......so far notta in the problem catagory!
I believe in kawasakis, though many people may not agree.......all I can say is that the kawasakis I'e owned have never let me down and I will look forward to my next atv being a kawsaki...maybe a 650.

 

If you are looking for (torque power) and reliability, check out the 2001 Arctic Cat 500. The price is right. I do lots of hunting in swamps and mountains in Alaska pulling heavy meat trailers. Third year of pulling heavy loads with no problems at all. Very low maintenance, great suspension, solid machine. Check the shoot-out that Atv Connection did Arctic Cat 500 against the Bombardier XT. Good info in that article.