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Posted by: cc1999
trust me the kawi p650 is the best bike I have ever owned, I have 1st hand knowledge, note: my signature at the bottom
Posted by: Kawi650
they all got good points and all got bad issues... It's really up to you what want. Go and leave your silly silcon chip and test drive em and see what you think. When you use the silcon chip to help you make your decison it sometimes get harder because a grizz driver is going to see his bike different that someone watching him, same with kawi, and Polaris so here is my .0002 cents on the kawi as a P650 driver because it's the inside that counts.
First the power is good/great if you want more try a vet. The 2-4 switch I love and will always have, the lock on the 650 is amazing. The pulling power is good/fine The water in the belt is not an issue, if you travel in the deep water look at an argo not an atv... no atv should go over the wheels however I did have mine deeper once and it did fine. I love the auto trany and I don't think I will go back to standard because it's always in the right gear etc. I do feel that the 650 does have too much power for the clutch design but they are getting better and you can do things like black spring etc.. to take care of that (very small additional investment that might not be required.. I never modified mine clutch yet). Low range is a must for hauling and P650 has as nice one. I like the overide for reverse which allows more power in reverse for pulling backwards etc... , and the center of grav is really good. It is great on trails, and it will plow snow very aggressively too. Going to the trails it is smooth steers nice very nible and it doesn't tear you to pieces like 450 forman. On the trail, where I am the most, I would rate it a 20 out of a scale from 1 to 10, It is a lot better than I expected and I would not trade because of this factor, if you are happy with something... why change it? I have a lot of miles on mine (14500km 740hrs) and if I had to buy another the only difference would be the camo, ( and I don't even care for apperance I'm more intersted in want it can do but for some reason the camo is nice to me and it looks a lot better when it is off the show room floor). I also put 24000km on a 98 400 kawi so I feel it will outlast the average rider, and the 650 is stronger than the 400. I feel the maintence level on the P650 is good, but your dealer is important factor as well. Stuff like adjusting the belt on the 650 is as easy as checking your oil and you will not have to do it often; if you are not easy on your bike and you will need to adjust it more than if you are easy on it (like everything). I like the solid axle less maintence better for towing and the ride is fine with out it and it is predictable; I fould my suzuki 300 did not like the steep of chambers. Floorboards are good, light at night is good but personally I like the pod light on hondas/polaris, I'm putting one on the P650 soon but you really don't need it. The P650 has a pull cord and decompression chamber but it can start hard at times but once it's going it's fine, (I find some others with out pull cords now). There are no greese fitings on the 650, you can check the oil easy, it's easy to clean. On the cleaning side I find the radiator/fan bigger on the 650 but you have to keep just as clean as the others; I like the cooling system on the bombadier and I would look at the traxter as well. Warrenties are getting to the same, all/most including kawi have 3-5 years extended plans now. Just to recap, you will be happy on the 650 but go and drive it because it's your investment. If you want to ask me questions on the kawi PM me.
good luck
Posted by: Kawi650
OK lets talk about this "North America" jobs: Does anyone know how many employees and dealership each manufacture has? I think the stat on this could be interesting.
Posted by: Haymaker
My Kodiak and Beartracker were both made in USA. The parts may come from someplace else but they were built in the good ol USA. If you want to get technical polaris and arctic cat motors are made out of the USA, but put together here also.
Posted by: Haymaker
Well I do know that alot of jobs were created in Georgia at the Yamaha plant, if we just bought American names half or more of the country would be out of work. If it's made or put together in America than it's American made to me! I believe in supporting the American workforce and by Buying the Yamaha's I HAVE!!!! I know some American companies that have their products made in Mexico to save money and put good working American's out of work, I could go on forever on this subject but I think I made my point.
Posted by: Haymaker
My point was that they are employing American workers, of corse they are a part of the Jap company but Americans have jobs down there because of them. My wife works for a Jap owned company and they employ 900+ from around this area, helps the economy because it made more jobs for the people, do you get my point now!
Posted by: friedenspull
Oh ok so some polaris parts are made elsewhere. Yippie I guess that noone should feel bad for not ever buying american again. I mean who cares its not your jobs on the line right. Well it may be someday, at least the money spent on polaris stays in the US. Even if every part isn't made in America. Sometimes you people make me sick!!!!!!!!! Sorry if I offended you but don't use the excuse that not every part on every polaris is made in America so as to make yourself feel better for not even trying.
Posted by: BadBoyDS
Go with a polaris sportsman 500. There is not a better buy out there for the amount of machine you get, for 6600.
Do your daily checkups on it and you will have no problemBR>
Don't sound like you need any more power than what the 500 H.O. offers
Posted by: BadBoyDS
Last time I checked(correct me if i'm wrong) the grizzly was 7000+BR>
Posted by: BadBoyDS
travman, how much weight are we talking about pulling and how much ya willing to spend??
