Questions for those who know! I've never owned a quad before and the only experience I've had is on a Honda Foreman and 01 Polaris 500 that I rode over at Warn Industries while I was delivering plow kits. One of many bene's of having a mom who is a team leader at Warn. I had my heart set on a 04 Kawa Prairie 700, but I winced at the swing arm. I'd really like to have IRS. I have heard that 04 Arctic Cat 650 uses a Kawa V motor. My questions are:

How fast is the Arctic Cat compared to the Kawa?

How is the ride of the Arctic Cat at high speed?

I have heard that the swing arm causes the Prairie to handle better at high speed, but like I said that is hearsay. I just dont know what to get. I plan on using my quad for hunting and trail riding.

Thanks in advance for any info you provide.

XC

 

X,
Dirt Wheels just did a review on the AC 650. They didnt give a top speed or speed comparison. Handling: "Its not the best in corners. The front end wants to push, rather than curve into the corner. Add to that an idependent rear susupension, which is resistant to sliding, and cornering is not as crisp as the Kawasaki." It is a bit heavier than the Kawasaki. AC=644 KW Prairie 700 = 602. So, the question is: Do you want IRS for more ground clearance or do you want the straight axle for better high speed handling? Hope this helps

 

vampirerider did a good job. however Arctic Cat always gets bad reviews in magazines. The Cat won't be quite as fast but what you lose in top end speed you will gain in torque. From what i have heard they made the motor a little bit more for utility then speed. The big question is do you want IRS. GROUND CLEARANCE is awesome. First ride of mine it felt like i was going to roll over in every corner, but I adjusted the shock stiffer and after a little riding you get used to that feel. The ride of an IRS is great at low speed and at high speed. All depends on what you want. I do a lot of mudding and bumpy trail riding so the cat would be a better choice, if you know that you are going to be doing a lot of hardpack trail riding (road, sand) then the cat would not be the best choice. NOTHING MUDS LIKE A CAT!! Plus cat has gotten over all those axle problems so maybe you should give it a try. Or why listen to me, take them for a test drive and decide for yourself!! good luck and love whatever you buy!

 

Thanks guys. I just read the article on the AC 650 and its sound like they really have a winner. I'm gonna see if I can test ride them and make my decision.

Thanks again

XC