I am very close to buying Prairie 700 but unfortunately have not had the chance to ride one of these Big Bore machines. I've read all the articles and seen all the numbers, but my question to those experienced with these larger/faster/4x4's is how fast to they feel? Is it comparable to a 125cc dirt bike (very fun, entertaining, but you can quickly develop the skill to use all the available power) or maybe more like a 250cc dirt bike (let's face it, only a very experienced rider can use 100% of the power all the time).

Using another analogy....I've owned some of the fastest production Personal Water Craft available. The reviews are always saying how awesomely fantastic and powerful they are, but with a mild amount of experience one finds the power and top speed on a PWC very limiting. Most people can nail the throttle on a high performance PWC for great stretches of time wishing for faster acceleration and more top speed. I've also owned a 900cc Street Bike - that bike always had more to give in power than I could use. Rarely does anyone open the throttle 100% on a 900cc Street Bike for a sustained amount of time wishing for more acceleration and more top speed.

While I imagine a Raptor 660R or similar would offer more feeling of speed than I would every really need, I want the versatility of a 4X4. So can you help characterize the speed. How easily does it wheelie, how easy to powerslide, how about getting a little air? I know I'm asking "sport" questions, but I am confident of the "Utility" capability of these machines, but unsure of the "Sport" feel. While I’m sure the Utility aspect will exceed my needs, will I be disappointed with the speed? Your feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

LIONDOG

 

the prairie sounds perfect for you it wheelies with a ease one of the fastest out there {brute force and king quad is faster} i would go for the 700 prairie all the way

 

LIONDOG, you aren't going to test ride one at the dealership before you put some green down?

 

If it is anything like my modifed grizzly, then on open ground it will feel good. Smooth and fast with a nice push against your chest. When you are on tight wooded trails it is exhillarating, heart pounding, and awesome. It really lets you know how powerfull the machines really are. It is really something to go Wide Open Throttle and feel the front lift off the ground and the tires rip loose. Accelerating up a grade with the tires ripping at the ground desperately trying to grab onto anything and feeling it launch forward faster and faster as it repeatedly succeeds. The acceleration from a dead stop to insanity is unbelieveable. Just remember that it take a lot more time to stop and turn than with a sport machine, but my griz weighs almost 1000 pds. (I weigh 300 pds) with me on it and it really blows my mind everytime I ride it. I can't stop goosing it while riding just to feel that massive boost of power. What a rush. The Prarie is supposed to be faster so I think that it should be awesome. Not as good a ride, but I think that they make a good machine. I hope that this gives you a mental picture. Don't expect it to be like a raptor or Banshee, but do expect to be impressed.

 

Some dealers in washington won't let you test ride them, all they do is ride it around the parking lot. I won't buy it if I can't try it out first.

 

are you buying new or used? the P700 is very fast but if you're buying new the BF has even more power.

 

You said powerslide...... the Prairie is the one for you then! It might not have the extra oomf of the BF (unless modded) but it does have the bulletproof and sporty solid rear axle.
Come down to central Missouri and I'll let ya ride mine.

 

I have a modded 650, and in tight trail it has all the pwer you'll ever need, dare I say sometimes too much. On the open trail the Prairie is just fantastic. Mine will powerslide at 60 MPH, and that gets pretty hairy. I've had mine for 9 months now, and there's still a good amount of puckerfactor![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] You'll love it!!

 

i just stopped by the dealer today and then had the team green special edition prairie 700, man that's one sweet lookin machine!