Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Actually rode it for the first time (besides around the back yard) this weeked. Trail riding with a couple friends on dirt-bikes. Kept up with them for the most part, until the trails got tight and rocky. In the sandy washes with burmed corners I really flew. Lots of fun but dusty.

One quick question, Alwaysride mentioned below that I should keep it in low for slow trails. What is considered slow? 10mph?, 20 mph?, somewhere in between, higher or lower?

I found that in the twistys (not too tight) I was going anywhere from 10 to 25 and in the straigth, more open areas I'd take it up to the mid-30's. Am still in the break-in period so the manual says I shouldn't go more than 1/2 throttle, which was plenty fast anyway.

Also, my seat occasionaly came loose. I'm not the smallest guy in the world (6'3", 240 lbs) and I'm not sure if when I hit an unexpected bump I'd jar the seat loose or if there was another issue. Anyone else ever experience this?

Mechanically sound, great brakes, front diff lock is a Godsend climing steep banks in sand. No real mud to speak. I have to confess, it's been sitting in my garage all nice and clean and I almost didn't want to get it dirty...I emphasize almost. The first mud puddle I saw I went right thru to initiate the machine. After all, dirt is a badge of honor for an ATV [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Great power and even application. Had read reviews that said it could be overpowering for a beginner. I am a beginner and didn't feel that it was too much, although being 36, I usually apply the great phrase "discretion is the better part of valor" and although I have excellent health insurance, I certainly do not want to try it out.

Overall the machine responded when asked. I really liked the fact that I could get the back end loose coming out of corners and spin the tires a little, very sporty.

Regards....

JT

 

That is a common deal with the seat, you kinda have to learn the trick to getting it on and off correctly (not realy the best design IMO) . Flip the seat over, you should see two spades or flaps that must be alligned and slid under the tabs that are on the quad. The one located in the center of the seat is the one that tends to cause the problem. After locating the spade or flap on the under side of the seat pull on it to get it stick out more to make it easier to get hooked under the metal tab on the frame under the seat. That center one is the one that normaly ends up on top of the hook and gets smashed down and causes the seat to not lock into place properly. Once you have the spade ready and lighed up to slide under the tabs I normaly go to the back of the machine and push forward and down, it should lock into place, I also check the leaver to make sure it is all the way down toward the plastic. Then pull an the seat it should feal firmly locked into position. It does get easyer after the seats been on and off a few times.

 

My brother bought one for his wife, and its a really nice bike. Nice and sporty, and with that sra it corners very well. My brother has the king quad and that thing just doesn't have the low end that the brute 650 does. Once the kq gets going, theres no stopping it, but the brute is great for the those tight trails and tearing out of corners.

 

For the type of riding you are talking about keep it in low range. Replace your stock driven spring with an EPI Black one ($30) and your belt will last forever. Do the Nyroc muffler mod (I don't see the need to spend huge money on an exhaust system) and check your jetting. AN aftermarket CDI or Diamond G's Holeshot module (cheaper) will make you really open your eyes. ENjoy that bad boy!

 

sweet ride man!

 

Jaytee, what i mean as in slow is about 20-25 mph. That keeps the belt from burning up and from needing adjustment as quickly. I hear people say that just keep it in high gear, thats fine if you dont mind adjusting or spending money on a new belt. Your better off to just use low. I use low loading it up and just putting back in the garage. Have fun with the new toy.

 

Congratulations on your new atv.

 

Congrats! I am the 31 yr old with the current post that says 31 yr old rookie and I am looking forward to being in your shoes in a few months! How many did you test drive and what really put you over the edge over a Rincon, KingQuad, or Sportsman?

Also, did the plow come with everything you needed for that price or was it just the blade? Sounds like you got a great deal, I am reading my June '05 ATVAction mag where the BF 650 beat the Rincon and the Grizzly in their 650/660 shoot-out!

Congrats again!

 

Stocks,

I did A LOT of analyzation before my purchase, probably way too much, but I'm an engineer and I like analyzing things. I started out with Honda, and migrated to Yamaha then to Suzuki. I had always liked the BF650 but the price was a little more than I wanted to spend.

I test rode the Eiger, AC650, Grizzly, Rancher and Kodiak. I liked all but the AC, just not for me. I didn't even test drive the BF650 but knew I wanted more throttle response than the Eiger, Rancher or Kodiak.

Since I'd be using it for plowing my drive and hunting, I figured I could save some $$ and live without a ton of throttle response so, I settled on the Suzuki Eiger. However, Suzuki financing wasn't what I was looking for (believe me, I did an Excel spreadsheet detailing loan, payment and baloon calculation to make sure I was making a sound financial decision). Anyway, Kawasaki had a great deal going and so I called my local dealer (whom I like) and asked about the Prairie 360. Was all set to go, when I realized that the difference between the P360 and the BF650 was only $700 out the door and my decision was made...BF650.

As far as the Rincon goes, I never considered it. It was too expensive in my book and for that price I would get a King Quad. I didn't really want IRS, but didn't have any basis for that, since I've never owned an ATV before. That being said, after my first trail ride a couple weeks ago, I really like the solid rear axle for sportiness.

I looked at a used Sportsman 500 and liked it, but for a little more I could go with a new machine, plus the Sportsman had a lot of hours on it.

Like everyone here I have my own opinions. I like the value of the Eiger and think in it's class I'ts hard to beat. The BF650 just has so much going for it...the 650 Prairie engine that's proven, the Prairie chassis and components that have been upgraded, the diff lock (fantastic in my opinion) and lots of power (but not intimidating). All that in the same price range as the Sportsman 500, Suzuki Vinson and AC500; there really was no reason for me not to get it. It has everything I want.

Sorry for the long winded reply. Oh, by the way, the plow deal included the blade, mounting hardware and and manual lift hardware.

Have fun...figuring out what you want, and shopping around is part of the fun.

See ya...John

 

You'll have a lot of fun I'm sure!