I talked with a Kaw dealer here in southern WV about putting the black spring on my 03 650. They said that the spring would make the bike hesitate then the power would come on real abruptly. I have 26 in mudlites, and was considering the black spring but I am satisfied with the way the power comes on stock. I was going to the black spring to lessen the wear on the belt. Can someone give me info about how the black spring performs, and how it changes the power chacteristics of the 650? Thanks

 

I think your dealer was referring to the wrong spring. The red spring on the front pulley makes it do what he is saying. The black spring is for the rear pulley. I have minimal knowledge of this, but I think he is talking about the front spring. I'm sure someone here will shed more light on this for you.

 

I think your dealer is confused too. He is describing the red primary clutch spring. I installed the black spring and have no negative effects. Make sure he adjusts the belt tension when he installs the spring too.

 

Just a piece of advice, do it yourself. You'll find out quickly that 99% of the dealers don't know much of anything about the atv's they sell. I've heard this and seen this time and time again.

http://atv.dnsalias.com

Click on Tech Tips > Kawasaki > Prairie

All the information you need right there.
You can download the Belt Shim document that describes step by step what you need to do to adjust belt deflection.
The black spring install can be done during those steps, you just swap the springs out when you get to the step in question.

 

I called our Kaw dealer to order the black spring and they had no idea what I was talking about! LOL

 

Heck with dealers, why would you buy from dealers when you can buy direct for cheaper?

Just hit up EPI directly.

 

Skigill

You probably will not notice any difference in driving with the black spring. It helps with backshifting as it puts more tension on the belt at the driven (rear) clutch but this will not be something that effects the way the bike responds. You will notice a difference in belt life however. I think sometimes the dealers play dumb because they like selling those expensive belts. Put in the spring, keep the belt properly adjusted and keep the extra money for a new belt in your wallet.

The hesitation that your dealer is referrring to is with changes to the spring on the drive (front) clutch. The stronger the front spring, the higher the rpm the clutch engages at. This causes a more abrupt engagement the higher up you go. This is great for getting those large mud tires moving in the slop but probably not what you want for every day riding.

My advice, install the black secondary, leave the primary alone, ride and enjoy. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

My dealer didn't know what a black spring was either. And he refused to adjust the belt tension. I suppose they want to sell more belts

 

You should call up kawasaki and tell them that your dealer refuses to do belt deflection maintenance on your 650 and is insisting that you buy a new belt anytime that yours gets loose. I'm sure Kawasaki will not like it that he is denying you service that is stated in the owner's manual of your 650.

I wouldn't let the dealer do any work on my 650 in those regards, do it yourself. Learn from NYROC's site.

 

I bought the service manual and will do it myself. I just haven't made that spring compression tool yet. Also, I'm thinking the best way I know of pulling the belt to check the deflection at 14 lbs. is to pull it by using a fish scale.