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KAWASAKI UNVEILS ALL-NEW
PRAIRIE® 360 4X4 SPORT UTILITY ATV
Mid-class ATV features big-bore technology
Following
the introduction of the industry-leading Prairie®
650 all-terrain vehicle (ATV), Kawasaki Motors Corp.,
U.S.A., has unveiled another new ATV that promises
to keep the company in the technological lead.
The new Prairie 360 4x4 utilizes much of the same
technology found on the Prairie 650 4x4, but with
its single-cylinder engine displacing 362cc, it
is targeted toward the mid-size 4x4 segment. Also,
the Prairie 360 4x4 will be available in all-new
Aztec Red, REALTREE® Advantage Classic® camouflage
or traditional Hunter Green.
"Mid-class sport utility ATVs continue to evolve,
as do their many uses," said Vince Iorio, ATV marketing
manager, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. "The Prairie
360 4x4 gives the discriminating ATV buyer the best
of a 300cc ATV, such as light steering and maneuverability,
but with the higher torque of a 400cc ATV. Kawasaki
has even gone several steps farther by incorporating
the most advanced features of the industry-leading
Prairie 650. The result is an ATV with unmatched
comfort, reliability and technology."
The Prairie 360 4x4 is powered by an air-cooled,
SOHC, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The new
engine produces more torque than Kawasaki's venerable
Prairie 300, yet the overall powerplant weighs less
than its smaller sibling.
Technology from the Prairie 650 has trickled down
to the transmission and running gear of the new
Prairie 360 4x4 in that it utilizes the Kawasaki
Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS) and features
the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC™). KEBC
uses engine compression to help slow the ATV in
technical maneuvers such as crawling over rocks
or descending steep downgrades. The gear selector,
which features high-low and reverse modes, has also
been borrowed from the Prairie 650 and is conveniently
located adjacent to the 3.5-gallon fuel tank.
Complimenting
the automatic transmission is selectable, shaft-driven
four-wheel drive. At the touch of a button, the
Prairie 360 4x4 rider can choose two-wheel drive
for less difficult terrain, or select four-wheel
drive when traction at all four wheels is needed.
Like all Kawasaki Prairie ATVs, the Prairie 360
4x4 features a limited-slip front differential,
so steering is light and more precise. It also includes
Kawasaki's exclusive Variable Front Differential
Control, another technology that has trickled down
from the Prairie 650. By pulling a lever on the
left handlebar, the rider can "lock" both front
wheels for maximum traction. When riders feel that
maximum front wheel traction is no longer needed,
they simply release the lever. The system is both
simple and effective.
Stopping power for the Prairie 360 4x4 is provided
by dual, floating front disc brakes and are assisted
by a sealed, oil-bathed multi-disc system on the
rear—another Kawasaki exclusive. As an integrated
part of the aluminum swingarm and shaft drive, the
sealed braking system provides superior stopping
power, yet requires minimal maintenance because
it is protected from water, mud, dust and debris.
The chassis of this new model further enhances Kawasaki's
reputation for designing smooth-riding and light-steering
ATVs. Front suspension duties are handled by supple
yet sturdy MacPherson struts with 6.7 inches of
travel, while a sporty, single-shock aluminum swingarm
with 7.0 inches of travel is mounted at the rear.
The
Prairie 360 4x4 bodywork has familiar Kawasaki styling,
yet it projects a uniquely muscular image. A large
saddle, full-sized floor boards with adjustable
footpegs, and steel cargo racks that can carry a
combined weight of 242 pounds give the Prairie 360
4x4 rider the comfort and convenience needed for
long trail rides or work in the fields. Powerful
dual halogen headlights brighten the pathway and
a hitch bracket is standard. To enhance ride quality
and stability, the Prairie 360 4x4 rides on 12-inch
wheels at all four corners.
The Prairie 360 4x4 has a suggested retail price
of $5,499 and is also available in camouflage for
$5,799. Plus, the Prairie 360 4x4 comes with a six-month
warranty that can be extended up to three additional
years.
