Hi everyone, I have been looking to buy a new 03 prarie, but i have a few unanswered questions,


What is the break in procedure for the 650? ( I've heard the way you break your quad in can make it or break it )

Why does the prarie not need a alternator? (When the polaris, hondas, and artic cats do)

Oh and one finally thought, (how accurate is the praries speedometer?)

If anyone can answer one or all of my stupid questions i would greatly appreciate it, i am kinda new to all of this but i am trying to learn everything i can about this quad before i get it. ( I think i am making the right decision going with kawi, what do you guys think about it?

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I too am about to get a prairie in the next few weeks. I have similar questions and have been looking around. So far what I've read seems to make me think kawi recommends for break in - no more than half throttle for the first 10 hours. After 10 hours the fluids are changed and then you're able to go for it. I don't think most had the patience to make it the full 10 hours, but to varying degree most took it easy for the first few hours/tank . Some say get on it and nail it, but I don't believe thats the correct way to seat piston rings in a cylinder. As most auto manufacturers and motorcycle manufacturers recommend, I plan to stay below 1/2 throttle for the first 100 miles or so, and under 3/4 for the first 10-15 hours. Varying speed and introducing a small load on the engine is a good way to break it in and seat the rings. Slow, gradual accelleration, and gradual decelleration is good for it. Always be smooth in applying throttle. These are a few break in tips I've learned from past vehicles and engines. Those who own prairies can comment on what kawi recommends.... I plan to change to full synthetic fluids and high efficiency oil filters at 10 hrs.

As for the alternator, dunno, whats the answer techies? As for the speedo, get your stalker radar gun out someone and check. No idea, don't know that it's accuracy is too crucial though really , is it? :-)

 

Thanks for the tips trail blazer. \

Got one more question: Should i have a black spring put in after 10 hrs (The first major service) or wait tell its been broke in more??

 

Lightman - you pretty much nailed the breakin to the tee. You can actually run the throttle limiter on the thumb throttle to make sure you don't go over 1/2 throttle. I didn't do this but just used common sense in how I rode for the first 10 hours.

03650 - I thought the 650 had an alternator. Also - I know that all ATV speedos are not totally accurate. I usually can not able to see at speed anyway. I wouldn't worry about that. The 650 Prairie is definitely the right decision.

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03650

PS: Go with the black spring ASAP. Most likely the belt will need adjusted within the first 20 to 30 hours and that is a good time to install the spring. The dealer will install it for you and the ones I talk to have no problem with any warranty issues. In fact some will even encourage since it is easier on the belt.

 

In genera,l use 1/2 throttle. Full throttle bursts after it's properly warmed up are OK, just don't do prolonged runs. Break in needs to be 10 hours for slow runners, or I believe 80 miles for those who run a little faster average speed. I hit 80 miles after 5-6 hours.

The ATV does have an alternator, I believe it's rated at 350 amps or watts, I can't remember which. The speedometer can be as accurate as that in any major brand motor vehicle. GM, Ford... only calibrate the speedomoter to +- 2mph. Due to the varying degrees of precision on all the needed parts, you only get an accurate speedometer by chance. My truck indicates 2mph over speed, my car is 2 under. My prairie indicates 62mph @ 60mph, so I have a very low percentage of error. I check my speeds using a GPS, which is accurate to .2 mph. Of course if you change tire heights, accuracy goes out the window. If you increase height your indicated speed will be lower than actual.

The prairie is a good bike, most people love 'em like I do. But do yourself a favor and test ALL the big bikes and find the one the suits you best rather than depend on others impressions.