what is the top speed of this bike and is it better than SUZUKIs 185? also does anyone have a pic of the klf 185
thanx
mike

 

I've no idea what years you are refering to. However, growing up my best friend had a Kaw. Bayou 185 and I had a Suzuki Quadrunner 185. My Suz. was faster, however he had electric start, I had a pull start. The Suz. rear tires were much larger than the fronts, kind of made it look funny. I liked the way mine rode better. Prob. cause I was just so used to it. I'll tell ya though, I ran that Suz. into the ground, and never, never, never had a problem with it. This was my main means of transportation since we lived out in the country. I had if for several years and loved it until I totalled it out when I took an 8" x 8" fence post off at ground level and the quad landed on me. Doctor's thought I was going to lose a kidney during my stay at the hospital, but damn I loved hat 4 wheeler, it was got me into the sport.

 

I use to have a 185 Suzook and I've rode the kawi and I liked the suki better.

 

I have a 185 quadrunner too, but im havin a problem with adjusting the chain. The tensioner is not moving, almost as if its frozen, even after I loosen the bolt, I've done it before, and one day it stopped moving, it sucks, I can't take out the Suzi anymore because the chain is too lose, and I have no way of fixing it, please help me!!!

 

The Bayou 185 had twin front shocks and no rear at all. It was shaft driven, and had a wierd reverse lever on the rear right top of the engine case. The gas tank was in the same place that it is on the Prairie 650. My friend had one and it would run with our Yamaha 200, but it would be left behind by most quads made today. It vibrated like hell at high speeds, I do remember that. This was a fairly tough little quad. I would prefer it over the suzuki basically because 1980's suzuki's were famous for a lightweight front end and were flipover prone. All of them.

 

I am in the process of restoring a Kawasaki KLF 185 Bayou. It has been stored in a barn for 9 years after a bad crash. Everything has been straightened, rebuilt, and repainted. I have it 80% reassembled. The only part I am having trouble locating is a replacement front wheel (out of production and not reproduced by anyone). This will be my first ATV and for the price I wasn't going to be to picky about what it is. I plan to use it around the farm for chores and easy riding. Someday I'll spring for a better ATV (& one that's 4x4).

Mike, I can fax you the picture that is on the front of the service manual. It's B/W. The actual bike is Red with Blue and White stipes & graphics (very BMW like colors).

 

You can get replacement wheels on E-BAY.

Go to my photo gallery for pics of my son with my 185.