The obvious question. How does the new 650 have to stay within 606lbs while the Polaris Sportsman weighs in at 697lbs or 750lbs for the special edition camo ones. Lokks like all brands would be subjected to the same rules. Just curious.
Thanks

 

 

The 606 lbs rule is some sort of ANSI standard. I have heard that it has something to do with quads that are not made in the states. I am not sure though.

 

I got heard March from a Kawasaki Rep. He was on the Eastcoast tour with the 650 Prairie.
Wayne B

 

Yes front suspention is the same McFeirson Strut as the 400's. But the rear suspention is top of the line. Remote oil Resivor, adjustable dampaning. The is the same type rear shock that comes on the race bikes.
WAyne B

 

The hitch HAD to be an accessory due to wieght restrictions Kawisaki has to meet. Sounds like the hitch cost was going very cheap.
I also would bet that they are going to offer new skid plates as accessories also. I was not impressed with the thickness of the stock ones. Again this is a wieght thing. I think they went light wieght on parts that could easly be replaced and at minimal cost to the owner.
Wayne B

 

The ANSI weight restriction is only for the manufactors that signed an aggreement back in the early 80's. Witch is all manufactures the were making ATV at the time. Any manufacture that has an ATV over 606 lbs, did not sell ATV's in the US before this aggreemant was signed.
Wayne B

 

No, the weight restrictions are voluntary. Some of the big manufacturers try to follow ANSI( American National Standards Institute) voluntary weight restrictions while others don't.

 

There's an article about the 650 at atvnews.com.

 

I was under the impression that that ANSI limit of 606lbs refered to the carrying capacity of the quads and not their dry weights.

As a matter of fact, I'd bet money that it has nothing to do with their dry weights. But it is very likely that Kawi made it an option in order to keep the specified weight to a minumum. They certainly went all out, and it worked. If the quad if half as good as the hype they'll have a winner there for sure.