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Is this the new King of Quads?

Power from the high tech V-twin is transferred through a fully automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the newly designed gear selector, the rider can choose high or low forward gears, neutral and reverse. The rider can also start the engine in any gear provided the brakes are applied. To maximize dependability and reduce maintenance, the Prairie 650’s drivetrain and chassis utilize sealed bearings and joints, eliminating the time-consuming chore of greasing dozens of fittings.

The front disc brakes feature dual-piston calipers, a feature commonly found on high-performance vehicles. Rear wheel braking power, however, is provided by an all new sealed multi-disc wet braking system. As an intregal part of the drive shaft, the braking system is sealed in the Prairie’s aluminum swingarm where it operates in an oil bath. This provides extraordinarily long brake life because it helps protect the system from water, mud, dust, and debris, yet it requires only minimal maintenance.

Other features include front and rear steel racks that can carry more than 264 pounds of cargo. Unfortunately, Kawasaki did not include a standard tow hitch, but is available and the Prairie 650 has a tow capacity of 1,250 pounds. Kawasaki designers also provided space in the front guard to mount a Warn 2000-series winch. This is a nice touch in the design.

First Impression

Sitting on the machine, everything is in place and feels as it should. First off, you notice there is not a gas cap in front of you giving a nice view of a very informative instrument

panel. Kawasaki moved the gas tank under the right-rear fender for a combination of low center of gravity and weight distribution. The instrument panel gives you digital miles per hour, odometer, fuel gauge, and even a clock. It is very nice and convenient to have all of this information right in front of your eyes. The two halogen mounted front lights give ample lighting for night driving. These lights are very bright but it would still be nice if Kawasaki also included a handlebar mounted light as well.

When you first think of a 650 V-twin engine, you naturally think this is a big machine. However, once you get on the seat and get settled, you notice just how comfortable and non-intimidating it really is. Kawasaki really did a great job and the attention to detail shows with a tight, non-rattling feel and noticeable effort to save weight wherever possible.

Time for Diggin’

On the outside, the Prairie looks fairly tame with no fancy graphics or gnarly design. However, don’t be fooled by the soft looks because this thing is packing an engine that smokes! From the first peg of the throttle you quickly realize you have plenty of power to burn. Suprisingly, the powerband is smooth and strong from the low-end all the way to the top. This is where the V-twin engine comes into play. While large single-cylinder engines are often unable to combine low-end torque with high rpm power, the V-twin has a linear torque band, providing the rider with seemingly limitless low-end pulling power as well as exceptional smooth running for higher rpm operation.

We were so impressed with the low-end power that we seldom had to shift into low range to get us out of the tough spots. With enough low-end torque for just about any situation and strong pulling power to reach over 60 mph with ease, you don’t have that feeling of wanting more. The bottom line is that this engine is the selling point- and it sold us in a hurry!

One of the most impressive things on this ATV is the engine braking. It has a stronger engine brake when you let off the gas than what we have experienced before. At first it took some time to get used to, but the more you ride it the more you love it. You hardly need to use the brakes, and it seems to give you a feeling of more control. I took the Prairie down a very steep, rocky, and washed out hill about a 1/4 mile long. A first in the ATV industry for automatic engines is that the Prairie, once in 4-wheel drive, engages the engine braking on all four wheels. I was able to descend the steep hill without even using the brakes once! The engine braking was that strong with all four wheels engaged. By having all four wheels used in the braking, you eliminate the skidding you find when just the back two wheels are used.

With the power of the 650 engine, it definitely has a sporty feel to it and the suspension is great for smooth fire roads. MacPherson struts with seven inches of travel grace the front end while an aluminum swingarm featuring a fully adjustable spring with a piggyback reservoir and 7.2 inches of travel make up the rear. This makes for a very sporty feel, however, once you get into the rough stuff you start getting the bouncing and whiplash effect. Kawasaki has come so far ahead with this ATV it is sad to have them stop and not include a rear independent suspension like you find on the Polaris Sportsman and the new Yamaha Grizzly. The suspension is not bad, but it does not compare to the plush ride you find with the independent suspension.

One thing that can’t go unmentioned is the great new feature you will find when engaging into 4-wheel drive. Up until now, most 4x4 ATVs come with a limited slip differential system which makes it easier to turn in the corners but does not give you true 4-wheel drive. Only Polaris gave you true "On Demand" 4-wheel drive that would get you out of just about any situation- until now. The Prairie gives you the best of both worlds. Located on the right handlebar is the switch engaging the front wheels into 4-wheel limited slip, which is fine for most situations. However, when the going gets rough and you need the locking front wheels to get you out, there is a yellow lever on the left handlebar, similar to that of a brake lever, that you pull in and hold. This locks the front wheels on the fly and gives you true 4-wheel drive. We feel this is the ultimate setup to have for the 4-wheel drive system. The only downfall we could see is that we would prefer to have the lock engagement activated by a button that would hold it on its own instead of the lever system. One of our test riders wondered how this setup would work in deep snow and mud where you would want the lock engagement on for long periods of time without worrying about holding it in.

Is This King?

Is this the new King of Quads? Let’s just say that Kawasaki has made a great move and has launched themselves into the forefront with a very impressive ATV. However, Yamaha has unleashed their new 660 Grizzly with a rear independent suspension and coming in at only 600 lbs. Polaris is not sitting still as well and is releasing a new 700 Twin Sportsman and is looking to retain the throne of "King of Quads". Hot off the press, though, comes the word that Honda is jumping into the Big Bore Utility Class with its new Rincon 650 that also includes rear independent suspension! Next issue we will get

closer to claiming our King of Quads as we will give you a full featured test of the new Yamaha 660 Grizzly and more info on the new Sportsman 700. We can’t wait to see how these machines compare with the power of the Prairie. All we can say is we are excited that the manufacturers are coming out with some big bore utility 4x4 ATVs to give us hard working, love-to-go-hunting consumers more bang for our buck!

Is the Prairie 650 For You?

You don’t have to be an expert ATV rider to feel comfortable on the Prairie 650. Yes, it does have some great power and torque, but it is manageable and very easy to ride. If you are looking for a workhorse ATV for getting you out of just about any situation then this is for you. Granted, this stuff doesn’t come cheap. The Kawasaki Prairie 650 comes in at $6,999 MSRP, which is comparable to the other big bore ATV’s on the market. The new Yamaha Grizzly 660 is also $6,999 MSRP and the new 700 V-twin Polaris Sportsman taps out at $7,399. If you were one who thought you would never buy a Kawasaki 4-wheeler, you thought wrong.    <----- Photo Tour

Test Rider Notes

Specs / Rating