|
Num Posts
Sort Order
|
4Xfloored
New User
| Posts: 34
| Joined: 10/03
Posted: 01/26/04
05:23 AM
|
|
I went riding Saturday morning. I didn’t, however, take my beloved Vinson. I rode my bud’s 650 Prairie. He’s keeping his quad at my house, while he’s out of town, for an extended period. The reason being, he doesn’t want her getting “cobbed-up”-heh, heh.
We recently installed bigger, more aggressive tires and a winch on the Prairie (Jim is 6’6”, 300+) to help him get through some of the deeper holes we wade on the trail(s). After doing so, he noticed a significant power loss. In rode the EPI clutch kit to the rescue! This was an easy install-after we rounded up a few of the required tools. I thought our shops had every tool we needed. Wrong! Lesson 1: One NEVER has enough tools!
Anyway, we got the kit in and bolted everything back up. Naturally we had to test it. At 9PM, we each rode down the field and back. After the startling clutch engagement lag (200-400 rpm stall is normal) we noticed a definite surge on the low end. Just how much remained to be seen. I stabbed the throttle at 10 mph and the #%@! stood straight up! Straight up enough that a tap to the rear brake was required to keep me off of my back! Thoughts raced through my head…..my Vinson, unlocked power, shredding trails more fiercely……Then I wondered how this boost would actually effect tight trails.
Fast forward to this past Saturday. I got to the trail head around 8:30AM. A long water hole leads to the first hill, then the hill shoots up directly to the left. There are three logs approx. 30 yards up the hill, then the incline goes virtually vertical. I shot over the top of the hill, tires spinning madly, and got some decent air. “Holy sh#t”! Now, I’ve read tons of tests in the magazines, and the term “arm stretching power” has, in my opinion, been over used. Well, here it is again: ARM STRECTCHING POWER! I now know the meaning of this term! I rode, uh, ripped for about an hour and a half, and literally blew through sections that were previously more time consuming. The power can be described as “on the edge of too much”. I know, I know, one can never have too much power. But, in some sections, this power delivery ramps the pucker factor way up! The only down side I experienced was increased fuel consumption ( the quad and myself). This might have been attributed to me not being able to keep my thumb from pinning the throttle!!!!
I was wondering if anyone else had installed one of these kits, and if so, what kind of effect(s) it had on the machine. More specifically, what kind of long term wear, if any, does this extra hit have on reliability. Any significant clutch wear/slippage? Any shredded or stretched belts? That kind of stuff. If anyone has any experience with these kits, his, or her, input would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
|
NTHEWND
User
| Posts: 51
| Joined: 11/03
Posted: 05/14/04
02:15 PM
|
|
4X
I just now noticed this post. My 650 was getting a little bit of belt squeel at 475 miles, 60 hours. Most guys put EPI'S 'Magic Black Spring' first thing, not me. Not being very mechanically inclined, I found a local guy to do the 'dirty work' and do it for me. While I like the performace that the spring gave me, The performance you described is just NORMAL for the MIGHTY 650 Kawasaki. LOL.
Later,
David
|
4Xfloored
New User
| Posts: 34
| Joined: 10/03
Posted: 05/16/04
06:07 PM
|
|
LOL! I've spent tons of saddle time around and on the MIGHTY PRAIRIE! Torque Monster! But, I can still hang with it on the "hair less mighty" Vinson. Must be my SRS- Superior Riding SKills!
Seriously, that is one wicked ride. The clutch kit made it scream. Does yours have that "pop rock" idle? J's sputters, fizzles and pops at idle, but runs fine in the R's above idle. He's had it in the shop at Blytheville, and they say that there's no problems. I've come to the conclusion that I'll probably go with the power kit-jets, filter, etc. then add the clutch later.
Speaking of quad-fix's.........A barge, 42 hopper string, hit the I-155 bridge over the Mississippi outside of Caruthersville earlier last week. Most of the string broke loose, but no damage to the bridge. 3 or 4 of the barges sunk, and quite a few ran aground along our trails. I think I'll ride down there Tuesday and see if the trail got re-routed. I'd kind of like to watch some of the recovery action anyway. The River has dropped about 12' in the past week, so most of the trail should be accessible. The State Gazette reported that the sunken barges were submerged in 30' deep water. It will be interesting to see if they are visible with the river dropping. I'll send some pic.s. If it's not low enough, I'm def. going Saturday. It's going to be nasty muddy regardless.....Can I get an Amen for the installation of my winch? Thank Ya'!
|
|
|
NTHEWND
User
| Posts: 51
| Joined: 11/03
Posted: 05/24/04
09:37 AM
|
|
Amen 4X!
I hope you don't go there alone. I remember when I got my first 4x4 machine, took it out the got stuck BIG TIME first thing.
My 650 ran ruff and was hard to idle for about the first 200 miles. It then straighten up after that. Even after the Black Spring I've never had to worry about any unwanted wheelies, In fact I've NEVER wheelied it! (getting too old for that I guess!) I'm working my tail off right now, I'm planning on taking off some time in July.
Later,
David
|