Any word on if or when Kawasaki will come out with a 650 Prairie with Independent Rear Suspension? I really like the Prairie but would like it even more with a IRS in it.SS

 

I was thinking about IRS on a Prairie the other day. I rode a Grizzly 660 and a Polaris 700 this weekend and the ride was the smoothest ride I have ever felt. Its like riding on a cloud. BUT...! If I had my choice I would still want a solid axle. Yeah the ride might be a little bumpy at times, but for the most part my P650 is still super comfortable. When I was riding those 2 other bikes the cornering and handling was no where near as good as my P650. I love the fact that with my P650 I can ride really aggressive and slide through turns. Actually its funny you brought this up cuze while i was riding this weekend i was day dreaming and I was saying to myself I love the prairie so much the way it is that I was thinking about buying another one (2002 model) and putting it in storage until the day when my current prairie is on its last leg. I personally wouldn't like to have IRS. Just my opinion =)

 

I had a 650 Prairie for a week last fall to test ride. I like the bike alot, just looking for a smoother ride in the bumps. I think if Kawasaki worked on the seat a little it would help, seems alot firmer than the Polaris seat.I'll wait and see what they come out with next year.For now it's the old reliable 1989 300 Bayou 4x4.SS

 

Slightlystock, The fact that the 650 is not IRS is what the selling point was for me. I really prefer the "sport" feeling of the solid axle. I would think that a pretty good portion of 650 owners could give you a list of what they feel are disadvantages with IRS as compared to axle. Dont get me wrong I wish I had the money to have a 700 or 660 in my garage also so I could pick the quad for what I was going to be riding today. For where and what I ride a quad with IRS isnt really for me on most days though. If IRS is important to you take a good look at the 660 and 700 they are both great machines.

 

Give the Prairie IRS and it pretty much dominates. That is the turning point between different point of views on which is the bad *** quad among big bores. Settle the axle question, and the power and traction of the 650 suddenly takes over.

This would be a good move for Kawasaki. Make two models. Problem is I don't see that awesome rear brake working in an IRS setup. Still, it would be nice.

 

IRS is good for street machines, but that isn't what I bought the 650 for. Lets look at the auto industry. Right now all so called offroad vehicles are IFS and most are becoming IRS. Then take a look at offroad competition and see what everyone is using and why. Dependability is what it is all about. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it more moving parts is usualy just more high dollar junk to break.

If anyone from Kaw is listening, those of us who wanted IRS would have bought a Grizzly any way.
There will always be a market for solid axle in those of us who believe in simple dependability and are willing to give up a little softer ride.

If ride quality was that important i'd drive a Rolls not a shortbed dodge 4x4

 

I have been a diehard Kawasaki rider since 1975 bikes,snowmobiles and atv's so switching brands would take some doing. I've ridden the 700 Polaris and it seems to be an improvement over the 500 Polaris's. I just think that a 650 with IRS would be the ticket for an older rider like me. I could have the big twin power and a smoother ride. There's no reason why Kawasaki couldn't make two models of the 650.One with the straight axle and one with IRS.We'll have to wait and see.SS

 

i have to agree with the lackdog both my bros. ride polaris and i have had two in the past.they are great bikes when i switch with them i wonder about my choice then i get back on the kawa. it is just more fun never eat dust