Last year I bought a Polaris 250 Trailblazer for my wife. She liked the automatic tranny and the floorboards to protect her feet. The problem is we mostly ride sand dunes and the 250 just couldn't make it up some of the hills, even with paddles. So this year we want to upgrade. I've been hearing good things about the Prairie 650 but I don't want to give her something with so much power that she gets scared. (she is a timid rider) On the other hand I don't want to get her a 360 if it's going to struggle on the sand dunes. I've never ridden a Prairie.

Any and all opinions welcome!

Thanks for posting.

 

just wondering, but if most of your riding is on sand dunes, why don't you get her a lighter half utility/sport like a wolverine or a scrambler?

 

gbskunk here where i live they have a race track for atvs and i seen the p650 out run the z400.so that kinda tells you that the p650 is pretty fast. and i also have a prarie 650 and i can tell you they have awesome power for a big machine

 

Even though it cost more buy her the P650. It has a lower center of gravity. This is one of the main reasons I bought one for my wife to ride.

 

I'll have to take a look at the Wolverine. I want to stay away from Polaris and get a japanese bike.
I like the idea that the 650 has a lower center of gravity. I think if I get the P650 that I'll always want to ride it and then she won't like that!

 

LOL I already have that problem.

 

why don't you just mod the 250. I have a wolverine and although there arent really a lot of dunes here I like riding first of all, a two wheel drive, and secondly, a 2 stroke in the dunes. You would be very supprised what you can do with some money into a trailblazer. or you could check out the scrambler 400 two stroke. www.hotseatperformance.com makes some great mods. if you pipe and intake that bad boy and definatly mod the clutch you will notice a big difference. Remember 2 strokes respond to modification with a much bigger change

 

GBSkunk:
Get the Kawi P650!!! My wife has never drove a quad before we got our Big Kawi...and even though it's an absolute monster,it's very easy to drive. The power is quite manageable even for the novice(as long as you don't go mashing the throttle all the time).The throttle has a screw type limiter as well, so you can limit the power and speed till she gets used to it. Be warned however...I have read many examples of that big fat utility out running stock Raptors in the dunes...so you may get used to watching her *** all day long! Of course it will never handle or jump like a sport quad, but in a drag race on sand...all that power and 4x4 to boot=WOW! By the way, the Wolverine is not auto, and it won't hold a candle to the p650 in climbing any hills...nor will the trailblazer. My buddy's dad has the Kawi 360 and if you rode both, you would not ever consider the 360. It has great features yes...but it's WAY DOWN on power compared to the 650. Sand robs power...so why not spring for the most you can get in a 4x4?


ROB

 

I own a Prairie 650 and my wife has the 360. The 360 is a great machine and my wife really enjoys it; however, there is a
noticeable difference in the mud and snow with me powering through in high range while she lugs through in low. I know that you
ride mostly in sand but I would think that all of these riding conditions would require the same thing, good bottom end grunt, and
everyone here will tell you that nothing touches the 650 in this department. Be warned though, power can be additive and your 400
might not like gathering dust in the garage while your out riding your "wife's" toy.

 

I too had to choose between the 360 or 650 for the wifey and after much thought got her a 650 with no regrets. The one bonus the 360 has over the 650 is that it is easier to steer. But the 650's attributes greatly outweigh this one shortcoming and it's steering really isnt all that bad. But my wife drives it in low range most of the time so there is no problem with the excessive power but it is there if she needs it. We end up in a lot of mud and swamps and much like it would be in sand you need power when it gets ugly. It also makes for easier maintenance having 2 identical quads to look after.
As for a Wolverine, a buddy of mine has one and they are great so long as you dont go in mud or swamps etc. as they are geared for going fast but not low end situations. Good luck with your choice.

Bob