That may be true, but take a look over in the Kawi forum. They seem to be having their share of problems with the 650.

 

What tests did they put the machines through? Did they comment on the fit and finish of the machines?

I am looking at buying one of these machines in the fall. I'm leaning toward the Grizz for its ground clearance advantage in the mud.

Keep the reviews coming Andy. They are a big help when you truly hear from someone who tells it like it is. Have you found the rev limiter in 4wd lock to be a disadvantage for you at all?

Thanks.

 

<< That may be true, but take a look over in the Kawi forum. They seem to be having their share of problems with the 650. >>




That isnt good. The reliability record of each will be a strong selling point for me. If all is equal then it Grizzly all the way.

 

Well, if the Griz has anywhere near the same problems as the Raptor, I’ll be buying the Kawasaki, IRS or not.

 

I've owned both the 2002 Grizzly 660 and a 2002 Prairie 650. The sensor problem is not really a problem, it's designed to protect the engine if the belt shreds. The only real problem here is that Kaw did a poor job explaining how to reset this sensor. Kawasaki wants to treat it as a service issue but now that the word is out riders can fix it if it ever happens to them. So far I've only know one person who had this problem and he didn't have his first service done when he should have - I know because I ride with him all of the time. I think that if he had his wheeler serviced prior to a three day ride like I did I don't think he would have been stranded 30 miles from no where.

I traded the 2002 Grizzly for the Prairie 650 mainly because of the lower center of gravity. However, I did have a lot of problems with the plastic not fiting or lining up correctly. The fit and finish of the Grizzly was very poor.

My advice is simple: Test ride both machines and select the one that best fits your riding style and terrain. They are both out standing wheelers and since they are both 1st year models you have to expect some problems.

 

I think both machines are sweet. My 650 jumps and handles like my 400ex for the stuff I do. I think the manufacturers finally answered the call for the ultimate hybrid in the 650.
Also, I don't think the article picked an overall winner.
Have fun!

 

They were drinking something heavy when they did their measurements then. If they took it at the footpegs like it says, then both would be higher. I know a Prairies floorboards are higher than 7.5&quot;. I also know that with 4psi in the weak *** stock tires on a 660, the lowest point I have found on the frame (not where the a-arms meet the hubs- actual low point if somebody got technical) is in the very middle and its like 10.2 or something like that. Just a hair over 10&quot;. The rear is right at 11&quot; and the front is 11.5&quot;. I've looked at a prairie and its rear end might be 7.5&quot; but the floorboards are definitely higher. I guess you know that though too.

 

Homer- not really. I don't see myself running too fast when locked. I only use it in slow technical stuff, and I haven't had it in any mud yet so I don't know. I look at it the same way as how a King Quad can only hit diff lock when in super low range.

As far as the reverse not having an override, it will spin the tires faster than just about any manual shift quad in reverse, so I haven't been able to understand that issue.

When I first looked at these two, the Prairie impressed me more because of its overall fit and finish, but I remembered what I had been wanting that the AC500 lacked and that was the clearance down the middle. Thats basically why I got the 660. I knew I wouldn't be hurting for power on either ride, so I went for the clearance.

 

Im just happy that all these new big machines are coming out it makes it a little more fun. Its not any fun if you say my grizzly is so much better then your grizzly, that would suck. As far as which one is the best one i dont know but its nice hearing different opinions on them.