OK, if you had the power, and Kawasaki would listen to you, "wink". What improvements would you like to see made to the 650?

What problems have you had that you would like see addressed?

 

Do you work for Kawasaki? Is that what the wink ment or did it mean hey any people who work for Kawasaki should listen up?

 

They should jack it up and roll it under a 3800.00 price tag . That would be great .

 

Well there are a few things I'd modify....belt, cdi, plastic.... But these things are minor compared to Kawi's CUSTOMER SERVICE......

 

1. Better rubber.
2. Ditch the electric 4WD actuator. Manual is just fine!
3. Higher quality belt.
4. Ditch the almost useless storage area and turn it into additional fuel capacity.
5. 7 more horses.
6. Do something about the whining tranny. I though it was just mine but I got on another one recently and it whines just as bad.
7. Dealer satisfaction surveys.(That are looked at seriously) Does Kawasaki realize how bad some of their dealers are? Is this the way they want to be represented?

On Edit:
8. A tighter turning radius.

 

Lets put the low fuel light back on. A small pod light that can be turned on and off. A diffy lock- lock. a better cover on the spash gaurds so they can come off easy for cleaning, A vertical key hole so water doesn't get in and freeze in the winter, a better seat clamp, a very bright light for overheating, a cover over the oil dip switch to keep around the dip stick cleaner....

 

Yes, I do work for Kawasaki, not in the ATV end of things though. I work with the Robotics Division. But being an employee may or may not help get some issues addressed.

I will be purchasing my first ATV very soon and I want to make sure that I will be making the correct choice. I have driven many of my friends ATVs', mostly Hondas'. I will be purchasing a Kawasaki, though!

I may even foward many of the problems that you all have with your Kawasakis'. In the short time I have worked for them, I have enjoyed a great atmosphere of team work and comradery <---(correct spelling?).

We all would like to see cheaper prices for ATVs' but I doubt that will be coming anytime soon though. Oh sure, we could all revolt and refuse to purchase another ATV from all manufacturers until the prices come down but getting a combined effort like that will be next to impossible.

Keep listing your problems though and maybe we can get these issues addressed and who knows............[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

I use to own a Prairie 650 and overall I loved it! The only thing that I didn't like about it was the belt started squeaking with less than 500 miles on it. I think that Kawasaki should take a look at what Suzuki is doing with the Vinson for 2003. They are offering a 5 speed manual version in addition to the belt drive auto. If Kawasaki offered a 5 speed manual version of the Prairie 650, they would have the ultimate Big Bore 4x4! I would run right out and buy another one!!!! Are you listening Kawasaki? Who else here would like to see a 5 speed manual version of the Prairie 650? Maybe we should start a list and send it to Kawasaki. I'll be the first to sign it, if anyone else knows where to send it?

 

Rework the belt and clutch. Storage area under the seat sucks, make it accessible without having to remove anything. Put preload adjustable shocks on the front. Rework the 4wd actuator. That's about it.

 

If you could get only "ONE" thing improved on the P650 would be the terrible " BELT " the P650 has. This " Belt " has to be adjusted for deflection every " 400 miles " to eliminate the Squeeling on take off and replaced at 1200 miles because you run out of shims to acheive this! At $130.00 you should get better life out of this belt or at least it should last 1200 miles without adjustmnet! The P650 being the flagship of the Kawasaki line, you should get better service out of this belt.............MJSTX