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Popular Mechanics 650 Write up

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  #1  
Old 01-10-2001 | 08:28 PM
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I read a 1 page article on the 650 in PM Mag today. They say, $7000.00, 606 pounds, 46 HP, 65 Mph, No 4X4 torque steering, dual piston front calipers.
The ride report said it wheelies at will, and spins the tires easily. The front brakes are so good that it will do rear wheel wheelies! Power ban is smooth and constant all the way up. I can't remember it all and did not catch the issue date. I went to http://popularmechanics.com/outdoors.html and it was not there. They say articles for the 01-2001 issue will be on-line in mid Jan.. There is a picture of it wheeling or landing from a jump (can't tell). Can't wait to see a Real ATV Mag test on it.
 
  #2  
Old 01-11-2001 | 11:59 AM
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Sounds good!

Are you trading the Kodiak to get a Prairie 650? I can't wait.

Soon there will be a Prairie will be in my garage.
 
  #3  
Old 01-11-2001 | 01:19 PM
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The Great One predicts:
The 650 will be the new king. Sportsmans, Rubicons, and Grizzlies beware!

Just joking, it’ll be fun to see how it will perform. Hopefully all the hype won’t leave us disappointed.
 
  #4  
Old 01-11-2001 | 03:11 PM
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I agree, I think the Kawasaki will be the new king for utility quads in the open class. This make the other manufacturers go back to the drawing boards to come up with something new or better.
 
  #5  
Old 01-11-2001 | 03:40 PM
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I too have just read the PM article and in a word, WOW! This quad has just reset not one but several standards of measure. Its got power, locking front diff. for true 4 wheel, automatic tranny (which is the trend), outstanding stopping and above all it's light for it's class. In short, it appears to be excellent in many areas making it, on paper, the new king of quads especially since it's pricing is comparable to the other manufacturers "top quads".

My only reservations are that we don't know if this a pre-production unit and all the specs. are bang on. Regardless, the other manufacturers had better hope that this critter is not that good or they've got a counter offer.
 
  #6  
Old 01-11-2001 | 05:43 PM
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I posted the article in the "Other" topic. Here it is:

http://www.ansley.net/temp/pm/page1.jpg
http://www.ansley.net/temp/pm/page2.jpg
 
  #7  
Old 01-11-2001 | 06:51 PM
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Texmud,

thanks for posting. I read the article it was good. To bad it didn't have more info. I can't wait. It appears my only question about getting a new Prairie is going to be whether to get Red or Green? I am partial to RED

 
  #8  
Old 01-11-2001 | 08:39 PM
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when is the 650 supposed to come out?
 
  #9  
Old 01-11-2001 | 08:45 PM
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The "unofficial" release date is mid March. I hope this is correct.
 
  #10  
Old 01-13-2001 | 03:39 PM
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Have you seen the new TV ads that Kawasaki has started running to promote the upcoming release. The one I watched has several guys sitting around a camp fire with their ATV's nearby. The ground begins to shake as they hear a deep rumble in the distance.
 


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