ATV TEST: 2016 Suzuki KingQuad 500 & 750

Suzuki has been an avid supporter of the ATV scene since they introduced their first quad back in 1983, the LT125D. The introduction of the youth LT50 opened the door to the world of exploration to families and young riders all around. Technology has progressed over the years with the introduction of four-stroke and 4×4 ATVs, and Suzuki has moved forward with new ideas and features for their current models. Currently, released in their 2016 lineup is the newly improved KingQuad 500 and 750. To list a few new upgraded features on these machines, Suzuki changed the front bodywork design and added winch-ready mounts. We recently got a chance to swing a leg over these newly improved machines, and this is what we thought of them.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE
The KingQuad 500 and 750 have many of the same features, with the main difference being the powerplant. For the 750, it features a powerful 722cc, DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke engine with the cylinder cantered forward 48 degrees for a lower center of gravity and shorter seat height. The 500 features a 493cc, SOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine. The air intake has been designed above the engine to help reduce the risk of water entering the engine. Both intake and exhaust vents for the CVT are also routed to the upper portion of the vehicle.

The power is very smooth with enough grunt to pull the front wheels off the ground if you really wanted to. Each machine features a lightweight aluminum cylinder with the Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating for heat transfer, and Suzuki claims it results in excellent combustion chamber efficiency. The EFI system helps to auto-tune the fuel and ignition mapping when riding in areas that have altitude changes. To help keep the engine running at cool temperatures, a high-capacity aluminum radiator with a thermostatically controlled fan was installed on the new models.

As with most 4x4s, the KingQuads use a CVT-type automatic transmission with an automotive-style gate shifter. To move you forward you have the option of high and low range, along with push-button controls for 2WD or 4WD with a diff-lock option. When in reverse, Suzuki equipped this machine with an over-ride button that changes the rev limiter to a higher rpm.

HANDLING AND SUSPENSION
To help with handling, Suzuki equipped these models with Electronic Power Steering. You still have the option of getting a non-EPS model to save on cost, but we suggest spending a little extra for the power steering. The EPS helps make the steering more manageable over rough terrain, acting almost like an aftermarket steering stabilizer. The non-EPS units had a twitchy feel in the steering and required a lot more work and effort over harsh terrain to keep the front tires pointed where you wanted them. Both powerplants are equipped with engine braking that will allow you to slowly creep down hills and not freewheel when the throttle is chopped. The KingQuad has independent front A-arm suspension with 6.7 inches of wheel travel and fiveway spring preload-adjustable shock absorbers. We set our front shocks to the third setting from the softest for our riding style, and it felt great. In the rear you will find independent, A-arm/Ibeam rear suspension with 7.7 inches of wheel travel with large-diameter, five-way-adjustable shocks.

TEST RIDE
The power delivery on each machine is very controllable without being too aggressive or too mellow. You can cruise the trails with ease, and when you want to really get going, the power is right there on demand. To help you slow down or come to a stop, you have dual-hydraulic disc brakes up front and a sealed oil-bathed multi-disc for the rear. We’d rate the braking power as very responsive with a good feel. The suspension was very plush going over exposed tree roots and ruts. When riding, you have sturdy floorboards with a raised footpeg for solid foot traction. The handlebars don’t sit too low, which makes for a great riding position. Suzuki has equipped their KingQuads with a plush seat that doesn’t wear you out after hours of riding. We did find the hand grips to be a bit firm with not much cushioning. The 4WD system on the 500 and 750 work great with the options of 2WD, 4WD and diff-lock to help get you through whatever sticky situation you might get into.

To keep your belongings safe, Suzuki has added a front water-resistant storage compartment with a 2.8-liter capacity and a small storage box at the rear of the machine. Steeltube cargo racks on the front and rear allow you to carry larger items that you may need on the trail. These racks allow for easy tie-down points to secure your items. You can purchase a full line of accessories through Suzuki to customize your machine to your liking and needs, such as rack extensions, front and rear bumpers, snow plow, or windshield.

SPECS
KINGQUAD 750 KINGQUAD 500 KINGQUAD 400
Engine…………………………..722cc, DOHC, 4-stroke…….493cc, SOHC, 4-stroke……..376cc,OHC, 4-stroke
Bore x stroke………………….104mm x 85mm………………..87.5mm x 82.0mm…………….82mm x 71.2mm
Fuel system……………………EFI……………………………………EFI……………………………………EFI
Fuel capacity………………..4.6 gal ……………………………..4.6 gal ……………………………..4.2 gal
Starting system……………..Electric…………………………….Electric…………………………….Electric
Final drive…………………….CVT………………………………….CVT………………………………….V-belt
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front…………………………….Double A-arm/6.7″…………..Double A-arm/6.7″…………..Double A-arm/ 6.7″
Rear…………………………….A-arm/7.7″………………………..Double A-arm/7.7″…………..Swingarm/6.7″
Tires:
Front…………………………….25×8-12……………………………..25×8-12……………………………..25×8-12
Rear…………………………….25×10-12……………………………25×10-12……………………………25×10-12
Brakes:
Front…………………………….Twin rotor disc…………………Twin rotor disc…………………Twin rotor disc
Rear…………………………….Sealed oil-bath multi-disc.Sealed oil-bath multi disc.Drum
Wheelbase…………………….50.6″………………………………….50.6″………………………………….50.0″
Length/width/height……..83.3″/47.6″/ 50.6″………………..83.3″/47.6″/50.6″…………………81.1″/45.1″/48.0″
Ground clearance…………10.2″………………………………….10.2″………………………………….9.8″
Total rack capacity……….380 lb……………………………….380 lb……………………………….380 lb.
Curb weight………………….672 lb……………………………….661 lb……………………………….628 lb.
Colors…………………………….Flame Red, Terra Green,..Terra Green, Flame Red…Terra Green, Flame Red,
True Timber Camo True Timber Camo
MSRP…………………………….$8599–$9199……………………..$7399–$8299……………………..$6499–$6899