Kawasaki locked up

[El Putzo]

The wife and I bought a Kawasaki 360 Prairie ATV about a year and half ago. We use it to feed our butcher calves and some other various farm work. Anyway, last night I was taking it up the road to feed my calves, and the motor locked up! Here's how it wen't, tell me if I did something wrong here: It was about 45 degrees so I use the choke to start it and let it run long enough to warm up so I can get it in gear without grinding (it's an automatic). So anyway, I back out of the shed and start out across the yard and down the driveway. I get about 200yds from the shed doing about 15 mph and it just stops like you turned the key off. Only instead of roling to a stop I hear the drive belt screeching and then the back tires lock up. So I scratch my head and rip off a few good curses then put it in neutral and try to start it again... ... ... nothing, not even a click. So I try the auxiliary pull start. Grab the rope and it won't budge. So I think to myself, I haven't checked the oil in about a month, but I did now and it was full and looked good. The thing has never used oil from new and as a matter of fact hasn't been changed yet since it only has 59 hours on the machine. Looked through the paperwork last night and could only find that Kawasaki gives a 6 month warranty. Personnally I think that even though we have had it for 20 months, the motor is still brand new with only 59 hrs and Kawasaki should stand behind it. I mean, it's not like this thing has ever been abused. It's been shedded every day of it's life and I guarantee I could give it a bath and park it next to a brand new one and the average Joe couldn't tell you which was which. I'm waiting for the local dealer to open up as we speak and was just curious if anyone has had a similar experience or any words of wisdom for a young guy who has never had to deal with a situation like this.

 

[El Putzo]

John,

Thanks for the info, but I don't think it applies to ours since it is a 2003. BTW, how was the dyno day? Or is that this weekend? I can't remember what you had told me except that I knew I was going to be gone to Iowa that weekend. I got my guages in last week. I went with the dual pillar, Dipricol EGT and Boost gauges from Geno's. Me Like!!!! The install didn't go quite a smooth as I had hoped and I think I'm still having a ground problem with my gauge lights but, other than that all is good. I finally got the 18-037-04 TSB reflash done and it seems to have helped a bit on the mileage, plus the overhead trip is right on the money according to my hand calculations. I've got 2100 miles on her now. After this weekend's trip to Iowa, I think it'll be time to have the first oil change. I'm kind of excited. I imagine it's like sending your kid to school for the first time.

 

[CougFan]

I would suggest getting a honda. In my opinion they are the cummins of ATVs. PS sorry about the problems I HATE it when somthing goes wrong with stuff that is practically new.

 

[El Putzo]

Good news

I got a call back from the dealer and it turns out the crank seized in one of the bearings. I asked the mech. what caused it and he said "funny you should ask". Apparently when they took it apart and figured out the problem they were just going to put new bearings which include the crankcase endcaps but then the mech. put a micrometer on the crank and noticed it had a taper. Which he thought was funny because it didn't show signs of wear. He assumed it was machined incorrectly from the factory. Now to the good news, Kawasaki is paying for everything!!! I will have to say that even though I was not satisfied with this ATV (because of auto transmission), Kawasaki seems to have a decent product and is willing to stand behind it. As far as trading for a Honda... ... Right on!! The night it locked up my wife convinced me (without much trouble) that we should get it fixed and then trade it if it's not what I wanted. Plus one of the local Honda dealers has 05 Foreman 2x4 on sale right now for $4499 which I thought was a pretty good deal. So, as soon as I get it back this week, the Kawasaki is going in paper. Kelly Blue Book says it's worth about $3500 so if I can get about $3200 I'll be happy. So, anybody in the market for Kawasaki 360 Prairie 2x4?

 

[mudcat]

I've had several quads over the years and while Honda was the one to have I just don't see it anymore. Look at the features you get with the Kawi, sealed wet rear brake, front disc brakes, excellent engine braking, dif lock, switchable 2wd 4wd, start in gear and sounds like a great dealer. The Hinda just can't compare in features. As far as durability I just don't see that any have any more durability issues than another brand. I work on quads for extra income and a lot of my jobs are from Honda brake jobs and front wheel bearings. Drum brakes just don't cut it anymore.

Don't knock the Kawi they are a great quad. Sounds like they took care of you well after the warranty ran out too. Don't see that very often.

 

[El Putzo]

Yeah, But.....

Actually, I've been checking into the 05 Honda Foreman. Sounds like Honda has corrected a bunch of the features you didn't like about them. They now have front discs and some other improvements for 05. I'm looking at a 2x4 so the differential thing does not apply and as for the engine breaking, I could take that or leave it. Also, the Kawasaki will not start in gear either. I'd say with all the safety features nowadays, you'd have a hard time finding a new ATV that will start in gear. The 2 things that got me the most are the Auto transmission, and how high you sit on the thing. That auto transmission is nice I guess if you someone is too lazy to shift or can't for some reason. Trust me, it is definately not faster except for off the line. My brother in law has an older Honda 300 fourtrax and he can outrun me by myself when he has a passenger. Now to the seat heighth. I've always run Hondas in the past ( a 300 and 350 rancher) and I can slide those sideways around corners on the gravel road but this Kawasaki, wow, I wouldn't even attempt it for fear that it wouldn't slide, but role!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Kawasaki makes a bad ATV, I'm just saying they don't make the right one for me. I will definately say that the dealer and Kawasaki have both been very helpful and for that I am very thankful.



Edit: Mudcat, You must have missed the sentence when I said Kawasaki made a decent product, just not the one for me.

 

[mudcat]

I do believe your 360 will start in gear if you just pull in on the rear brake lever. I have a 700 Prairie and I know it does as well as almost every other quad out now days, even at least a few Hondas the Rincon and Rubicon.

Well enjoy whatever you get, I know i do. I have over 2000 miles on my 04 Prairie in a little over 8 months. Trouble free I might add. We make several trips a year to ride in TN. Amazing riding down there give it a look see sometime.