Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum, but this seems to be one of the 'biggest' and I'm hoping 'most informative' forum devoted to ATVs. Anyway my cousin's just purchased two used ATVs, a 2002 Kawasaki Prairie 650cc V-Twin and a 2003 Kawasaki Prairie 360cc. Both of the bikes weren't exactly garage queens, I believe they sat outside, covered for most of the time, and do show signs of wear on them. I do think they will work and be fine with a bit of a tune up. As of right now they will start with the recoil starter, but need the choke on high. The 360 makes a crunchy noise when going into gear, which I'm thinking is because of the higher idle. The 650cc has been a bit harder to start. I'm thinking it's because the gas is bad, and both batteries need to at least be charged, there dead now.

Other things I noticed was the 360 had the 'check belt' light on. I'm wondering if that should be replaced, and how hard of a job is that? With the 650 when it did turn over the speedo was reading all different numbers, just at idle with the choke up. Is that normal, or a sign of malfunction?

I'm wondering what other maintenance things I should do to these bikes? I was thinking change oil/filter, new spark plugs, new air filter and take apart and clean the carbs. I was also considering throwing some SeaFoam in the tanks in hope that it will help with the carbon buildup, but I've never used it in an ATV application. I'm also wondering if normal 4 stroke SAE10W-40 oil is fine for it? I'll probably get a gallon of Kawachem or Yamalube whichever is cheaper.

I would like some feedback for any other things to do considering they aren't in the best shape, but do seem functional with a little work. Any other advice/tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm by no means a mechanic, but I do know the basic principles of an engine, have tools at my access and interested in learning. These bikes look a lot more complicated than older 250cc I'm use to.

Any help for a new member would be greatly appreciated.
btw I don't have the manuals, so I'm kinda up the stream with looking up parts, schedules, etc.

Thanks!

 

First thing first - get the service manuals. They will be the best investment you would have ever made on those quads if you would be doing most of the works.

You are asking lots of big questions but here is my take:

Belt light steady on or flashing - big difference.
Crunching - yes, your guess is right. So, slightly reduce the choke before shifting.
Engine Oil - Highgly recommend to use Synthetic. Auto oil is just fine since no clutch. They are both CVT.
Old Gas - Such out as much as you can and dump into your lawn mower.
360 Top End - Valve clearance check/adj is super critical for easy starting and smooth idling/running on this oil/air cooled engine.
Speedo reading - check speedo sensor on the right side where your heel would be as you are sitting on the bike.
Front Diff Gear Box - Use 10W-oil (syn) NOT the hypoid oil.
Rear gear/wet brake box - Use tractor oil or Mobil 444 or whatever kawi recommends, but not engine oil.

Again, get the service manuals if you want to do the job right. They have all the specs and how-to tips.