Ive got a 97 Kawasaki Prairie 400 4x4. Paid for and nothing wrong with it. Whenever I think of trading it in. I buy something for it to make it seem new again. Now Im tire shopping. I need some opinions as far as how big should I go? It comes with 25s. Im looking REAL HARD at the Goodyear Mud Runners. I just want some ideas.....Thanks in advance.

 

I have the 27inch mudlites which you can see in my gallery, the problem with going with to big of a tire on a 400 is the amount of power you loose. you don't notice it as much on a larger cc quad but you should be ok with the 26's and if you add a performance airfilter and exhaust along with a clutch kit you will be able to turn 27's no problem.

 

Ive put a K&N Power pack in it. Filter, Jet Kit and a Supertrapp IDS2. Hi Lifter lift kit to make room. For what it is, it really runs great. I just dont want to overdoo it on the tires.

 

Varmintman,

My friend has two older Prairies and let me tell you they will go anywhere! I ride in some extreme terrian here in Alaska with many many different guys and his little mule will go anywhere the rest of go. I've very impressed with this machine and would be happy to have one for a second quad. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is stay with what works and don't buy a new machine just because everyone else has one.

As for you question about tires I'd go with Mudlites. These are very good mud & snow tires and they ride well on the hard packed trails. They are priced well and are 6 ply so no more flats. Another good thing like the name implies is that they are lighter than most so less power loss. As for the size I think I'd stick with 25s for a 400cc machine. You will see a HUGE difference with the new 25s because they now have the larger treads. You could also go with some 26s but you will notice some power loss.

Good luck and happy trails.

 

Im not blowing brand smoke or anything but the P400 has more torque than any 400 utility ive ever been on, and has no problems with the 26" Mudlites. If you like 26" tires, check out my gallery or my website for some pics. As for a new bike, you would have a hard time matching the reliability of the P300 and P400. Notice how you dont read much about them on the forums and it was their flagship from 97-02.

 

Ive definitely spent alot of time looking at the weight of all the different tires. My maching being full time 4x4 and all. I spend half of my time in western Oregon where there is LOTS of mud and the other half in central or eastern Oregon with lots of sand and lava rock. I was looking hard at the Goodyear mud runners for the almost solid 1 inch lugs cause they shouldnt get too torn up from the lava. They are only 4 ply but silly or lucky as Ive been. I never got any flats on the stock 2 plys. The Bear claws also look good and light. My prairie has low range and a CVT so I know I can CRANK them in the mud.
Does anyone make a performance CVT clutch kit for a 97 Prairie though? I havent been able to find one.

 

I know you can change out the springs to affect the grab of the clutch and the quickness of its winding out. But I havent messed with mine at all. Ive never even had the belt cover off with allmost 1200 miles of riding. I might re-spring it when it comes belt time, just depends on funds. There was some good info on NYROC's site from over at the Kawi forum. His page also covers some differences between the older P400's and the newer P400's and some things you can swap back and forth. I dont think my Mudlites would last long on lava though.

 

Maybe I will just leave the clutch alone. If it aint broke. Right?
The lava rock is pretty hard on the tires. You can go miles and miles on the sand and have to traverse some REALLY cool and challenging rocky sections. The extra clearance afforded by 26 inchers and the lift kit should help. I know there is no perfect tire for what I do but the Mud runners rated real high on durability and smooth ride on trails. Anybody have the goodyears that you know that can comment? Maybe im waffling but I just dont want to spend the money and then regret it.
Thanks to everyone who did reply......I appreciate the advice.

 

Consider taking a look at MudBugs. They are excellent in ride, wear, and traction.