Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about buying, either a 2002 or 2003 Kawasaki Prairie 650 V-Twin. It seems like an excellent machine. The only thing that concerns me is the belt drive system. I'm used to a manual gearbox and shifting. Can someone explain to me what the maintenance is like for the CVT transmission vs a manual gearbox? Also, how reliable are they? This will give me an idea as to what my next ATV will me.

Thank You,

IronBear

 

I am not a mechanic but my own research had shown it to be reliable before I bought my 650. Belts themselves are quite inexpensive. I hope others who are more mechanically inclined can help you more.

In my opinion, get the Prairie 650. You WILL absolutely love this ATV as I do. It kicks some major butt offroad.

Daryn

 

I have seen some posts about belt problems, but suspect those were due to abuse of one kind or another. Mine has been great so far.
I would go talk to a dealer service manager, and ask him what he has been seeing in the way of warranty repairs.

 

1100 kms, no belt problems jet, and I'm a throttle addict.I'm always gunning it from dead stop, doin' wheelies and catwalks,stuff that should really stress the belt.I towed a 2000 Grizz out of the woods a while back, I'm a big guy, so was he, and I had my girlfriend on with me to boot!There's virtually no maintenance, just check the belt every 1000 miles or so.

I also believe that the CVT is easier on the rest of the drivetrain components than a manual trans.Thers is less of a jolt/shock and it eliminates rider error(wrong gear, wrong timing, accidentally downshifting too soon, all sorts of things)

I'll tell you I was pretty skeptical of a belt drive CVT before I bought my 650.I had a standard shift 500 Q-runner 4x4 before this, but I'm really impressed with this CVT.Hope this helps