why did kawasaki skip the 500cc size engine. i know the smaller mules have a similar sized engine but not atvs.

texascat

 

Kawasaki skipped the 500cc engine, jumping from 400cc to 650cc, I think, because of user input, for one reason.

I know for a fact ArmyMan sent a letter to Kawasaki management several years ago, suggesting this "Great Leap;" many of his other suggestions (like the "fake" gas tank between the rider's legs, with the real one mounted lower down) were incorporated also in the Prairie 650; other users/customers doubtless made inputs as well.

ArmyMan proves, you CAN influence situations sometimes. Forwarding your ideas to manufacturers, in polite, reasoned communication, can produce results, a more effective approach than whining and complaining to each other, surely.

Tree Farmer

 

I don't know. I've given up on trying to figure out Kawasaki or Suzuki. I guess Kawi settled on a 650 because they thought by the time R&D got finished with it we'd all be in the 750s. I don't know why, though, they were the first with the 400, but have since fallen asleep.

 

Yamahas kodiak was out befor the Praire 400

 

Yes, but the Kawasaki Bayou 400 was out before any of them...

 

One reason could be Kawasaki uses the same engineers for ATV's as they do personnel watercraft? I don't know this for sure BUT Kawasaki over the last couple of years has made some great strides in the PWC market. They make the Ultra which is the fastest production watercraft out there.

Otherwise Kawasaki has been asleep!!!! :O

They finally woke up & are making the new 650 monster.