Arctic Cat/Kawisaki

[gonfishn]

Thinking about buying a AC 650 or a Kawi prarie 700. Want to use it for work and play. Anyone have any opinions on which one would be better?

[jltimm]

Arctic cat would be a better worker,and a better ride as far as suspension since it is independant with 10.25" of travel at all four corners.The Kawi will give you less rear squat when towing trailers with a heavy tongue weight.They both have the same Kawi engine in them unless your talking the Arctic Cats's H1 which is an Arctic Cat engine and the H2 is a V-twin Kawi motor.Also the Kawi 700 is just a bit more horse than the 650.The Arctic cat is also over 100 lbs heavier than the Kawi.The Cat's racks are bigger and hold more especially with the MRP rack system they utilize.If you wait you could get the new Arctic cat 700 with the Suzuki Fuel Injected motor in it.

[gonfishn]

Probably leaning more towards the AC. Is there a whole heck of alot of difference between a 500 and a 650?

[jltimm]

Mainly just power.You can do anything with the 500 that the 650 will do,(except a wheelie )and the 500 can be purchased as a 5 speed or a auto.Just remember an auto tranny will have a little less power than a foot shift,but an auto tranny is easy as your always in the right gear if you happen to get into deeper snow,mud ect...Cat's have alot of ground clearance,and are great for technical terrain,although they are big and heavy,and lack in the fun dept. if you trail ride alot.Don't get me wrong,you can have alot of fun with them,but the Kawi will put a bigger smile on your face!

[gonfishn]

Well, I took the plunge and bought a new '05 BF 650 w/winch out the door for $5700. Does that seem like a decent deal, or did I get the shaft?

[jltimm]

It sounds like a good price to me.The Kawi 650 is probably the least expensive wheeler in it's class.Congrats,and have fun!

[gonfishn]

I hope least expensive doesn't mean least quality!

[jltimm]

Your Kawi V-twin engine is a proven engine,and one of the most powerfull on the market.It's been around since 2002,and there are alot of hop-up components for it,since this engine is seriously detuned.The belt system may require a bit of attention though as it is the same type of system as the polaris's use.If you use low gear when you need to you should not have any issues though.I'm sure this wheeler will put a big on your face after feeling the power of that v-twin!