2019 SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750AXi
First test of a new 4x4 quad from Suzuki
By the staff of Dirt Wheels
2019 SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750AXi
Suzuki has stayed almost out of range of the new-ATV radar for the past 10 years. The lineup has had minimal changes, except for the discontinuation of Suzuki’s legendary sport quads, including the LT-R450 and QuadSport 400. The KingQuad line has remained strong, but without many alterations or improvements to the machines. Finally, Suzuki has introduced the most extensive and biggest improvements to its ATV line in a decade. The all-new 2019 Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi and 750AXi are here! We got our hands on a 750AXi Special Edition and put it through our stress test.
IT’S ALL NEW
The 2019 KingQuad 750AXi comes in a few flavors. The base-model 750AXi comes without electronic power steering, has steel wheels and comes in either red or green. If you graduate to the next version of the Suzuki, EPS comes standard, and you can have camouflage or a white color scheme. Next, Suzuki offers the 750AXi in a SE version that comes with cast-aluminum wheels and EPS comes standard. White is the only color option for that model. And last, the SE+ version of the KingQuad 750AXi comes with aluminum wheels in color options of matte black or matte bronze.
2019 SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750AXi
POWER CHANGES
Much has been updated and changed on this machine for 2019. The 722cc, DOHC, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, electronically fuel-injected, single-cylinder Suzuki engine has an updated ignition system to help provide smooth and powerful torque delivery. The internals have been modified for more durability. A piston oil jet has been added to the crankcase of the engine. This sprays oil on the underside of the piston so the piston will run cooler and have increased lubrication. Suzuki also increased the main rotor thickness in the oil pump so it can now output more oil and assist in keeping the engine running well.
The new 2019 KingQuad transmission is still Suzuki’s Quadmatic fully automatic CV-style. Suzuki made changes to the transmission’s clutches to increase the low-end torque and improve the engine braking. The KQ’s powerplant now revs higher during deceleration. This was achieved by reducing the weight of the rollers in the drive pulley and increasing the spring’s strength, and new cams were installed.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
The frame is all new with thicker main-frame tubes and stronger suspension mounting points. Now that the frame is stronger and more rigid, the machine can tow 331 pounds more weight than the previous version. That lands it at 1,323 pounds of tow capacity. Instead of the prior plate-type hitch mounting location, Suzuki introduced a square 2-inch hitch receiver for 2019.
The stronger frame also means the machine has a larger rack capacity in the front and rear. The front can hold 66 pounds and the rear can handle 132 pounds of cargo. On top of all this, the KQ has a new storage bin that sits below the restyled LED taillight.
2019 SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750AXi
HANDLING IMPROVEMENT
Suzuki has changed a lot of the handling aspects of the AXi model. The shocks are gas-charged coil-overs claimed to have better damping due to larger shock bodies and increased internal valving. The shocks are spring preload adjustable. The front dual-A-arm suspension has 6.7 inches of travel, while the rear independent suspension has 7.7 inches of wheel travel. The brakes have been updated with improved pads in the front and better brake lines that provide a smoother and more accurate braking feel with a new lever ratio all around. The fronts are still hydraulic disc, while the rear remains a sealed and oil-bathed multi-disc brake.
One of the largest complaints we have had with the KingQuad in the past is the steering. They have steered so lightly that they bordered on twitchy. It was like Suzuki opted for quick and nimble geometry to allow a nimble feel and reactive steering feel for slow, technical riding. It came at the expense of a calm and planted feel at higher speeds.
For 2019 Suzuki claims to have changed the steering geometry from an over-steering condition to more under-steering. The taller handlebar height might also help this quad become more comfortable to ride. Working in concert with the new geometry, Suzuki says it has upped the EPS output by 40 percent, and that gets stiffer the faster you ride.
And last, the rear stabilizer bar has been increased in strength and has a new shape, but the bushings used on the connection points are softer than previous models. These changes are supposed to increase its effectiveness.
FIRST RIDE
We were fortunate enough to test this machine where it belongs—the woods. We zipped through tight trees and ripped around bushes, climbed over boulders and even rode through streams. Our first comments on the Suzuki are focused on its steering and handling. The shocks worked great. They don’t have the most travel, but they suck up the chop and hard hits better than we expected. The steering on the other hand provided conflicting opinions. It is great in tight sections, except that the EPS needs to be turned up a notch. The steering geometry feels more stable at high speeds, but at times we notice the twitchy feeling we are used to with Suzuki KingQuads and other 4x4s.
2019 SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750AXi
It is very comfortable to ride, and the cockpit is roomy with nice hand controls. The 4×4 system is solid and even comes with a locking front differential. The engine is still stout and smooth with more low-end power. The fully automatic transmission is smooth and shifts easily through the forward high and low gears, neutral and reverse. Add the fact that this machine has more storage and tows more weight, and you have a great tool for work or play. The body styling is sharp, and we enjoyed riding the new 2019 KingQuad 750AXi EPS SE.
THAT’S ABOUT IT
Aside from more impressive and aggressive body styling for the KingQuad 750AXi, Suzuki added only a few more new goodies. The handlebar now holds a headlight that turns with the bar, so you have three lights with high- and low-beam control. The LCD instrument panel has been updated and is supposed to be easier to view with more capabilities than before. We are excited to get our hands on this new quad and put it to a longer and more exhaustive test! By the time you read this, you can go to your local Suzuki dealer and check the all-new 2019 KingQuad out! Going to www.suzuki.com will also get you to the new machine and the rest of the ATV lineup!
2019 SUZUKI KINGQUAD 750AXi EPS SE
Engine Single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
Displacement 749cc Bore x stroke 104mm x 85mm
Starter Electric
Fuel system EFI
Fuel capacity 4.6 gal.
Transmission Automatic CVT
Final drive Shaft
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms w/ 6.7”
Rear Dual A-arms w/ 7.7”
Brakes:
Front Dual hydraulic discs
Rear Sealed Multi Disc
Tires:
Front 25×8-12
Rear 25×10-12
Length/width/height 83.3”/47.6”/50.6”
Ground clearance 10.2”
Wheelbase 50.6”
Curb weight 672 lb.
Rack capacity:
Front 66 lb.
Rear 132 lb.
Towing capacity 1323 lb.
Colors White
Price N/A
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