Hey Guys,

I'd like to collect all the info I can on the Prairie 650, to include: troubles / problems / concerns, so I can build a database (so to speak)and keep track of the bike from day one of production / deliver to us "Joes". I've been reading the posts in here since Jul 2000. But it just dawned on me last night, that we (you owners) should keep some sort of list on the things that have gone wrong or are not quite right with this machine. That way we can share them with others. I've setup an email address just for this purpose "prairie650@earthlink.net"

I know about most of the stuff from the rear axle stamped "C" to clanking shift linkage, but I haven't written them down. I need a list from you owners (from day one) so I don't miss anything. Please include dealer's problems as well, with locations(city & state will do).

I own a 400 4X4 (with good resolultes I might add) and have been wanting a 650 since May 2000. I will get one soon.

If anyone thinks this idea is full of Sh*&t, please let me know and I'll drop it.


Thanks Folks, Maybe I'll setup a WEB Site with the info I collect for all you owners to check.


Lance, Colorado Springs, CO

 

Hi Lance,

I think you have a great idea with your 650 database and sure would like to see you get the website up and running. I bought my 650 in June and like it. Haven't ridden it much, some 90 miles of combo forest service trails and road over in Arkansas. Mine too has the whinning noise others have talked about and it is hard to start when it is warmed up. Have also had the rear axle recall performed. We are headed for the Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree is Richfield, Utah, next month.

Keep wheeling, GeeBee[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I would love to go to the Rocky Mountian Jamboree. Sounds like a blast. It just sounds like a good time all around.

Thanks for the reply, If and when you have time, please post your list to my email address. Thanks again. I sure hope I get more replys...

Tatanka

 

Geebee
My wife and I are going to the rocky mountain atv jamboree,it will be our third year going.I will be riding a Bombardier DS650 and the wife will either have a red Grizzly or red Kawi 650 depending on which one she decides to buy.If you get a chance stop us and say hi we are staying at the Romanico inn.
Bearman

 

Hello Bearman,
We will also be going to the Jamboree for the third time. My Kawie 650 is red and my wife will be riding a red Prairie 300 2x4. We will be staying at the KOA Kampground in Richfield. I am beginning to have some concern that the Jamboree may be cancelled because of fire or fire danger due to all of the fires out west and the dry conditions. Don't misread this, I have not heard any rumors or heard anything from the Jamboree officially but with conditions as they are, I would not be too surprised if the Forest Service called it off.

GeeBee[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

 

What's the rear axle recall?

 

Some of the axles on the very early machines were recalled. You can see if yours was one of them by going to buykawasaki.com and checking if there are any recalls on your bike.

The database idea sounds pretty good to me and I'd be willing to work with it. Haven't had any problems yet though.

 

Geebee
I am a little worried myself that the jamboree is cancelled.The web site has not been updated in over a month and I sent them an email with no response.By the way my wife bought the praire 650 [red]I just hope it is not cancelled
Bearman

 

A database for all models would be a great idea!

I wouldn't be concerned about the Jamboree being cancelled. I have been there the past two weekends and both were wet. Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm this time of year but this year they seem to have plenty of precipitation.

The first trip we got about 3 inches of hail near Mt Belknap on the 01 trail (the highest point on the entire trail system). Lucky we had some firestarter or we'd have froze our cookies off! Wow what a beautiful place! We counted 42 Mountain Goats feeding on the ridge to the southeast of the pass right at the highest point of the trail.

From what I hear the fires are in the "dry" northwest, Oregon, Idaho, and a few in Northern Nevada. Utah only had one smallish fire last weekend and that was about 75 miles south of the Paiute trail on the Kolob Plateau.

BTW, if you've never been there, we were told to watch out for the steep switchbacks on the 01 trail just west Circleville but after going down and back up them, they are not bad at all. It does help to send someone ahead with a radio to make sure no one else starts on them since there are only a couple of places to move aside and no place to turn around.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

ps
If you get to Circleville try the hamburgers at the Butch Cassidy Inn. They were great. (Or could it have been the camp food was getting old?)

 

Hey Bearman,
Betcha your wife is going to love her 650. I checked the Fishlake National Forest website this afternoon and there was no words at all on potential fire danger. I am probably just a worrier or perhaps I am just so anxious to go that I am afraid that something will happen to shut it down. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

GeeBee