After conquering the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) world in 2002, Kawasaki's Prairie? 650 4x4 is returning for 2003 to dominate the sport utility ATV market in a way few models have. With the ATV industry's first V-twin engine and numerous exclusive Kawasaki features, the Prairie 650 4x4 has been awarded Popular Mechanics Design and Engineering Award for 2002, and has received accolades as Best Big Bore 4x4 ATV in the nation's leading ATV publications and television program. Vince Iorio, marketing manager for Kawasaki ATVs, said the Prairie 650 4x4 has more than exceeded the company's expectations.

"We knew the Prairie 650 4x4 was going to leave people breathless," Iorio said. "It absolutely leapfrogged over everything else that was available. Nearly every magazine article reiterates what we've been saying-the Prairie 650 4x4 is the first true sport-utility ATV and has set a standard for the industry."

Specifically targeted at hunters, farmers and adventurers, the Prairie 650 4x4 is available in all-new Aztec Red, REALTREE? Advantage Classic? camouflage or traditional Hunter Green. Its most notable features are its V-twin four-stroke engine, selectable four-wheel drive with variable front differential control, electronically controlled engine braking, and sealed multi-disc rear braking system.

The heart of the Prairie is the 90-degree, liquid-cooled, four-valve 633cc engine. 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. To give the Prairie 650 4x4 ATV the ability to make deep water crossings, its dual 32mm Keihin carburetors draw fresh air from a snorkel intake located high in the frame near the steering head. The engine also features electric starting and a dual-coil CDI system.

Power from the high tech V-twin is transferred through a fully automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT). The specially designed gear selector permits the rider to choose high or low forward gears, neutral and reverse. The rider can also start the engine in any gear provided the brakes are applied. Complementing the transmission is a switch on the right handle bar that gives the rider a choice of either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive operation, and power is delivered to the wheels by dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive. Under normal four-wheel drive operation the front wheels provide additional traction for adverse terrain, yet the limited-slip differential allows the rider to make tight turns and reduces steering effort.

The Prairie 650 4x4 also features Variable Front Differential Control-an ATV first and a Kawasaki exclusive. By pulling on a small lever on the left handlebar, the rider can deliver full power to both front wheels, a decided advantage when encountering deep mud or slippery uphill trails. To maximize dependability and reduce maintenance, the Prairie 650 4x4's drivetrain and chassis utilize sealed bearings and joints, eliminating the time-consuming chore of greasing dozens of fittings.

The Prairie 650 4x4 braking system has stopping power equal to the V-twin engine's torque. The front disc brakes feature dual-piston calipers, a feature commonly found on high-performance vehicles. Rear wheel braking power, however, is provided by a sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc braking system. As an integral 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.

Complementing the Prairie 650 4x4's high performance brakes is the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC?). KEBC electronically monitors ground speed and uses the engine's compression to help slow the ATV. Kawasaki ATVs have a reputation for having smooth, comfortable rides and the Prairie 650 4x4 continues that legacy. MacPherson struts with 6.7 inches of travel grace the front end while an aluminum swingarm featuring a fully adjustable spring with a piggy-back reservoir and 7.2 inches of travel blesses the rear, making the Prairie 650 4x4 the first sport utility ATV to feature a high-performance yet durable design normally found only on sport ATVs.

Adding to the Prairie 650 4x4's comfort list is a large saddle and adjustable footpegs mounted atop full-sized floorboards. To help reduce unsprung weight, the Prairie 650 4x4 rides on aluminum wheels. Other features include front and rear steel racks that can carry 264 pounds of cargo, and a towing hitch is standard on the Prairie 650 4x4 so it can tow 1,250 pounds. Kawasaki designers also provided space inside the front guard to mount a Warn 2000-series winch.

The Prairie 650 4x4 is an exceptionally light, big-bore ATV with a 604-pound dry weight. Because the V-twin engine is shorter than most upright single-cylinder designs, it has a low center of gravity for added stability. And Kawasaki engineers went even further to design the best handling, lightest possible sport utility ATV by placing the 4.5 gallon fuel tank low in the chassis under the seat. The combination of low engine height and the location of the fuel tank gives the Prairie 650 4x4 a 53:47 percent front-to-rear weight distribution for optimal chassis balance and maneuverability.

The Prairie 650 4x4 also features dual 45-watt multi-reflector halogen headlights to provide the brightest beam possible. And like all Kawasaki ATVs, the Prairie 650 4x4 has a taillight and a brakelight. Other convenience features include a full-digital instrument panel that includes a speedometer, odometer, dual resettable trip meters, clock, hour meter, fuel gauge and 4x2/4x4 indicators. There is also a DC power outlet.

The Prairie 650 4x4 has a suggested retail price of $6,999 and is also available in camouflage for $7,299. Plus, the Prairie 650 4x4 comes with a six-month warranty that can be extended up to three additional years.

Information about the Prairie 650 4x4 and Kawasaki's complete line of family recreational products can be found on the Internet at www.Kawasaki.com. Kawasaki ATV accessories can also be purchased online at www.BuyKawasaki.com. As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly. Kawasaki will pay first-time ATV buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (call toll-free 800-887-2887).

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., is the wholesale distributor of JET SKI? watercraft, ATVs, MULE? utility vehicles, portable generators, power products, and motorcycles. The product lines are sold through a network of independent retailers. The company employs more than 600 people in the United States, with nearly 400 of them located at the Irvine, Calif., headquarters. # # #

2003 KAWASAKI PRAIRIE? 650 4X4 ATV

The Prairie 650 4x4 is Kawasaki's flagship sport utility ATV. It features the industry's first 90-degree, liquid-cooled four-stroke V-twin engine with the Kawasaki Engine Braking Control (KEBC?) and utilizes the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS); selectable four-wheel drive with limited slip front differential; Variable Front Differential Control; and shaft drive. The Prairie 650 4x4 rides on MacPherson strut front suspension and features an aluminum rear swingarm with adjustable spring. Dual-piston front disc brakes and an exclusive sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake provides abundant stopping power. Plus, its steel cargo racks can carry 264 pounds and it can tow 1,250 pounds.

The Prairie 650 4x4 ATV is available in Aztec Red or Hunter Green and has a suggested retail price of $6,999. It is also available in REALTREE? Advantage Classic? camouflage for a suggested retail price of $7,299.

Some of the top features include:

" 90-degree, liquid-cooled, four-valves per cylinder 633cc four-stroke engine produces massive torque yet is exceptionally smooth running.
" Electronically controlled Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC) helps to slow the ATV when traversing steep downhills.
" Fully automatic transmission has high and low forward gears plus reverse, so no shifting is required.
" Selectable four-wheel drive gives the rider the ability to choose two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The limited-slip front differential permits easy turning, yet the rider can utilize the Variable Front Differential Control to "lock" the front wheels for maximum traction on difficult terrain.
" Dual-piston caliper front disc brakes provide aggressive stopping power and are complemented by the industry's first sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear braking system.
" Aluminum swingarm is sturdy and lightweight, and the shock features adjustable spring preload.
" A fully digital instrument panel provides the rider important information at a glance.

Bayou 250	Bayou 300	Bayou 300 4x4	KFX 50	KFX 80
Mohave	KFX 400	Prairie 360	Prairie 360 4x4	Prairie 650

Kawasaki Motors Corp USA
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine CA 92618
949-770-0400

http://www.kawasaki.com