2016 Models - First on Four Wheels

Suzuki can make one claim no other manufacturer will ever be able to. As other manufacturers stuffed their dealers with three-wheelers, Suzuki was the first to add a fourth wheel and in doing so, changed the game forever. It was the biggest advancement in the sport before or since, and it made every machine after – performance and work oriented machines alike - far more capable.

Today the Suzuki lineup is still an ATV only club, but the models they do have are all well designed and built to last. Most of them are built at the Suzuki plant in Georgia, and the quality and workmanship is excellent. After a company reorganization a couple years back and the appointment of Rod Lopusnak, one of the best and most knowledgeable men in the business, to the head of the ATV program, you can bet we’ll be hearing a lot more from Suzuki soon. Lopusnak simply doesn’t know how to go at less than 110% and he’s got the wheels at Suzuki on the ground and turning again. Here is a quick rundown of the Suzuki lineup for 2016.

KINGQUAD 750 AXi - King of the Hill

The Suzuki KingQuad is the machine that started the big-bore revolution in ATVs by offering a powerful engine in a chassis with the handling to match it. No longer confined to just work duty, the KingQuad was ready for trail riding and play on the weekend, and it delivered in every way. Suzuki likes to say the KingQuads are trusted, rugged, and reliable, and we can vouch for that. We’ve owned a KingQuad 750 for most of a decade and we’ve used it for everything from pushing snow to pulling logs, with plenty of play riding along the way, and it has never let us down.

For 2016 Suzuki made a few updates to the KingQuad 750, creating a more efficient engine through a more complete burn. A second spark plug was added, a new multi-hole injector does a better job of atomizing fuel for the 42mm throttle body, and a catalyst in the exhaust keeps emissions to a minimum. At the front end the KingQuad 750 gets new bodywork behind the bumper, but the feel from behind the bars is identical to past models. We love the signature tee-bone seat, the bars and controls are right where they should be, and the shifting is outstanding. For any back and forth work, like plowing snow, nothing can beat the Suzuki for shifting. We’re also glad Suzuki still uses a raised foot peg above to floor boards that drain water away quickly while the raised peg allows your foot to pivot over rough terrain.

Electronic Power Steering is an option on some KingQuad models, and once your try it, you’ll never want to be without it. It provides good feel of the terrain while keeping your arms from tiring out half way through the day. The 2016 KingQuad 750 AXi is available in Matte Red, Flame Red, Terra Green, True Timber XD3 Camo, and Special Edition Matte Black. Highlights are:

• A 722cc, DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine tuned for low-to-mid range torque as well as high-rpm power. A sportbike-derived chain-and-gear camshaft drive system creates a compact cylinder head, and cylinder is plated for excellent heat transfer and engine reliability. Engine braking helps control descents on steep hills.

• Suzuki QuadMatic™ CVT-type automatic transmission with a fender-mounted gate-type shifter.

• Handlebar-mounted push-button controls permit easy selection between 2WD, 4WD and differential-lock 4WD.

• Engine head and is tilted forward in chassis creating lower center of gravity, and entire chassis is designed for low center of mass, lower overall seat height, and better handling.

• Dual A-arms at front and Independent Rear Suspension create smooth ride and better ground clearance. Shocks offer 5-way spring preload adjustment.

• Seel-tube cargo racks with wrinkle powder coat finish for durability and scratch resistance.

• LCD instrument pod shows speedometer, odometer, twin tripmeter, hours, clock, fuel level. LED lights for high, low, neutral, reverse and 2WD/4WD and differential-locked 4WD. LED cautions for fuel injection and engine temperature.

• Pre-installed winch mounts and wire conduit for easy winch mounting.

• Heavy duty hitch plate for either clevis or ball type hitch.

• Optional Electronic Power Steering

Msrp: $8,599 for base to $9,599 for KingQuad 750 AXi EPS Special Edition

This mid-sized machine is one of our all-time favorites. In fact, we’ve picked the 500 AXi as one of our yearly, Best In Class winners. Even though the KingQuad 500 AXi is virtually identical in nearly every way to its bigger brother, the 750AXi, on the trail the reduced weight definitely improves handling without giving away much in power. The 493cc, EFI fed engine easily handles any task you ask of it and its durability is excellent. Available in Flame Red, Terra Green, True Timber XD3 Camo, and Special Edition Matte Black, you can’t go wrong with the 500AXi. Highlights are:

• 493cc, SOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine

• All other specs identical to 750 AXI above.

Msrp: $7,399 for base to $8,599 for KingQuad 500 AXi EPS Special Edition

KINGQUAD 400ASi and 400FSi – Big Features – Value Priced

The vast majority of Recreation / Utility ATVs feature fully automatic, CVT transmissions. There are still many reasons to select a manual transmission though, especially if you need to pull a load like a sprayer, fertilizer spreader, or any other piece of equipment that must be operated at a constant speed. The KingQuad 400FSi is designed for exactly that.

