Kawasaki 360 4 wheeler questions

[KP]

Does anyone here have any comments on a Kawasaki 360 4WD ATV? I'm not sure of the model, but I'm looking at a used 2005. Just wondering about the durability of the engine and drive train.

[Old Syko]

The 360 is reliable enough mechanically.  I rode the mountains of Harlan Co. Ky. yesterday with a guy who had one and the only thing I noticed was the lack of power compared to the big bores which meant he had some real problems in certain situations that some of the rest of us didn't realize were situations at all.  The 360 is basically the same bike as the bigger Prairies but with much less engine.  I don't think a 360 would pull a trailer I use here without being a problem as it is all the 650 can stand as it is.  If you can do with less power it may make you a good ride but it just depends on what your needs are.

[motordog80]

I have a 2003 prarie 360 it works fine for me on the flat groud in Indiana.  I'll let you know my only problems other than power have been the top speed of mine is around 35mph which isn't bad, and it's solid rear axle is a little rough on some terrain with bad mid to high speed cornering (wanting to ride up on three wheels).  But if you want a dependable low cost atv it might be ok.  
just my 2 cents

[markc]

They have always gotten positive reviews and ratings.  When they first came out, most ATV's were of a similar displacement.  That was before the big bore wars really got going.  Theres not much they won't do for you as long as you realize that it is not a 500cc or large quad. As has already been posted, they are solid and reliable.

[newdad]

the 360 is a reliable,bare bones, well priced atv. there not the fastest by any means but they have good torque down low and work great for hunting and low speed trail riding.

[Rwalter63]

From what I gathered while doing my research on ATV's, I just purchased a new ATV this May, is that the 360 is a decent unit. However there is one flaw you should be aware of and that is the belt transmission needs to be checked every 100 hours of operation by dealer or service engineer. The problem is Kawasaki put a timer on it and a governer. Once you hit the 100  hour mark the transmission drastically restricts power to the drive train until the belt is checked and the service is performed, The service is just the resetting of a switch and the inspection of the belt. Now that wouldn't be a problem if they included an hour meter on the ATV but they don't so unless you buy an after market hour meter and have it installed you have no idea when your going to run up against that 100 mark. I have heard of people being stuck in the deep snow miles from the home and having to have some one else pull them home. I choose a Yamaha 350 4x4 Bruin because of that since I live and ride in areas that get deep snow in the winter and lots of mud in the spring and fall.  I posted a link to the problem below. I also asked the dealer, he sold both yamaha and kawasaki and he said that it is still and issue in all their 360 models

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/question_list.asp?veh=8279

Well it looks like some one may have come up with some what of a solution sincel I last looked.

[markc]

Rwalter63, I can't say as I had ever heard or read about that 100 hr service requirement.  I wonder if that solution of switching the wires back and forth really works?   Anyone have a 360 and tried it, please chime in and let us know....

[30-30man]

This post is old but I will respond. I too bought a Yamaha Bruin 350.  I was told the same thing about the Kawasaki 360 by the dealer.  He sold Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki so he could care less which one I bought.  The Yamaha and Suzuki have a self adjusting belt.  The Honda does not have a belt.  The Yamaha was cheaper so I bought it......

[markc]

Although I like them all, if I was buying a mid size 4WD atv it would most likely be the old Yamaha Big Bear 400.  Next would be the Kodiak 450..

[Rwalter63]

This post is old but I will respond. I too bought a Yamaha Bruin 350.  I was told the same thing about the Kawasaki 360 by the dealer.  He sold Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki so he could care less which one I bought.  The Yamaha and Suzuki have a self adjusting belt.  The Honda does not have a belt.  The Yamaha was cheaper so I bought it......

Pretty much exactly the same thing when I bought my Yamaha, the dealer also sold Kawasaki and they confirmed to me that this is an issue with this ATV. They couldn'g of cared less which ATV I bought to so I went with the Yamaha, which was cheaper to.


As far as whether crossing the wires works for resetting the meter, I don't have an answer.