JD Trail Buck, vs Kawasaki Brute Force 650

[jd2210]

I've been getting a huge kick out of watching my dad agonize over a new atv purchase. During this time I've been pricing a new highway tractor and I honestly think my $150,000 purchase is getting less thought than his $8,000 purchase.

His big debate is between a Kawi 650 and a JD 650. Both dealers are freinds of the family and are within a few miles of his house. The Kawi is an 06 and the deere is an 05 with a huge rebate. He likes how the deere is easier to get on for my mom and the handy front storage bin. But he like the twin and fit and finish on the Kawi.

All of his riding buddies aren't helping either since they all have their own agenda. Within the last week I think at least 10 of them have been in the office for extended periods of time trying to argue the brand they love. He must have 20 brochures, DVD's and magazines on his desk by now.

Oh well, at least he seems to have it narrowed down to 2 brands now. Within a 1/2 hour drive of our house we can buy:Honda,Polaris, Kawasaki,Yamaha,Arctic Cat, Bombardier,Deere, Suzuki and of course now Canadian Tire is selling some off shore brand as well. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[jcmseven]

JD is despirate to move some of its Bombardier manufactured ATV's, so you might get a lot better deal on the JD. I love JD equipment and use it almost exclusively, have had good service with it and find it generally has features found not on other machines. BUT with ATV's I think they are not really knowledgeable, and it is possible the dealer would have to farm out some repair work. I prefer with ATV's getting one from a company that makes them, such as Kawasaki, so I would go with that unless the price is monstrously different.

John M

 

[jd2210]

yeah, I know what you mean about the lack of knowledge. It's definately a concern of his as well.

 

[goneandbrokeit]

I have had a Kawasaki Praire 650 for over about 2 years. It is similiar to the brute force except the brute has IRS ( independent rear suspsension) where the Prairie is a straight axle.
The engine is strong and I have been very happy with it. It a big heavy machine and perhaps a little wide.

 

[jd2210]

After everything was alll said and done he ended up with an arctic cat 650 from the same dealer as the kawasaki. Liked the rack system, hitch, twin, and ground clearance.

 

[jd2210]

After everything was alll said and done he ended up with an arctic cat 650 from the same dealer as the kawasaki. Liked the rack system, hitch, twin, and ground clearance.

 

[goneandbrokeit]

If this is the same model I think it is, it gets the engine /tranny from Kawasaki. I think he will be pleased with the performance and reliabilty.
Good luck! See pic for a Kawasaki,Kubota, Korvette.

 

[goneandbrokeit]

If this is the same model I think it is, it gets the engine /tranny from Kawasaki. I think he will be pleased with the performance and reliabilty.
Good luck! See pic for a Kawasaki,Kubota, Korvette.

 

[jd2210]

engine and tranny are both kawasaki. He loves it so far. Has 250 miles on it already. Last weekend we went riding together and I rode another fellas 700 efi Cat. I raced the old man and he took me with the 650. He's of course very proud of himself but I think it has something to do with the small tires on the 700 (the guy kept his tires off his 500)

 

[jd2210]

engine and tranny are both kawasaki. He loves it so far. Has 250 miles on it already. Last weekend we went riding together and I rode another fellas 700 efi Cat. I raced the old man and he took me with the 650. He's of course very proud of himself but I think it has something to do with the small tires on the 700 (the guy kept his tires off his 500)