2003 KAWASAKI PRAIRIE® 360 4X4 ATV
The
Prairie 360 4x4 is the new mid-class sport utility
ATV leader and is perfect for hunting, farming and
adventure enthusiasts. It is powered by an air-cooled
SOHC four-stroke single-cylinder engine and utilizes
the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS),
so no shifting is required once the transmission
is placed into high or low range or reverse. Plus,
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC™) uses the engine’s
compression to help slow the ATV.
The Prairie 360 4x4 combines selectable shaft-driven
four-wheel drive with Kawasaki’s exclusive Variable
Front Differential Control, so the rider can decide
how much torque to deliver to both front wheels.
Stopping power is provided by dual front disc brakes
and Kawasaki’s exclusive sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
rear brake system. Other features include MacPherson
strut front suspension, swingarm rear suspension,
and cargo racks that can carry 242 pounds. The Prairie
360 4x4 can also tow 1,100 pounds.
The
Prairie 360 4x4 is available in Aztec Red or Hunter
Green and has a suggested retail price of $5,499.
It is also available in REALTREE® Advantage Classic®
camouflage and has a suggested retail price of $5,799.
Some of the top features include:
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All-new air-cooled SOHC 362cc four-stroke engine
delivers stump-pulling, hill-climbing power,
providing the best combination of performance
and simplicity.
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Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS)
transmission features high and low ranges plus
reverse, providing the perfect gear ratio for
every riding situation. Plus, the Kawasaki Engine
Brake Control (KEBC) utilizes the engine’s compression
to help slow the Prairie 360 4x4 on steep hills
and when towing heavy loads.
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Selectable four-wheel drive can be activated
with the flip of a switch—simple and quick.
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Exclusive Kawasaki Variable Front Differential
Control lets the rider decide how much torque
to deliver to both front wheels.
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Dual front disc brakes provide superior stopping
power to the front wheels; Kawasaki’s exclusive
sealed oil-bathed multi-disc rear brake system
provides superior rear braking power yet requires
practically no maintenance and is protected
from mud, dust, debris and water.
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Front and rear cargo racks can carry a total
of 242 pounds.
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Full-sized floorboards with adjustable serrated
footpegs provide superior comfort and help protect
the rider’s feet from mud and debris.
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Smooth-riding MacPherson strut front suspension
provides 6.7 inches of travel while the rear
swingarm with adjustable shock provides 7.0
inches of travel.
2003 KAWASAKI PRAIRIE® 360 4X4 ATV SPECIFICATIONS
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Engine:
Air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke, single cylinder
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Displacement: 362cc
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Bore x stroke: 80.0 x 72.0mm
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Compression ratio: 8.3:1
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Carburetion: Keihin CVK34
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Starting: Electric with recoil backup
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Transmission: Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive
System (KAPS) with KEBC™ (Kawasaki Engine Brake
Control) and high/low range plus reverse
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Final drive: Selectable 2x4/4x4 with
Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
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Frame type: Double cradle, steel
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Suspension, front/wheel travel: MacPherson
strut/6.7 in.
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Suspension, rear/wheel travel: Swingarm
with single shock with preload adjustment/7.0
in.
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Tires, front: AT25 x 8-12 tubeless
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Tires, rear: AT25 x 10-12 tubeless
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Brakes, front: Dual hydraulic discs
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Brakes, rear: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
system
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Overall length: 81.3 in.
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Overall width: 97.4 in.
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Wheelbase: 49.2 in.
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Ground clearance: (at center of chassis/at
rear axle) 9.8/7.7 in.
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Seat height: 35.0 in.
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Lighting, headlights: 30W x 2 (halogen)
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Rack capacity, front/rear: 88/154 lbs.
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Towing capacity: 1,100 lbs
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Fuel capacity: 3.5 gal.
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Footpegs: Adjustable
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Colors: Aztec Red, REALTREE® Advantage
Classic® camouflage or Hunter Green
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Suggested retail price: $5,499 and $5,799
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