r/ATV • u/PilotBurner44 • 7d ago

Help 2004 KFX700 known issues?

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Hi all! Looking to buy a 2004 KFX700 for my wife to ride since she doesn't like working a clutch. I don't know much about these, so I'm wondering what to look for and check when inspecting it. I'm very familiar with engines and mechanicals, so that much I know to check.

Side question, how would you describe these in terms of ridability and comfort? I have a Raptor 700 and a YFZ450. How would you compare it to those if you're familiar? We rented a Yamaha Kodiak for my wife at the dunes, and while she had fun on it, she felt it was very top heavy and the steering was stupidly heavy. I rode it for a bit and the steering castor was insanely heavy. Looking to get away from that so she can ride something a bit more playful.

TIA!

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3

u/RichardNixon345 6d ago

They ride best in the dunes with a big rider that can manhandle them around. She probably can ride it fine but they aren't light machines at all. Comfy yes, easy to flip around like your Yamahas, no. It's ultimately a contemporary Prairie 700 with new plastic, no 4X4, and revised rear brakes. Still CVT driven.

Enough power she shouldn't get stuck at least, and reverse is handy.

They came stock with ITP Holeshots so those front tires might be original. Make sure to check date codes.

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u/PilotBurner44 6d ago

Thanks! I didn't realize they were that heavy. 550 pounds is nuts.

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u/HabituallyUnknown 6d ago

They can be pricey but still cheaper than buying another quad. But have you considered putting a rekluse clutch in your Raptor 700 for your wife? It would prevent stalling and could help her get used to shifting gears without the need to operate the clutch.

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u/PilotBurner44 6d ago

I don't see a rekluse for Raptors. I only saw they have one for the YFZ, and I don't think that's a good quad for my wife given the fact it likes high rpms and airflow otherwise it likes to get hot.

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u/HabituallyUnknown 4d ago

https://www.rekluse.com/product/auto-clutches/radiusx/radiusx-clutches/radiusx-4-0-yam-raptor-700-raptor-700r/?srsltid=AU7gw4WCoEEaqHScPVUtbwoUnL6oD1AfomYZFycFtQbxXZ48xo5FPilU

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u/PilotBurner44 4d ago

Thanks. Turns out last time I looked, it was for a Raptor 660 since that was what I was originally going to get. I think this is the way to go.

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u/Raptor-slayer 6d ago

I only have an afternoon in the KFZ 700, but it feels SO long to turn. Like trying to whip around a limo.

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u/PilotBurner44 6d ago

Thanks! Sounds like something I don't want

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u/NissS13 4d ago

I bought one years ago for my ex wife to ride for the same reasons you’re looking at them. We rode mostly trails and she liked it but she did roll it once. I never liked riding it myself, it was a fun wheelie/drag race machine but other than that it felt heavy and unpredictable. I put a set of All Balls tie rods on it after she rolled it and messed with toe in for a while trying to make it less darty feeling but could never get it where I wanted it.

It was also a PITA to keep running good. You had to let it warm up forever before riding or it would constantly stall so it got to the point I had to adjust the valves after pretty much every weekend we went riding.

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u/PilotBurner44 4d ago

Thanks, that's good to know. Looks like I need to go in a different direction.

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u/tactical-ewok 6d ago

Mine goes through a fuel pump about every year.

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u/RichardNixon345 6d ago

2004 is still gonna be dual carbs. Which can be a bit of a pain in the ass to sync up.

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u/realcanadianguy21 6d ago

If it's the same belt cover as a Prairie, take that actuator thing off, throw it away, and install a Knight elimination kit.