Hey everyone. Desert moose here. I don’t want to start a Ford versus Chevy type discussion, but I would like some advice.
My wife and I have matching 2005 Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4’s. Bought them new. I’ve changed all fluids every year, and keep up on the maintenance. We are in our 50’s, so no catching air off jumps or anything like that, just puttering along looking at the scenery and critters, with the occasional hauling a dead deer back to camp.
Right now we have around 500 miles and 60 hours on them. I figured they would last as long as we were able to keep riding.
Except, this spring when I took them out of the toyhauler, the wife’s quad had the flashing 4X4 indicator light that shows trouble with the KEBC actuator. I was able to clear it last night by removing and reinserting the fuses under the seat. We have company from out of town, so I wasn’t able to go for a ride to see if the light would come back on.
Which now leads to my question. Should I get rid of these and get another model/ brand that would probably be more reliable? I’m not happy that with so few hours on the machine, we’re already having problems. Is there a dirt simple 4x4 quad that doesn’t have all the electronic goodies/ actuators where it will be more reliable? It looks like the actuators are a chronic problem.
I can't speak from specific experience but I have had good luck with Honda. Of course you can get them with all the bells and whistles but they have more simple units as well...
Quote: Hey everyone. Desert moose here. I don’t want to start a Ford versus Chevy type discussion, but I would like some advice.
My wife and I have matching 2005 Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4’s. Bought them new. I’ve changed all fluids every year, and keep up on the maintenance. We are in our 50’s, so no catching air off jumps or anything like that, just puttering along looking at the scenery and critters, with the occasional hauling a dead deer back to camp.
Right now we have around 500 miles and 60 hours on them. I figured they would last as long as we were able to keep riding.
Except, this spring when I took them out of the toyhauler, the wife’s quad had the flashing 4X4 indicator light that shows trouble with the KEBC actuator. I was able to clear it last night by removing and reinserting the fuses under the seat. We have company from out of town, so I wasn’t able to go for a ride to see if the light would come back on.
Which now leads to my question. Should I get rid of these and get another model/ brand that would probably be more reliable? I’m not happy that with so few hours on the machine, we’re already having problems. Is there a dirt simple 4x4 quad that doesn’t have all the electronic goodies/ actuators where it will be more reliable? It looks like the actuators are a chronic problem.
Just like the Ford-Chevy arguments (or rv brands) all brands have their own problems. The newer the bike the more electronic's they are going to have on them and stuff to fail. If there was one that was trouble free, jumped higher, and ran faster, it would corner the market shortly.
These guys may be able to provide more specific advice for your Prairie.
From what you describe I don't think you're ready to push them over the edge yet, unless you really want a reason to buy something new. Every ATV out there needs some service from time to time, if the flashing indicator comes back find a competent dealer and seek out some service, you'll save money in the long run. For the type of riding you are doing the ATVs sound like a good match for you. I'd hate to see you go out and buy something new when your problem may only cost you a couple hundred or so.
I rode a 1985 Kawi 300 4X2 from new till Sept 2008. Never a problem. Rode anywhere the 4X4s went. Normal maintenance done personally. Still had the original tires on it when I sold it and the machine looked and worked like new. Any machine can and will have the odd quirk that needs fixing or adjusting occasionally, that is normal for anything mechanical. Your problem seems minor in comparison to the cost of new machines. JMHO
* This post was
edited 07/03/09 05:24am by heavyputer *
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!!!
savageflip wrote: First "problem" in four years sound fairly reliable to me.
I agree. This doesn't sound like a reliability problem. Although I'm a Honda fan, I don't think I'd recommend getting rid of them. Kaw isn't a bad machine anyhow.
Personally, I would go with a HONDA Rincon. Had one for 2 years, traded it for a RAZOR, but it was awesome! That thing would go anywhere, rocks, mud, hills, water, with all the power you'll ever need!
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) all brands have their own problems. The newer the bike the more electronic's they are going to have on them and stuff to fail. If there was one that was trouble free, jumped higher, and ran faster, it would corner the market shortly.
