my father in law tried to use a kawasaki while elk hunting in colorado and new mexico. his favorite was in chama.the kawasaki always had problems. he started taking my yamha and never had a problem. i put a k&n power kit and supertrapp exhaust on mine. it went everywhere he and the guide needed. so your theory does not hold water.his best elk before he died was a 7x7. it scored a little over 360. he puleed a small wagon back with the elk loaded on it.