http://www.atvmag.com/news/news/2002...8category.html




November 18, 2002

A New ATV Category on the Way?
(November 18, 2002)

Seems the ATV marketplace has more potential for growth. Rumors are rampant of a new segment - about to break next year.

We’ve been hearing from readers who want an ATV with the power and suspension of a Grizzly 660, Polaris Sportsman 700 or a Kawasaki 650 V-Twin but without the weight. It seems these hardcore, high mile trail and dune riders would like the appearance of a more sporty ATV - in the vein of a Raptor or QuadSport.

Okay, how can this huge differential be bridged by a new ATV? Kawasaki and Polaris are rumored to be fast tracking two new ATVs through their development process to arrive on the market sometime next spring. The stories we hear go like this. Take a Prairie 650 and strip off the racks and big fenders, throw on a set of polished aluminum rims with short sidewall sneakers, lighten up the chassis by rationalizing unnecessary stuff like trailer hitches and yes, 4X4.

What you get looks like a Scrambler 500 2X4 after an evening at an all-you-can-eat buffet. The idea is to preserve the sumptuous power of the Sportsman 700 twin and the Kaw-Vee 650 but increase the sport factor by shedding weight and 4X4. The net effect may be the arrival of an all new segment - the Maxi-Dune/Trail Rooster. By the way, look for engine displacement to increase as well. Know this: More power is inevitable in the ATV biz.

 

Its called a Kawasaki KFX 700.KFX 700

 

Pfft! They'd nevewr make such a thing, especially not in a 700.... That's crazy! LOL

Dude have you been in a coma?

 

a scrambler 800 is pretty possible tough with the sp 700 engine at full bore and tuned.