I would like to know the good and bad about a 2001 Prairie 400. I was looking at a brochure for the 2002's and they list the 400 to be as heavy as the 650 is this correct? I like the 400 because it is liqiud cooled and is about the size I am looking for.

Thanks for all the input
Rob M.

 

It is 5 pounds heavier than the 650. It is a 4 valve motor and has more pudding than other 400's do. Lots of low end torque and can go pretty fast, 55mph or so.

Very reliable. Easy start, even in nasty cold. Very good in mud or water. Doesn't vibrate as uch as other single cylinders to. Very comfortable seat.

It rides, drives, runs extrememly smooth and is perfect in every way except:

1. full time 4x4, not as fun on the trails as a 2x4.
2. drum brake (like a honda) in the rear. Drums are ok, just not as nice overall.
3. No built in compartment for a winch like the 650. You have to bumper mount it.

 

Nyroc,

I have my eye on a 99 P400 - looks like it is real nice shape and I can pick it up for about $3200. Just wondering if the 99's were much different than the 2001 that you commented on?

Chris

 

99's are almost as good as the 2001. The racks stink in 1999, since they can chip easily. The steel front steering knuckles can bend a bit easier than the aluminum ones on the 2000 and later. Not a big worry, you have to hit something quite hard, roll, or land really hard on a jump. Some of the racks are interchangeable (back rack). The sttering knuckles are sortof interchangable, but it looks like you have to do both of them, swaping left and right calipers, and changing the tie rod ends (or drill bigger holes).

I would get it if it is a 4x4. Very good deal.

I want to put an unlocker (2x4/4x4) on my brother's. I would have to modify a honda unlocker, but I think I can do it.

 

farmerrob, get the 400. I assure you it will not dissapoint. I have a 99 model 4x4 that I have put darn near 4000 miles on with only one bearing issue (swingarm pivot bearings). It has started EVERY time I hit the button and is still on the original battery. This quad has never left me stranded either.
The 400 weighs 600# because that's what all the big ones weigh. If you look closely you will see that even the 360 and the prarie 300 weighed in at 600#.
My co-worker has the 360 and I can walk all over him speed/power wise.
Pulling power- This summer I pulled my 5X10 trailer all over my new yard with a full pallet of sod on it (seven times).
This winter I used the 400 to put my boat beside my house for winter storage. It's a 18.5' fiberglass center console with a johnson 120 on it. the boat, motor and trailer package both must weigh at least 3000# - it didn't like doing it, but it did it!!!

Tractoy, how many miles are on the 99?? sounds like a good deal.

I want a new big bore pretty bad, but the thought of giving up my 400 is like loosing a good friend.

 

I do not know how many miles yet, I will post when the guy gets back to me with the details.

 

I went riding with my brother on his P400 in the rain, riding on snow slush and ice. I got to ride his 400 again, and it has a lot of power. I believe it gained power by adding the white driven spring.

However, his tires are worn out and he got stuck 3 times going through easy stuff. I would buy him some tires except he still owes me $2700 for a loan to buy his Prairie.