All you have to do is slip it in low range and the clutch aint a problem. Over 2000 pounds trailer weight or a heavy tongue is where you want to choose between IRS and solid axle
Posted by: BadBoyDS
Uhhh, daily checkups mean oil change, top off brake fluid and greasing the zerks
What ya think I was talking about????
Posted by: BadBoyDS
If your kawi's don't need this done to them, then consider my next machine a 650 prarie!
Posted by: BadBoyDS
Cut me some slack fugger! Most people know what is required when you service a machine. When I say daily checkups do you think I mean weekly??
Posted by: RideRed913
You can get 500 sportmans around here for $5700.
Posted by: RideRed913
Quote
I may be wrong but it doesn't sound like you want to waist your time with "DAILY CHECKUPS" that the polaris requires. [/Q
What do you mean by daily checkups?
Posted by: RideRed913
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Uhhh, daily checkups mean oil change, top off brake fluid and greasing the zerks
Change the oil daily?? I only change my oil about every 500 miles, and grease the zerks about once every 3 months and have yet toy have a problem. But I do check the breaks often "Very Important"
Posted by: HELLFISH
get the griz for $6600,way more bang for the $,lighter ,more power,same price...hmmm! believe i'll take the griz.
Posted by: HELLFISH
Yeah when i got my griz it was $7000(7/01'),but there's seems to be alot of people now getting them for $400-$500 less than when introduced.
Posted by: HELLFISH
get the griz,within 2yrs all manufacturers will have irs on all top-line models,don't buy somthing outdated as soon as you leave the showroom,kaw/suz are working on a irs as we speak.
Posted by: HELLFISH
the shi* is getting real deep in here now!
Posted by: HELLFISH
somtimes you gotta do what you gotta do bro! www.yamaha.com
Posted by: HELLFISH
well said bombds650god...I'm not buying less atv for more money i don't care if my brother made the*amn thing's!!!
Posted by: Bing
All of them,,,,,,if you got room in the garage!!!!
Posted by: albaBANSHE
just buy a kodiak 450, its got the grizz front diff, and digital spedo ect ect its prob got some ballz to but its chaeper than the others
Posted by: Bill35
If your looking for a work horse thats alot of fun to trail ride on you cant go wrong with the polaris 500 600 or the 700.
Posted by: trailburner
Quote
Do your daily checkups on it and you will have no problem.
I may be wrong but it doesn't sound like you want to waist your time with "DAILY CHECKUPS" that the polaris requires. Buy a Japenese atv. They build good machines! I buy american made every chance I get, but there is no sence denying the Japenese technology is better on atv's (among other things)I have to give credit where credit is due!
I chose the P650 because I love the sportiness of it. I also hated the feel of IRS on side hilling (off cambers). It Made me feel like I was going to tip over. I was debating between the griz and the p650 for a while but the IRS was the biggest swaying factor. Another factor is that I have owned my bayou 220 since new in 1989 and it has never been in the shop and still runs awsome. That made me a huge kawasaki fan.
Posted by: trailburner
RideRed913,
I don't know! My kawi doesn't need daily checkups.
According to BadBoyDS if you do daily checkups to the polaris, you won't have any problems.Who wants a machine that requires daily checkups???
Posted by: ChaosInMt
I run the local ATV club and have ridden them all and have owned most .All you have to do is ride them all it,s a no brainer(you can see what I ride)IRS is as bad as it is good it,s all about how you ride. If you like to go fast and slide around conners IRS flat sucks. If you like to crawl over rocks and mud bog it is somewhat better. If you want a plush ride IRS has it all the way. I live in the mountians and skid logs all the time with the Kaw and on the weekends I get to smoke my buddys to boot what more can you ask. P.S. I sold a 02 Griz to get it best move I have made yet. I am way happier with the Kaw and it is lots more fun to ride.
Posted by: ChaosInMt
If you can ride them all and the chose will be obvious.
Posted by: Predator03
Quote
Originally posted by: Vinson5
I have the vinson auto works great for plowing. don't get a polaris they still have a snowmobile clutch and Ifs rear which isn't good for pulling weight. You load the suspension with a grizz or a polaris. the vinson has a straight rear axle, will be stronger and last longer under loads.
I can't believe, after all the success of the belt drive, arguments like this are still used. The belt is proven. As far as towing the 500 capacity is 1225 lbs, the 600/700 is 1500. The ground clearance on Polaris is more, the price is less. Plus, if nothing else, the Polaris is known for the ride. You cannot get a better ride out of a straight axle that you will get with IRS. We've put around 2000 miles on two of our Sportsmans over the last year with the only problems being a torn boot. If you need to pull or use lots of torque, that's what the low is for. No offense, but the Sportsman is far superior.
