Hello to the forum members.

I have never owned an ATV but I do a lot of hunting in Central Texas. Particularly this time of year the river bottoms are loaded with mud. It is enough to keep most 4 wheel drive trucks out. I am considering a Kawasaki Prairie 400 4x4 at a decent price. Any experiences with this one. Several of my family members use Polaris and I have heard good things about the Arctic Cat too. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rick..

 

A friend of mine just purchased a 400 prairie two weeks ago. It is fast, easy to steer, and has a very comfortable ride. He talked to several people that owned kawasaki atv's and they all told him that they were extremely dependable machines. Having said that, I don't like the suspension on that bike at all. If you see my post below in the forum, you will see that the suspension does not seem to have enough wheel travel in the rear end to compensate for difficult slopes. The tires actually lifted off the ground a few inches several times while riding last week.

Yo mention the Arctic Cat also, I bought a 500 Auto six months ago, and could not be happier. It is tough and the suspension has handled all types of terrain without any problems.

Good luck on your purchase

 

rickTX, I don't know about gspman's friend's Prairie, but I have one and think it has a great suspension. I have never heard of anyone else having a problem with their Prairie's suspension. I hope you can test ride all the ATV's you are interested in. It is the only way to know what is right for you. If the dealers won't let you try them out, go somewhere else. They aren't cheap and they can't expect you to spend that kind of money without really knowing what you are buying. To me its no different than deciding on a car.

 

I can second jcyoung on the great suspension. After I put 26" tires on mine it got a little tipsy, but that was my doing.
As far as the 400 in the hill country, I took mine hunting this year in San saba and it performed well in the hilly / rocky terrain.
I've got over 2600 miles on it with very few repairs. One leaking seal and some swing arm bearings replaced. The bearings were probably the result of too many extended water wheelies.
Look around and compare out the door prices on all the quads before deciding. Regardless which one you get, you'll be happy with it and wonder how you got along without it.

 

I have had 2 400 4x4's, a 2000 and a 2001. They are quick, very dependable, and very comfortable. They handle well and the fit and finish is second to none.The info you are receiving about the suspension being unstable is a crock. There has to be something wrong with that particular bike. I think all of the Jap stuff is real good and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase any of the big 4. To me it comes down to the dealer. If you can find a reputable, knowledgeable dealer close to where you live, that should help you with your decision.

 

Well, I bought a Prairie 400 yesterday and really like it so far. I've been wild hog hunting at our Brazos River ranch in some really messy mud. I'm glad I have it now and you guys are right; I can't see how I got along without it! Thanks, Rick..

 

rickTX, Thanks for letting us know what you bought. I think you made a wise choice, but then I'm a bit biased.