I have to thank my boys here Cowboy and the man from KISS for their opinions. I appreciate them taking the time to read how crap like this gets started. I'm still trying to figure out how I ended up getting slammed for just talking about a new quad. Sure, I think I could find myself shattering that plastic floorboard on a rock (I'm still getting it though), and I do think that skid is weak compared the AC plastic skid that I've smacked so many rocks with in the past and had no trouble from. I had some trouble here with the Mojave guy, but I think we got that taken care of. A misunderstanding, and that happens all the time here.

What was this over anyway? I made comments on things Yamaha could have done better in the Kawasaki forum. Wow. Why would they care, Kawasaki doesn't even make the griz, and they don't use a plastic skid or floorboards so is that even relevant? Then we have the 87r guy coming in with his 2 cents. Who is this dude? I haven't been active for like 4 months up until a week or so ago, so how does he know anything about me, or about how I always post crap like this? What a load. I get into a lot of crap here it seems. I don't always invite it, but it comes, but the problem is, its fun to me if somebody wants to lay it in. Hey, if you have a problem, don't sing it... Bring it! I'm still going to post my thoughts on quads, even if I just have seen the websites or brochures.

I think this started because I thought the Grizz was bad, and then found a couple weak points and pointed them out. Does that make me a hypocrite? Well, I never said anything about the plastic being solid, so I guess not. Hell, its not like I started a thread titled Kawaski or Yamaha Sucks, and then posted a bunch of negative garbage. I don't ever do that, and try to find where I have in the past. You won't find it.

If you wonder what I'm thinking, then its whether to get a 650 and sacrifice the IRS that I've been after, or get the 660 and sacrifice the stronger construction that I'm used to with the AC. Either way, I get power and speed. After breaking it down, I'm going to have to go with the Yamaha and its plastic floorboards I think. Like it or not, it doesn't have any effect on anyone but me, so why would it matter. Brand loyal? Hell no. I'll tell you anything I think is bad about my current ride no matter who makes it, and I have no loyalty to anyone. I try to tell it like I see it. I don't tell you my AC will go 60mph, and I don't tell you that its problem free, cause I replaced a drive bearing, and I need a new CV boot. If I have a problem, I won't hide it. If somebody asks if the AC is sporty, I tell them NO, look for something else.

Whoever said I was trying to sell the Grizz needs a reality check, because talking about weak plastic isn't exactly the best way to sell something. I guess some folks just don't have anything better to do though. I don't start the slam posts, but I do like them, and if you want one, and want to keep it running, then go ahead and provoke me. I'll oblige you.

Keep it real, and tell it how it is.

 

Okay, I apologize to everyone, especially Mr. Bassham. It just seems to me that sometimes he poo-poos other people's ideas and opinions. It's just a "read between the lines" feel I get when I read his posts. Enough of that, though. I've also seen both wheelers up close and personal and ridden with the 650. The pros and cons of each (in my opinion) I'll state here: The Grizzly 660 has a narrow track and I believe it will be as tippy as the other big Yamahas have been in the past. I've witnessed riders having problems with Yamaha's narrowness before. It may not be that big a problem with this generation of Grizzly, but I don't see how it wouldn't. The plastic thing could be a problem if you beat your floorboards off of trees and rocks like I do. My cousin also pointed out a little frame rust on a new Grizzly sitting on the dealer floor. I thought that quite odd and a little disturbing. For anyone looking for clearance, it has definitely got that. I don't know what kind of power it will churn out, but over at the High Lifter forum, a test was put to the New Grizzly to turn 28" Outlaws. They claim it couldn't pull the tires. The push button locking diff. thing is probably better than Kawi's lever. The Kawi's I've seen in the mud were turning both fronts without using this lever anyway. The 650 has a few items about it that I don't care for but aren't that important. The plastic around where the tank traditionally goes should fit tighter and close better. The plastic that partially covers the racks should fit as well. I did notice the oil filter for the 650 is in the front of the engine and located near the bottom. If it were mine, I could expect to poke a hole in that in no time. I rode with three of these bikes and they have unbelievable power. Everywhere. The guy I was riding easily with weighed about 200 lb.s. He'd just hit the throttle and loft the front end. Even in some light mud where traction wasn't great. These two bikes are definitely bad and hopefully a sign of better things to come.

 

Oh, yeah, the E.B.S. works really great on the 650, too.

 

Slinger-
Nice review of the two machines, I definately agree with your last statement: "These two bikes are definitely bad and hopefully a sign of better things to come." Things are definately changing for the better-so when are they gonna bring out the '03s??? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Though in my own opinion, when is fast-fast enough? Man, upwards of 70mph on a utility machine! That's down right scary! At least they're listening to us about the front diff. lock, and I am damn glad it's not like the Polaris rear wheel engagement thing-that scares me. The Grizz with IRS is nice as well for those into more trail riding type stuff, who want the smoother ride and don't have to worry about towing or hauling a lot. That's one thing I really like about the new AC lineup-they give you pretty much your choice of either auto or manual, with either strait axle or IRS now. It's rumored they've changed the front diff. to allow for a "lock" position like the 250 and 300 'Cats have, but again, it's a rumor so hard to say whether it's true or not till somebody actually takes it apart and plays with it. Like Andy said though, for the guys that want the speed, I doubt the 'Cat will have it. I've heard yet more rumors that they've done a slight milling job to the pulley sheaves, and they have changed the gearing which should make it faster yet, but will it be fast enough? Of course for me, fast is whatever I'm doing while towing logs in low range! heh heh heh [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Anyhow, Best of Luck and happy trails!

Mike

 

I hate not to post anything negative about anyone or anything (a quad) but I have a few legitimate points. 1st, has anyone received the rear hitch for the Prairie 650 yet? 2nd I've noticed several people looking for winch mounts for the Prairie and they now have them on the www.buykawasaki.com web site and they are in stock!! At buykawasaki.com they also have heavier skid plates and cv boot protectors available there. Before anyone ask I am not a Kawasaki dealer and this is actually the first Kaw I've ever owned, so I'm not trying to sell anything just answer a few questions. I've noticed my front cv boot protector has a big divot in it but it's still intact but I suspect it can't take many more hits like that.

For ANDY: I’m looking forward to you getting a new Griz so we can here your opinion of the beast and what I think will probably be an unbiased one.
Ride Safe, All[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Mr.Slinger...In my humble opinion that was a very fine post about both machines.


Paul Stanley[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I'm calling about one 280 miles away later on today that I got a price quote for $6399 on. They quoted me $6599 on a camo one, and I can't come close to that within 100 miles right now. When I get it, I'll sure enough tell you anything I like or anything that sucks about it.

 

I really want to see several shootouts between 3 quads:
Honda Rubicon
Yamaha Grizzly
Kawasaki Prairie

1 shootout won't do it justice. I want to see who's best at what!

 

I think we would have to throw the HO in there as well. Its pretty much been ahead of its time dominating the shootouts in previous years, and I think it would compete still with these others. Granted, it won't win most likely, but I think it would still be very comparable to the newer big bores.

Here is the shootout I want to see, and this would have to be done later.

Prairie 650, Grizz 660, New Sportsman (whenever), Rubicon 500, AC 500i, Suzuki Vinson, Quest 650

This pretty much covers all the bases. Whoever wins the shootout, if there happened to be a clear winner, it wouldn't matter. I just want to see how all the quads perform. 2001 is going to easily be a good year for quads. Seems like everyone is making something big and new this year.

 

I personally don't know if I will ever get used to looking at the Eiger.