Scott
Posted by: Predator03
I guess on Kawis you just let all that go until it blows up???
i prefer to properly maintain mine.. It's worth the effort.
Scott
Posted by: Predator03
Hello Vinson,
You're right about the difference of opinion. Over the last 14 months, we have owned six Polaris quads. All 2002 or newer. Three 500 ho's, one Scrambler 500 Ho, Trail Boss, and now I have a Predator. We ride down at Windrock in Tennessee. Very rocky, difficult terrain. Lot's of everything. Huge mud holes, steep inclines.. and the rocks. My family and I have ridden close to 7000 miles in that time. 95 percent of that was at Windrock. The ONLY belt that we have ever replaced, was my fault. I smoked it on my Scrambler (which does NOT have a low gear). I was trying to pull something I shouldn't have, and I paid the price. 30 bucks and 15 minutes of back breaking (lol) labor replacing it. I don't know what it would take to convince you that the belt system is proven to be reliable, but that should help. As far as your friend goes, tell him that machine has a low gear. I doubt you can even smoke a belt in low. That sounds to me like driver error. I've been in plenty of mud holes, I've been winched out, but never has the machine given out on me. EVER.
As far as the Grizzly goes. If it's a workhorse you are looking for. The Sportsman outclasses that too. The 500 has more towing capacity, even though it's 160 cc's less. I can't seem to find the towing capacity of the Vinson, but I would venture to guess it's not even in the same league as a Polaris Sportsman 500 HO.
On top of all that, it's AMERICAN!!!!! (just couldn't resist that)
Posted by: Predator03
Quote
Originally posted by: friedenspull
Oh ok so some polaris parts are made elsewhere. Yippie I guess that noone should feel bad for not ever buying american again. I mean who cares its not your jobs on the line right. Well it may be someday, at least the money spent on polaris stays in the US. Even if every part isn't made in America. Sometimes you people make me sick!!!!!!!!! Sorry if I offended you but don't use the excuse that not every part on every polaris is made in America so as to make yourself feel better for not even trying.
I know exactly how you feel brother.
Scott
Posted by: Predator03
Yeah, you said it Hellfish. Screw that dang ole American economy. Who needs it?
Posted by: DSJOBBER
Ever wonder why Polaris uses FUJI engines on all there stuff? I know that they bought some of the tooling and such but most of the motors are still " MADE IN JAPAN". Dont get me wrong, made in Japan is by far better than korea or china. But still to emphasize " Made in USA" is a bit of a overstatement. Dont you think?
Posted by: grizzkiller
this is off the the topic at hand but getting back to the original question, for a straight utility use, low maintenance, great power, low gear, auto, no belt, Honda Rubicon is the way to go. i call it the dummy quad cause you can do anything with it, it will never breath hard, whimper, squel(belt), or die. I truly believe that in Japanese "Honda" means invulnerable. this machine is bulletproof. i've taken it to some serious rock hounding, deep mud( yes i have gotten stuck sometimes ) water over the racks and not one funny noise, no hesitation, no nothing. ive used it for utility work as well, heavy loads, heavy tows. I have done EVERYTHING to this quad and i get off it and i look at it and it smiles and asks for more!!!!!!!!!! this quad is about as maintenance free as you get. this just my opinion, friends have polaris 500's, grizzly's, praire's and they are all great now the rincon is another story, haven't seen it on the trails yet or ridden one so i take everyones reviews with a grain of salt. good luck in choosing a quad that YOU like and works for YOU.
Posted by: bearthunder
Amen Predator3, I wouldn't trade my sp600 for all the fudge on Mackinac Island!!!!
(Michigan joke)
Posted by: dravy
AMEN! BILL35!
Posted by: dravy
Check The Bolts On Belt Cover, Alot Comes From The Factory Not Tight.
I've Seen Some Not Even Having A Gasket ! And You've Got To Use Low Gear In The Mud , It Takes Alot Of Power And Is Hard On Any Belt. Low Runs Cooler Also !
Posted by: dravy
Dam,Kawi650 !!!!!
Posted by: travman
im looking for a 4x4 atv that will plow go through woods and not have to fix a lot or add anything on other then the plow and stuff for that. i also would want to add a cart on so i can pull firewood out of the woods, iv seen polaris yamaha kawasaki on the internet but i want to know which one i probably want one that is 500cc's and above probably beggir and a good price
Posted by: travman
what about honda???
