Ergonomics/Braking The 360 is an ergonomic breakthrough, we have long awaited an ATV with a more aggressive seating stature. Higher handlebars and a raised fuel tank make room for the seat to be much more foreword and actually contour up on to the fuel tank. The secret to any aggressive riding technique is standing up and leaning foreword as this increases the rider/machine center of balance. Finally, we see a machine that incorporates the foreword stature of the rider. We found ourselves standing up less, in many
situations our test riders could comfortably stay seated and ride through some aggressive areas. Kawasaki did not stop there, they kept on going with adjustable boot grips incorporated into each of the floorboards. The floorboards are another customized feature that may vary with different riders. A full selection of controls such as an illuminated 4-wheel drive, neutral and reverse indicators along with belt and oil warning indicators standardize the new Prairie. Gas gauge, optional speedometer with LED trip meter and 12-volt outlet are all with in easy view of the rider. An easy-to-use shift lever is placed on the thumb throttle side of the machine, just to the right side of the fuel tank. If we could change something from an ergonomic standpoint, we would move the shift lever to the left side in order to create shifting from reverse to foreword with the left hand and using the thumb throttle with the right. This only makes sense when using the ATV in any working situations. Two 30-watt Halogen headlights and a combination brake-taillight complete the lighting package. The 360 has a maximum 1,100 lb. of class leading towing capacity. Taking gear along with you on the trail shouldn’t be any problem, a covenant storage
compartment has been placed in the rear and ample rack space is provided (88lb Front & 154lb Rear). We found excellent under body protection with a sufficient under belly skid plate, strong front bumper and AT25x8-12 tires front and AT25x10-12 tires rear. The complete Prairie 360 package catches the eye, but the new available Aztec Red color makes the unit unmistakable. Well, we know the Prairie has more than enough power to climb any hill but how is its braking power? We’d have to say superior, the combination of front hydraulic disk brakes and a sealed rear oil-bathed multi-disk wet brake system prove the point. The rear brake is interrogated into the rear all aluminum swing arm, along with the rear drive shaft. As the drive shaft passes through the rear swing arm a five disk wet brake system interrupts power to the rear wheels and actually applies a very positive braking action. This type of brake works very well; it keeps dirt out and extends the life of your rear braking action extensively. The unit also comes with a hand-lever mounted emergency brake, just click it in and click out. In all cases we felt the braking of the new Prairie was predictable and positive, very nice.
jobs more and more. What is supposed to be considered work we find to be fun and enjoyable. We love riding and analyzing new models, giving our views on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s not. Needless to say, our arrival at the press launch in Moab, Utah, gave us a whole lot of excitement. The New 360 Prairie uses all the big and cutting edge features of the larger Prairie 650 and also through in a few of it’s own surprises. The ergonomic feel of the 360 convinced us right off we were going to like this unit. Large machine feel, light effective steering, superior traction, positive braking, new ergonomic stance and a price that makes the unit irresistible. We know Kawasaki is on the right track, producing simple yet innovative models. Another thumbs up!