This has aggrevated me for some time now, what in God's name did Kawasaki have in mind when they created that f@*ked up winch mount section in the bumper? First of all the holes in the mounting area don't line up with any winch I've ever seen. Second, the whole set up is back @sswards. Third, what are those three slots in the middle of those two holes that match up to a fairlead used for? You couldn't mount you fairlead there or else the slots would eat your cable...

What's the point in this? I ended up having to mount my Warn backwards and with a $100 mounting kit (I know some are cheaper but this one actually wraps around the frame).

 

I agree. I'm really surprised that kawi didn't fix this on the 03 models as well. Funny thing is, I have a close-up picture from kawi of the winch mounted properly without a bracket. I think it was on a preproduction model?

 

Do you know what brand of winch they used? Is it mounted correct (motor on the throttle side)? Are those 3 slots still there?

I'm just ill right now, I've been screwing around with the four wheeler and got mad because Kawi claimed the winch mount was built in and I ended up having 20 lbs of steel hanging out the front of my wheeler.

 

You are right that kawi should not be misleading you into thinking that the winch will mount right up.

I used the warn mount plate on my warn A2500, $25, and it was one of the easiest things I have had to do to my 650. See. I have since removed and put it back due to a winch problem and it is really well placed. Easy to work on.

When someone said that kawi used to have the winch cable throught that lower area, but changed for some reason and the holes were just left for appearance or something, i forgot why. Still seems to get people's dander up thinkin that the cable has to go through there.

This topic seems to aggravate people that have the superwinch, but people that bought warn usually get the warn mount plate and it is a no brainer. The slots don't have anything to do with a correctly mounted warn.


FYI,
Aj650 has a wonderful instructions page for mounting his superwinch, where he cut
the front slots out. You don't like the slots? Cut.

 

Wow, $100 for a mount? The factory mount is $29. Is the mount you bought that much better?

 

And the factory warn mount from the factory will also bolt up to Ramsey they have the same pattern as a warn.

 

I'm using a Cycle Country mount, its godawful huge and heavy but I don't think its possible to tear it up. The front of the mount bolts to the holes on each side of the "fairlead slots" and the fairlead bracket uses the same bolts as the mount, the mount reaches back under the machine and wraps around the frame for more secure load bearing. The whole assembly is made of something like 3/8" steel and it has several reinforcing bars integrated. the only bolts involved in holding the thing together are the ones that hold on the fairlead and hold the winch to the mount.

This thing is a monster!!! But if you are really stuck or pulling a huge load the frame is what holds it instead of the bumper.

 

LOL its about time you got that winch mounted.

 

No doubt!!! You should see this monster, makes me want a 3000 lb winch just to match my mount, I should have a couple more goodies next time I see you.

When is your next trip in? PM me your phone number, I lost it and accidentally deleted it from caller ID.

 

Wont be in this weekend. Im going to do some things around the house and with the kids. I also need to find a trailer to haul 3 full size atvs on. I will give you a call Saturday or Sunday night. Where should I call, home or shop?