Posted by: Vinson5
I have the vinson auto works great for plowing. don't get a polaris they still have a snowmobile clutch and Ifs rear which isn't good for pulling weight. You load the suspension with a grizz or a polaris. the vinson has a straight rear axle, will be stronger and last longer under loads.
Posted by: Vinson5
Predator 03, we have a differing opinion here. you state its an old arguement. My Vinson is an automatic and not what I was after.
He sounds like he is pulling heavy loads with it. I would love to have a Grizzly instead of the Vinson for what I do but you have to match the task to the bike. no bike is right for everyone. I just couldn't afford the Grizz.
As for Polaris, how many belts have you put on that machine?? They run a totally different system than that of the other brands. Buddy has two bikes that are 500 polaris, but he has done two belts on his and I saw the other bike (actually his dads) go into a mud hole and a plume of blue smoke billowed out after stuck for a minute or so. Bike is fine and is still on the same one, but coming from a snowmobile background I know It ain't long for life.
I am not brand loyal and looked at all but the Polaris because of what I saw that day. If they came out with a similar drive system as the others I would have bought a 500 HO.
You also have to agree that with a bunch of tongue wieght you will load the suspension rather than the tires on a IRS system. I was told by A YAMAHA DEALER not to buy a Grizzly if I intended to load my wheeled trailer with wood and haul it out. He recomended the Kodiak. Straight rear end. Just my .02
Posted by: Vinson5
Predator03, I actually am enjoying this debate, And I'm not saying that the Polaris is a bad Machine at all. I just think there are better.
As for driver error on the low range belt issue, there was none. The bikes in question were always in low range in the situations mentioned. Maybe Polaris has changed something, this I wouldn't be sure of. these bikes are a 99 500 sportsman Reminton Edition, and a 2000 standard 500 sportsman.
Oh and by the way, I like the american made point and is usually a selling point for me, BUT if you look at an actual tag where the serial number is it says MADE IN CANADA!! he he You might want to look on yours!
I need to monitor these posts more often, damn work!!
Posted by: Vinson5
if you guys only knew how hard I usually try to buy things made in america, you would understand. Somethings though you just can't help it. I almost bought an artic Cat for that same reasoning, but didn't like the ride. i'm not going to be uncomfortable or have high repair bills to suit anyone. I don't have the change.
Posted by: Vinson5
predator03, I can see were not getting anywhere with this arguement. You are too brand loyal. take off the blinders and look around.
YOU ARE NOT MATCHING THE BIKE TO THE RIDER AS REQUESTED. He wants a realitively inexpensive work bike 500 or better. Grizzly's are more money. Kawasaki's have some issues with belts, I'm not even gonna go on Polaris, but I will say this, in the past two years 02, 03 How has the vinson ranked in shootouts and atv of the year awards??
Oh, and by the way, where was your computer made? how about your tennis shoes, or that all important Television. Look around. It's unavoidable. I always try to buy american, I bought my wife a dodge car in 97 it has a Misobishi or whatever engine, you can't totally buy american. if you could I would. besides that's a lame excuse.
Posted by: suzuki4ever
I would go with a solid rear axle on the vinson. For the type of work your talking about it will be more reliable, and handle bigger loads on the racks(forgeting about the manufactures ratings). The manual is also a good choise it will take more punishment than a belt for a longer time hands down. A freind of mine has one and beats the thing to death and it dosent give even a wimper.
Posted by: mewoodsgrizzly
I've had my grizz almost ayear and couldn't be happier. I could have bought any wheeler I wanted and I haven't regreted it once. my best friend bought a polaris 500ho at the same time and he likes it to but.. he's already smoked the belt and has to be more careful around deep water because if he floods the clutch its a digger to dry out. it back fires quite of often in the mud. I've had none of these problems and I ride harder.!!
Posted by: 74Tx
my 1996 Polaris Magnum 425 4x4 dose not need daily check ups i dont know what you are smoking or what polaris atv you own BadBoyDS but i only check oil and other fluids and tire air preshure once a month. And the whole belt bit, i have never had a problem with it as people have said before if you are pulling heavy loads put it in low and it is just fine. the snowmobile clutch you talk about it is a good system. why do you think all snowmobile makers use a clutch because it is good at pulling heavy loads that are bing moved on a big rubber track why not go over kill on a great snowmobile clutch on a atv? i have never had a problem with my snowmobiles clutch because i take cair of it. i dont cair what you say the sportsmen 500 is the best atv for your money. i love my 96 Magnum.
Posted by: 74Tx
i dont see why you relly care if it is made in the usa or not all i care about is if it is a great atv for what you are doing with it.
Posted by: 74Tx
yeah but if im not misstaken Haymaker Yamaha in the usa is a branch from Japan. i could be rong?
Posted by: 74Tx
i like your point Vinson5!
