Hello, new to the forum! How is everybody? Well, first of all, I'm from Texas and I've already bought the Prairie 650. However, could not pick it up because of a recall. A certain batch number of rear axles were not properly heat treated. Kawasaki is concerned that this may cause cracking or even splitting of the axle. If anybody has any additional information on this matter please reply. Thank you.

 

Hey TX650, welcome to the forum! Well, I'm a little relieved to hear that the recall is due to manufacturing error, and not design flaw. Does your dealer have any idea when new axles will be shipped and the units will be ready? Keep us posted on any updates.

 

Hey 92LT, thanks for the welcome. My dealer informs me that he should, along with every other dealer, recieve the new axles by the end of this week or early next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll arrive soon.

 

I was told only the axles with the letter 'C' on the end are affected.

 

There are about six letters that are okay. They are stamped on the end of the left side of the axle. Mine was an "H" so it needs a new axle. I picked my Prairie up before the Dealer was notified about the recall so I'm riding until they call saying the axle is here. I just finished the break-in period but I am still waiting for the Mobilfluid 424 for the rear differential(needed for the wet brakes). I'll let them change it when they replace the axle. I also ordered a winch mounting plate for the Warn 2500. The Kawasaki part number is "KVF650-050". I have been climbing some very rutted, steep hills. The diff. lock really makes a difference. I always used to lose traction or lift the front end up on the Grizzly. On the Prairie, I don't even have to lean over the handlebars, only sit forward, apply the dif. lock, give it a steady throttle and hold on.......

 

Hey thanks for the info guys. I should go to my dealer and ask him for the bike to break it in. Although, he did have strong reservations about me taking it because of safety issues. However, break in is at half throttle and I don't plan on any heavy terrain riding for the first ten hours.

 

These letters are they on the axle nut area? and have you given any thought to what would be the biggest tire the 650 can handle? Just got mine today

 

mount kit what was the cost of it for the 2500 lb from kawasaki? what did you say KVF650-050

 

Mudrunner12646, ask your dealer if you should have wheel spacers and longer studs if using tires that are wider than stock. The 650 I rode had Blackwaters on it and the inside of the right rear tire was less than 1/2 inch from the guard on the gas tank. I would be worried about a rock or stick possibly damaging the tank with such a tight clearance.