Contenu
Well known for its recreational and street-legal motorcycles, Kawasaki Motor Company has also manufactured ATVs since 1981. The manufacturer has released a new 250-cubic-centimeter (cc) version of the Bayou sport utility quad, one of its best-selling models, for 2011. It also offered a 300 cc version from 2001 to 2004, with similar specifications each year.
Engineering
In its final year, the Bayou 300 came equipped with a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a single overhead camshaft and a Keihin CVK32 carburetor. The engine has a displacement of 290 cc (17.70 cubic inches), a bore (cylinder diameter) of 2.99 inches, a stroke (piston traveling distance) of 2.52 inches, a compression ratio of 8.6 to 1.0 and a maximum torque of 16.6 foot-lbs. at 5,500 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Systems
Featuring an electric and recoil starter, the 04 Bayou 300 has a battery and coil ignition system and takes NGK DR8EA spark plugs. It also has a wet sump lubricator and features a 12-volt, 14-amp-hour battery. For headlamps, the 04 Bayou takes 12-volt, 25/25-watt bulbs. For its taillights, it takes 12-volt, 8/27-watt bulbs.
Transmission
The 04 Bayou 300 comes with a constant-mesh, return shift transmission with five speeds plus reverse. The quad also features a shaft driving system, an automatic centrifugal wet primary clutch and a wet, multi-disk secondary system. It has a primary reduction ratio of 2.888 and an overall drive ratio of 10.858.
Chassis and Tires
Built on a tubular, double-cradle frame, the 2004 Bayou 300 features a caster angle of three degrees and a trail of 0.51 inches. It takes tubeless tires, size AT 22 x 9-10 up front and AT 24 x 11-10 in the rear.
Measurements
Weighing 498 lbs. without fuel, the 04 Bayou 300 quad measures 75.20 inches in length, 45.67 inches in width and 41.93 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 47.64 inches, a front track of 32.8 inches and a rear track of 33.2 inches. A large ground clearance of 7.68 inches allows for more room to maneuver on bumpy trails. The Bayou 300 has a fuel tank capacity of 2.4 gallons and an engine oil capacity of 1.8 quarts.
