2000 Prairie 400 4x4 will not go over 20-25 mph

[texashunter]

I just bought this used, first Kawasaki I have owned could not give it a decent test ride (two flats with sidewall gashes) but it started up first try everything worked drove it up in the truck bed no problems. Get the tires on it and go for a test ride runs real good no noises engine runs smooth it just wont exceed 20-25 mph I pulled off the right side belt cove to check for trash in the belt found nothing? the air filter was ripped but ran the same even when I removed the air filter has anyone come across this issue any help would be greatfull

[BassMaster]

When you push the throttle all the way does it rev high?

[texashunter]

No not at all it just acts like 20 is its top speed everything up to 20 is ok kinda lacks balls at first take off but im sure thats just the all time 4x4

[texashunter]

There is a knob I beleive to be an Idle adjustment knob perhaps on the left side down by the pull start could that have anything to do with it? also there is a throttle stop bolt in the thumb lever I removed it for full throttle problem still there????????????

[ATERNIE]

TXHunter, I have a 2002 KAW 650 Prairie that was doing the same thing. It took me forever to diagnose the problem. It was actually th brakes. My brakes were stuck on. It is hard for an ATV to go very fast with the brakes stuck on. Try checking that. If that is the problem, you will need new brakes as it wore mine down to metal. Now mine is running quite nice. It will do almost 60 now.

[Raptor700RSE]

Not sure about utes, but on sport quads there is a governor screw on the thumb throttle. Make sure it is out and not limiting the throttle range.

[pablatv]

TXHunter, I have a 2002 KAW 650 Prairie that was doing the same thing. It took me forever to diagnose the problem. It was actually th brakes. My brakes were stuck on. It is hard for an ATV to go very fast with the brakes stuck on. Try checking that. If that is the problem, you will need new brakes as it wore mine down to metal. Now mine is running quite nice. It will do almost 60 now.

Although I am amazed to know all this and how brakes can effect the speed performance but I think this didn't happen to all.

[coupedehille]

did you ever figure this out? the first guy asked if it revs all the way up when you floor it. if there's a problem with the belt sensor it will only give you about half throttle before a rev limiter kicks in.

if that's not it, when you've got it floored and you're riding is the engine revving up all the way? does it act like it's laboring or fighting against itself? if that's the case then I'd suspect what the guy said about the brakes dragging. that's one I haven't heard before. you should be able to pick the bike up off of the ground and turn the wheels by hand to see if it's the brakes dragging. if it's not laboring and it's just hitting full throttle but still going slow it could be that the belt is worn and slipping, or the clutch needs to be adjusted to squeeze tighter on the belt. let us know what you find. good luck.

[yamaha669]

I have this same exact problem with a 2002 prairie 400. It is stumping me. I went through the carb and it is clean the belt looks good the compression is about 100 psi. Im not sure what the specs are though for this quad because for the life of me I cannot find a service manual to download on the internet. Any ideas??????? anything at all? or any help with specs such as valve clearances, compression, and belt specs would be greatly appreciated

thanks

[yamaha669]

anyone with any info????????????????????