tell it like it is wayneB. Kawasaki is not a let down, don't be mad that is going to be #1. accept it[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

lt550, you want Kawasaki to build two 'from the ground up quads' and you mention cannondale. Yes, cannondale has focused on the hi performance market but how drastically different are their quads? Some modifications to the engine and other parts but they did not build 4 completely different quads, just modified versions of their original. Its takes time to research and develope a entirely new quad properly and this is what Kawasaki is doing. Instead of rushing things out there, they are doing it right by completeing one project at a time. They made their mark in the Sport/utility market, now im sure they will focus on the sport market. If you cant wait, then there are plenty of options from other companies available.

 

Amen LT.

 

Muddy , how much time does Kaw need , its been probably 15 years since their last Hi. Per. Quad.

 

TrailblazerKid250
I'd like to see that "zuki 400 in production. The one that D. Gust rides seems to be ready for the production line right now. We'll see.

 

Yeah, Kawi and Suzuki have had their heads in the sand(or somewhere else) since the eighties. They've come out with some decent 4x4s, but I like to ride the hi-po stuff, too. I've got a Prairie which is alright for hunting and fourwheeling, but I can't believe that really noone has built anything since my old Quadzilla hit the ground in '87. Just when Kawasaki was getting their Tecate lined out, they quit building them.

 

All I have to say is that Kawie and Suzuki better thrill all of us for making us wait so long. Oh yeah, KaiserSosei, who were you "amening?"

 

I isnt that kaw didnt come out with a new Hi-Per atv this year. Discluding the lakota no new sports have come to the table in 14 years (Mojave). the lakota Doesnt count in my book b/c it is a utility with sport plastic.

 

I am as impatient as any of you, believe me I bleed green. One thing to bear in mind, however, Kawasaki as a company takes great pride in performance and building monster motors- They won't sit this one out. I agree that after making the market wait they had best be testing extensively against the current cream of the crop. With Honda poised to replace the 400ex and Bombardier and Suzuki both admitting to having machines waiting in the wings if any of these machines gets released and gets waxed by the Raptor and Cannondale it will kill sales. Fortunately for us competition breeds better hardware-as evidenced in the motocross bike and hi-po street bike segments. We will soon have more high performance machines than ever before to choose from which will put the manufacturer's back on a cycle of re-tooling the machines completely every two or three years to remain competitive. I am pining away for something in green plastic, while it surely won't be a two-stroke I hope Kawasaki is just playing this one close to the vest for maximum impact for the release. I just hope we're closer to seeing it a reality than it feels like we are.

 

Wow. Thought I'd jump over to this forum to see what Kawi was up to...apparently absolutley NOTHING.

Hey, WayneB (and others) Cannondale is PROOF POSITIVE that a company with a few $$ can design a new quad, prototype it, create the production line and release the finished product for sale all within ONE YEAR. If Cannondale can do this, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and KAWI can EASILY do this.

Kawi just chooses not to risk their reputation on the hi-per quad market until other companys do so first ... hence, Kawi has NO sack.
First Honda with the 400EX, then Bombardier, Yamaha, and now Cannondale.

WAKE UP KAWI & SUZI...there is a TON of $$ to be made in hi-perf quad market.