I have been on a Honda 300 Fourtrax for years but I want an automatic. I have spent hours reading reviews on both the Kawasaki Prairie and the Polaris Sportsman, finding the good and bad of both. I have determined that a liquid cooled quad would be great but that means that I have to look at the Kaw 400 or the Sportsman 400/500. I noticed many more articles relating to the Sportsman but understand that it has been the most popular selling automatic for several years.

My question is "What do I purchase?" ... Are the Kawasaki's more reliable that the Polaris? Is the independent rear suspension of the Polaris worth the money?

Thanks for your comments !

 

I would put the Kawi 650 and the Rubicon on the list if you are already considering ATV's in the Sportsman price range.

 

>>>>>My question is "What do I purchase?" ... Are the Kawasaki's more reliable that the Polaris? Is the independent rear suspension of the Polaris worth the money?

Only you can judge what is the most important but consider this. Because of the aluminum swing arm on the Kawasaki 650. This machine will ride better than the Rubicon and the Polaris Magnum if the suspension and shock absorber valving is correct.

It will be the second best riding utility 4x4 but weighing 100lbs less and have more torque.

 

IRS is no big deal unless you ride your quad over rough and bumpy terrain and do not want to feel it passed on to you.If you do not mind being bumped up and down all day or ride on smooth trails a straight axle is good enough.

 

As far as reliability goes I think that all depends on how you treat your machine. I have seen very high quality machines tore up quickly because of misuse and abuse.
If your choice is the prarie 400 or the sportsman 400 I'm glad I'm not in your shoes because I would have a hard time deciding. The sportsman will out mud the prarie any day, I know because I own a 400 prarie and the true 4wd of polaris is hard to beat.
If your not a brand loyalist then I think it should come down to the out the door price. Highlands kawasaki was selling 2000 400 4x4's for 5300.00 out the door. I don't know how this compares to the sportsman's price but it will be worth considering.
I've got 2460 miles on my 99 and it has served me well. With only 2 minor repairs that were covered under the extended warranty( $250 for 3 years).

 

The kawasaki praries have a problem with water leaking into the diff. housing, mixing with the oil and causing damage to the differential gears.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

 

I own a 2000 4x4 Prairie 400 and my neighbor owns a 1999 500 Sportsman.

Sportsman Pros: Engine Braking, on/off 4-wheel drive; The Prairie has neither and don't kid yourself (as I did) both features are nice.

Prairie Pros: Cost - probably $1,500 less than the Sportsman, very reliable so far, comfortable ride, I love the LED.

You have to decide if the engine breaking and the on/off 4-wheel drive are worth the money. The Kawi is my first quad and I just didn't think I wanted the king of quads as my first. Looking back on it I should have gone all the way and bought the sportsman (or the kodiak) since I could have afforded either one.

Don't get me wrong though. The Kawi is very competent. It does a nice job and I wouldn't think of trading up unless I came into some free money.

Other pros/cons: The sportsman seems to have a bit more traction in tough spots which I don't quite understand but i'm not a quad-head (I just love riding them). I don't know about the Sportsman, but the Kawi can get a little tippy at times. I have negated this tendency by using body lean.

Have fun choosing.

 

I've been looking at the SP400 and Kodiak, I didn't even know there was an automatic Kawa 400.
I'd like to hear more about it, and how it compares (including price) to the SP and Kodiak.

Thanks

(Uh-Oh... is looks like Kawas are full time 4x4.. I need a switchable system)

 

I had almost the same question only I was considering a scrambler or a new Kaw 650. I asked a highly respected mechanic at a local shop which is more reliable, generally. (they sell both brands) his opinion without resevation was the Kaw's, he said"look around" and there were alot more Polaris being worked on, that swayed me to the Kaw. I am totally impressed with the reviews so far on the 650. I have two posts on the Kaw site maybe it will help in your decision I would still like a scrambler for my son. although.

 

I had almost the same question only I was considering a scrambler or a new Kaw 650. I asked a highly respected mechanic at a local shop which is more reliable, generally. (they sell both brands) his opinion without resevation was the Kaw's, he said"look around" and there were alot more Polaris being worked on, that swayed me to the Kaw. I am totally impressed with the reviews so far on the 650. I have two posts on the Kaw site maybe it will help in your decision I would still like a scrambler for my son. although.