I literally just traded for the ATV and it idles excellent, but the acceleration is slow to take off and it seems to suddenly grab when you are 1/4 of the way into the throttle. The guy I got it from said that a new clutch was installed in it yesterday. Could it be a needed clutch adjustment to fix the laggy takeoff? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Maybe the secondary spring is weak, letting the secondary open up to fast?

What brand of clutch was used for the replacement? Just curious as I have a 2000 400 with oem secondary and comet primary. Approx 5000 miles.

 

I'm not sure. I got it from a guy that got it from a guy yesterday. I've only got $650 invested in it, so I'm willing to take care of whatever it might need. I noticed that new carbs are on ebay for under $50.

 

Don't get one of those Chinese knock off carbs. Rebuild your better quality oem carb. Just find your model and the correct 03-xxx kit.Shindy Products, Inc. - ATV Replacement Parts You can get the kits on ebay or amazon.

 

I will take that advice and just buy a rebuild kit. Thanks

 

It is probably the clutch. On Kawasakis the belt drive is also the clutch, and someone hasn't fitted the new belt right, or not inspected the variator mechanism for wear. I don't know anything about the auto Kawasaki Quads, as these were as popular as the proverbial "rattle snake in the lucky dip" in the UK, but the Mules get wear in the sliding tubes in the pulley centres, and also need the right number of shims in them to get a smooth "take off"

 

Please ignore the above, tried to delete but it won't, just noticed it is a 1999 so manual box. I still recon it is the clutch. Some people assume the fault is in one clutch, so replace it, when it is actually the other. Try adjusting it, previous owner may not have got it right. If that isn't the problem, it is easy enough to tell which clutch needs replacing once you get the cover off. If the centrifugal clutch shoes are worn down to the metal backing, they has had it, if there is still some lining all the way round, they are OK, so it is a fault with the multiplate clutch. I have known Kawasakis to glaze the plates, and a rub over with emery restored them, but check plate thickness first, if it is below minimum, (get the workshop manual) fit new plates and springs.

 

I think before trying to diagnose which component/s are causing the issue, you need to figure out what you have, oem or aftermarket clutch/s, carb, belt, etc.

I have an odometer and hour meter on my 2000. If you have such, please let us know what your readings are.