Just wanted to introduce myself. I just purchased 2 2002 650's after much research including this forum. We absolutely love them. After putting around on 2 suzuki's for the last 10 years we finally broke down and what a difference. I cant stop wiping the grin off my face. I had narrowed it down to the Rubicon,grizzly or the 650 and after reading the forums it was a no brainer decision. No way I was getting a Grizz after all their problems (modifiying their side panels???). The Rubicon is probably a solid machine but definitely boring compared to the 650 and for the same price too. Polaris was not even a factor. Know too many owners and they have endless problems.
I've got the snorkel,twinair filter,dynojet nad epi black spring on order for my machine but will leave the wifeys alone. Tires are forthcoming in the spring. Lookin at 589's or mud bugs for mine and bearclaws for the wifes. I will be jetting it for an area (Rockey Mountain House, AB)that is above 3500' but I'll also be going up to as high as 7000'. Anyone else at similar altitude or area that has the dynojet kit.
P.S. Great site NYROC. Your insightful tips and photos were great help. Kawasaki should have you on their payroll.

Thanks, Bob

 

Congratulations! Twins!

Thanks for the pat on the back for the website. That is my good side. I let my bad side show a bit today on another topic. My oppinion can sometimes be a little thick and I started to spread it around, and got busted for it.

You probably will continue to love your 650s. You may know this stuff, but I will type it anyway.

I suspect you will need to adjust the shift linkage once sometime along the way.

If it ever handles bad with new tires on it, set the toe in to zero, it will handle better than new.

If I were to have a new 650, I would immediately put the black spring in and tighten the belt to the low end of the adjustment spec. This may sound DUMB to you, but we promise your first belt will last longer if it is tighter, and if you have the black spring, and if you stay in low range unless you need to go over 30mph. Some people are getting over 2000 miles on their belts by following these rules.

The dynojet kit come with the smaller jets and instructions needed for those altitudes, don't know much more than that.

Stock rims work fine, not the strongest but they will do well if you keep them.

You have to use the real mobil 424 for the rear diff fluid (or an approved sub). The dealer has it with a Kawi label on it. The front diff takes engine oil.

Good luck.

 

BOBBYCLOBBER:
Welcome to the family...you and your lovely wife are the proud owners of the best 4x4 quad ever built!!! Be carefull on the beast cause she's got a mean bite. It is an awsome machine and anyone would be proud to own one...but TWO!!! OOOOOOO I'm trembling like a bunny at the thought of TWO!!!
ENJOY MY MAN ENJOY!!!!!

ROB

 

You're right. I do know most of what you mentioned but only because I've been to your site. Thanks again.
Regarding the front diff. is there any additive or oil that will let it steer easier. I know with the limited slip front diffs on the Honda, a teaspoon of GM limited slip fluid really eases up the steering. Greg Hall mentions this tip a lot at tech connection. I find the steering on the p650 to be a little stiff, but mainly for the wifeys machine. The p360 is a lot easier to steer but thats because the vtwin is further forward. I guess there is nothing that can ease it up when in 2wd but maybe for 4wd.

Cheers, Bob

 

Congrats![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Thanks Kawirob: My wife is also a Newf. Grand Falls to be exact. That must be awesome country to go atving in. Especially with the 650. Hoping to get out to that neck of the woods next summer for a holiday. Might have to rent me a p650 and put it through the paces. Great place.

Bob

 

Bobbyclobber,

Putting thinner oil in the front diff makes it looser and helps with steeering.

Dino oil gets thick in the cold, and then thins up just right at engine temps. Synth does not have near as much viscosity change, that is why synth is so thin at room temp.

Well, since Kawi specs engine oil anyway, just put mobil V-Twin 20w50 in the front diff, it is much thinner than dino oil at the cooler temps the diff sees. Plus it won't stiffen up in cold weather. It is better than using 5w30 dino oil. It takes a few miles to work in after you change it.

Wide, flat tread on the front tires will make it steer hard too. Spacing makes it worse too.
Only use narrow fronts and don't get front rims with added spacing.

Tire pressure means a lot for stiff steering too.

You keep that stuff in mind for the wifes machine if she has a prob with it.

 

Bobbyclobber
Great purchase, you wont be sorry for the choice, Where did you get them? There are 2 of us from alberta on kawi form , me from edson and alltoys from gibbons. Hope to hear a lot from you.
Raymond

 

welcome, welcome

 

Why wouldn't you go with the Mobil1 mx4t 10W40 if you are worried about viscosity, especially in canada? I use 10W40 dino Valvoline motorcycle oil in my fron diff and have no probs. It also doesnt get so cold here. After it broke in I did buy all the Mobil1 V-twin 20W50 that WalMart had on clearance for $1.50 a quart for the engine. The auto parts store here sells it for $7.95 a qt. I bought 30 qts at a steal.

Good luck with your new bike.

PS. I don' want the flames to start, but ANY tire besides the stockers handle better, and steer easier. If they are still new, the dealer may take your dunflops on trade.