Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announced that the Prairie 650 4x4 sport utility all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is being replaced for 2004 by the new Prairie 700 4x4 ATV. As the new king of the big-bore 4x4 segment, the Prairie 700 4x4 boasts more engine displacement and more torque, and for those who haven't guessed yet, it has more than just a little influence from Kawasaki's ultra-high-performance KFX700 V Force sport ATV.

The Prairie 700 4x4 retains the main features of its predecessor, such as selectable four-wheel drive with variable locking differential control, the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS), dual front disc brakes and the Kawasaki-exclusive sealed rear braking system. The new V-twin four-stroke engine, however, borrows many of its parts from the recently introduced KFX700 V Force sport ATV.

Jim Williams, ATV product manager for Kawasaki, said engineers developed the original Prairie 650 V-twin engine with the knowledge that they would make continual refinements in power and overall performance, essentially creating a powerplant that would be utilized in several different models. The ultra-high-performance KFX700 V Force was another step up in performance, and now those upgrades are being applied
to the new Prairie 700 4x4 sport utility ATV.

"The rule for four-wheel drive ATV enthusiasts is that you can never have too much torque," said Williams. "So, we took many of the internals from the KFX700 V Force and put them into the Prairie 700 4x4, then tuned it for four-wheel drive applications."

In addition to the V Force-influenced powerplant, the Prairie 700 4x4 features redesigned cargo racks, front bumper and grille.

  And for hunting enthusiasts, the Prairie 700 4x4 is now available in REALTREE® Hardwoods® Green HD™ camouflage as well as Aztec Red and traditional Hunter Green. With its unique high-definition pattern, the Hardwoods Green replaces the Advantage Classic® camouflage offered on the Prairie 650.

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The liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin engine in the Prairie 700 4x4 displaces 697cc-64 more than the Prairie 650. The engine cases, cylinders, cylinder heads, dual Keihin CVKR-D32 carburetors, and bore and stroke are the same as the KFX700 V Force.

Power from the V-twin engine is transferred through KAPS, Kawasaki's continuously variable transmission, to dependable shaft drive. Plus, with the flip of a switch, the Prairie 700 4x4 rider can select two- or four-wheel drive operation.

The Prairie 700 4x4 also features Kawasaki's exclusive Variable Front Differential Control. When operating in four-wheel drive, the rider can pull a small lever on the left handlebar to vary the amount of differential slip. This helps the rider control the power delivered to each front wheel, so the wheel with traction will always receive some torque, a decided advantage when encountering deep mud or slippery uphill trails.

The Prairie 700 4x4 braking system has stopping power equal to its enhanced V-twin engine, with dual front disc brakes and the Kawasaki-exclusive oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake system to give the rider maximum control.

To assist the operator when crawling over rocky terrain or descending steep hills, the Prairie 700 4x4 also features Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (K-EBC™). K-EBC electronically monitors ground speed and uses the engine's compression to help slow the ATV.

To provide a smooth, comfortable ride becoming of a Kawasaki, the Prairie 700 4x4 rides on MacPherson strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and a rear aluminum swingarm with 7.2 inches of travel.
Other Prairie 700 4x4 comforts include a large saddle and adjustable footpegs atop full-sized floorboards. Plus, the new cargo racks can carry 264 pounds. Even with an increase in engine displacement, torque and total power output, the Prairie 700 4x4 has a 602-pound dry weight-two pounds less than its predecessor.

And like the previous model, the V-twin is shorter than most single-cylinder engines so it has a lower center of gravity for added stability.

2004 KAWASAKI PRAIRIE® 700 4X4 ATV
Features and Benefits:
" 90-degree, 697cc four-stroke engine shares many of the design features of the KFX700 V Force sport ATV, giving it class-leading performance and the torque four-wheel drive enthusiasts demand.

" Kawasaki Automatic-Power Drive System 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.

" Electronically controlled Kawasaki Engine Brake Control helps to slow the ATV when traversing steep downhills.

" 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.

" MacPherson strut front suspension gives a smooth, comfortable ride.

" 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.

" All-new bumper, front grille and cargo racks are rugged and practical-the racks can carry 264 pounds.

" Optional REALTREE® Hardwoods® Green HD™ camouflage has a unique pattern to help the Prairie 700 4x4 "blend in" with the natural green surrounding of a favorite hunting blind.

" Towing hitch comes standard.

Information about the Prairie 700 4x4 ATV 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 and to respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI).

Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887.