I saw some postings under another topic that I thought I might start a new one about. It concerned an EPI "Black Spring" to reduce or eliminate CVT belt slippage on the Prarie 650.

My 650 has 1,100 plus miles on it (160+ hours) and the belt began to slip a little bit ago. It is not bad, only does it when starting out on a hill in high range or starting out pulling a load in high. I should have taken it in at 100 hours to have it adjusted (according to the shop manual).

Anyway, now my new belt is on order and has been for some time.

Two questions:

1) Are there better aftermarket belts? (and why is it taking so long to get a stock one?)

2) I cannot find this "Black Spring" for a Kawasaki on the EPI website. And what exactly does this Black Spring replace?

 

the black spring comes with the clutch kit there is a black spring and a orange and red. and i don't think that ther is an aftermarket belt

 

Do they increase the engagement point? Last thing I need is to be chasing a cow and end up in a bad predicament(like nearly straight up and down) and have the thing wheely over just because of higher engagement. So far after 2000+ miles and one new belt not sure I want to get use to a different shifting pattern. But wouldn't mind fixing the annoying belt squawk!!

Go forth and ride!!

98 450-s
stock
Titians
17400 miles

00 Kodiak
Stock
Titians

02 Prairie
stock
2200 miles

 

The Black Spring goes into the rear clutch, it helps the back shift with big tires (when you let off the gas and reaply it). I notice the back shift was different and that was about it. I also have a Yellow spring that goes into the front clutch that changes the ingagement up higher, but thats more for racing. I would remove the The rear shim in the clutch order the Black spring and Red front springs from EPI and your problems well be solved!

 

i have both the red and black springs, and i think they(or at least the black one) make a world of difference in mud or any time you have big tires. the black spring grips the belt like ebenezer scrooge gripped money(cant think of better analogy). the red raises the engagement rpm a few hundred and CAN make it hit harder, but if you massage the throttle, it will be just as smooth as stock.EPI Inc.

 

With the Yellow spring making the engagement RPM higher, does it maintain higher RPM's all the way through the throttle causing it to loose top end speed?

 

I havent had it up to top speed yet with this spring.

 

I ordered the black spring as well as the red spring on Tuesday. You won't find the black spring on their website. The black spring is EPI part no. <u>KSS3</u>. All the other springs can be found on their website.

 

mastrblastr...Did you get your springs in yet???

I should get the red and black spring on Friday. I have made a tool like nyroc's and do not think the black spring will be hard to install. Now how about that red spring. What does it take to install? Anyone...

 

hey encore454,
how do you like the dirtdevils.i looking for new tires and they are one of the tires i like.is the profile on teh flat or the more rounded side(on teh quad)thanks
later