I have been reading your posts about the new 650 Prairie and am anxious to see how it performs in the real world with real riders not just words of praise from Kawasaki reps. I am new to this thread and to the world of ATV's (current dirt bike rider) and have been researching for a new quad since last year. Thanks for the education. I have really learned a lot from your comments, ideas, criticism etc. I think Kawasaki has really been dragging their feet on releasing the 650. Some have said the wait will be worth it. Maybe and maybe not. I have gone thru this waiting game with personal watercraft and can say that my wait was not worth it. My opinion is that the product was very over rated by the magazine ride reports. I would have been better off buying something else and upgrading in a couple of years, giving the manufacturer and consumer a chance to shake out the bugs and design flaws. Sometimes things are not always as good as they appear to be. Here are some of my concerns about the 650 from my observation: Fuel Pump in gas tank - How reliable? Gravity flow works great. I like the idea of lowering weight of fuel for better handling but would not like to be stranded out in the boonies because the fuel pump went out. Is it me or does the real axle look spindly? This beast should put out gobs of torque. Will the axle hold up? I like the idea of twice the power strokes but what about fuel consumption? Twice as much? I don't like running out of gas and I tend to be a long range rider. Maybe these are not an issue with you. I would like to hear your comments whatever they are. For now, I am still waiting!

 

I spoke with the local dealer in my area and he expects to get his first 650 next month "which he said is already sold". As you can see I bought a 2000 Kodiak 4x4 and love it. It has some pitfalls like everything else but if you rode normal you wouldnt have those pitfalls either. Im not a normal rider. I ride agressive and in mud and water. Im sure the pitfalls will come out on the 650 also just like on mine, the Rancher and Rubicon. Yeah they "Honda" have trouble too! I, like you believe it will take a couple of years for the manufacture to responde to problems. I will say I have never had a recall. And to my knowledge Yamaha has not done any changes to the Kodiak for 2001 except speedometer and different color wheels and front bumper. Later dude.

 

KISSOFDEATH,
It is interesting that your ride is a Kodiak 4x4. In all my research the Kodiak is still on the top of my list. I also like the fact that it has had a 2 year shake out from the new design. I must say I am impressed with the features it offers. I am also curious what, (if anything) new will be done to the Wolverine. I will be riding desert terrian: steep hills, tight trails, mostly sand and rocks. Also will go to the mountains & ride in the snow. I am still researching what's out there and waiting to see what new is coming. Later.

 

KissofDeath,

I guess you purchased your Kodiak after Yamaha fixed the premature break pad wear on the rear. Also, some of the the first Kodiaks in 2000 had trouble with water getting into the tranny housing causing belt slipping. Yamaha redesigned this breather tube.

You are right every manufacturer has a few bugs to work out of a first year model.