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Kawasaki reckon big is
best when it comes to four wheels April 28th, 2004 - By, Trevor Hedge |
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Kawasaki reckon big is
best when it comes to four wheels April 28th, 2004 - By, Trevor Hedge |
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Kawasaki have gone big with their latest ATV workhorse. They are
claiming a modest 34kw (46hp) from their new 697cc machine but
the impressive numbers come in the torque department, 60N-m at
5,000rpm will ensure that this 273kg beast gets along quite
nicely. Another benefit of having all that grunt is that the
KVF700 is rated to tow over 550kg. The engine is derived from the sporting KFX700 ATV but to cater for the four wheel drive and probable agricultural duties the 90-degree v-twin has been modified to produce as much torque as possible. The engine cases, cylinder heads and pair of 32mm Keihin carburettors come directly from the KFX700. The single overhead cam four-valve design is a well proven combination and should provide many years of trouble free use. As you would expect, starting the machine only requires the press of a button. Those that still don’t trust the magic can take solace in the fact that a recoil back up is also provided. A continuously variable transmission means there is no need to change gears, but the rider can choose between two and four wheel drive at the flip of a switch. Another feature the rider can use to maximise traction is an interesting new variable differential control. When in four wheel drive the rider can control how much slip the differential will allow through to the front wheels. This is achieved by adjusting a lever on the left handlebar which allows you to effectively lock the front diff if one wheel is spinning too much on a rough incline. Kawasaki are the only manufacturer to offer such a feature on an ATV machine. That system can aid you in getting up rough and slippery slopes, but Kawasaki have also developed a system whereby the machine helps you to go down slopes also. Smart electronics control the amount of engine compression braking applied in relation to ground speed when traversing down steep angles. At the controls the rider can operate the pair of front disc brakes or the interesting multi disc wet brake system at the rear of the machine. The MacPherson strut front suspension is very popular, and with good reason. The set-up on the KVF700 offers 170mm of travel while the rear aluminium swingarm moves through a 183mm arc. Ground clearance is a generous 192mm at the differential, and 240mm in the centre of the chassis. While the KVF700 can tow over half a ton, it can also carry a hefty 80kg on the rear luggage rack and 40kg at the front, adding even more versatility to the machine. Rider comfort is something also catered for with a large and well padded seat, along with adjustable footpegs and large running boards. However the seat height is quite high at 870mm Instrumentation is quite comprehensive with an LCD speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, clock and hour meter. Indicator lights are provided for neutral, low fuel, 4wd/2wd and reverse. A pair of powerful 45-watt lights illuminate the tracks at night. At $14290 the KVF700 certainly isn’t one of the cheaper ATV machines on the market. However the extremely high level of specification means that all those extra features will definitely be appreciated by the man, or woman, on the land. SPECS - Kawasaki KVF700
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