At the heart of both the KingQuad 400 ASi and KingQuad FSi is a fuel-injected, 376cc four-stroke, four-valve engine cradled in a chassis that is just slightly smaller than the 500 and 750AXi. Both models also feature Suzuki’s selectable 2wd/ 4wd system mated to a limited slip front differential for maximum traction but also light feel when 4wd is engaged. The front suspension uses dual A-Arms for a plush ride, and at the rear a single rear swingarm and solid axle get the power to the ground. Shifting on the FSi model is with an auto clutch and five speed manual transmission, while the 400ASi uses Suzuki’s QuadMatic CVT with advanced engine-braking. Both models are available in Flame Red, Terra Green, True Timber XD3 Camo, and Special Edition Matte Black. Key features are:

• EFI equipped 376cc air/oil cooled 4-stroke 4-valve engine.

• Select two- or four-wheel drive with the flip of a handlebar-mounted lever.

• Torque-sensing limited-slip front differential provides maximum traction and light steering when in 4WD mode. Shaft drive.

• Dual front A-arm suspension with 6.7 inches (170.1 mm) of wheel travel.

• Swingarm rear-suspension with 6.7 inches (170.1 mm) of wheel travel and twin shock absorbers

• Dual front hydraulic disc brakes feature calipers with large 34mm pistons. Drum brake rear

• Heavy-duty front and rear steel cargo racks with powder coated wrinkle finish

• LCD instrumentation includes speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, hour meter, clock, fuel gauge and indicators for reverse, neutral, oil and FI. Automotive-style DC power outlet on front fender

• Plastic / Poly skid plates for underside protection of frame and A-arms

• ASI MODEL features Suzuki Quadmatic transmission with selectable high-low sub-transmission and reverse. Gate shift lever on fender.

• FSI MODEL features five-speed transmission with semi-automatic clutch with reverse

Msrp: $6,499 for base to $6,899 depending on transmission and options

OZARK – The Intro Suzuki

The 2WD Ozark can be considered an intro machine from Suzuki. With a 250cc air cooled engine, it’s definitely not going to pull stumps from the yard, but it’s more than capable of helping out with chores by pulling a trailer. When it comes time to head for deer camp, the steel racks, front and back, will come in handy for hauling your gear or a buck from the woods, and it’s got plenty of easy-to-use features like a handlebar mounted choke, an automatic clutch, and a wide front bumper for great front end protection. Less overall weight means nimble handling through the woods, and for new trail riders or those just looking for a little help around the yard, the Ozark will fit the bill nicely. Ozark’s key features are:

• Single cylinder, 246cc SOHC, air-cooled 4-stroke engine. Electric start with recoil backup. Shaft drive to rear wheels.

• Five-speed transmission with automatic clutch includes an easy-to-use reverse gear system

• Independent dual A-Arm front suspension with oil-damped shocks - 5.5 inches of wheel travel

• Swingarm-type rear suspension features single shock - 5.5 inches of rear wheel travel, plus 8.3 inches of ground clearance

• Large 6.3 inch hydraulic front disc brakes with single-piston calipers and single cable-operated sealed rear drum brake

• Terra Green and Flame Red color choice

• Value-priced 2WD utility ATV with practical features

Msrp: $4,599

QuadSport Z400 – Perfect Playmate

This is a GREAT sport ATV. The Z400 combines excellent power with great handling and comfortable ergonomics all wrapped in a racy package. We like the Z400 so much that we named it our Playmate of the Year. To make ours better, we softened the rear shock by backing off the spring and we slowed down the rebound a couple clicks, but after that, it was excellent on the track and trails. We’ve raced the Z400, we’ve trail ridden it, and it’s a machine that does everything well. Highlights of the Z400 are:

• Compact, lightweight 398cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, Dual Overhead Cam engine with EFI and counter-balancer for smooth power delivery and minimal vibration.

• Dry-sump lubrication system allows a compact crankcase and minimal engine height for optimum engine placement - oil tank is frame-mounted in front of the exhaust head pipes.

• Five-speed manual transmission with cable-operated clutch. Includes Reverse.

• Hydraulic disc brakes at both ends. Quick adjust brake lever on handlebars for perfect fit and feel.

• High strength steel frame with removable aluminum subframe and aluminum swingarm.

• Long-travel, dual A-Arm front suspension with fully adjustable, piggyback reservoir-style shock absorbers - provides 8.5 in. of wheel travel.

• Linkage-type rear suspension with fully adjustable, piggyback reservoir-style shock absorber with 9.1 in. of wheel travel, plus 10.4 in. of ground clearance.

Msrp: $7,149

QuadSport Z 90 – The Learning Machine

No machine has introduced more young riders to the sport than Suzuki’s LT 80 and now the QuadSport Z 90. The smallest Suzuki is easy to ride, easy to maintain, and they’ll run forever. With a simple four stroke engine mated to a CVT transmission, all junior needs to concentrate on is the trail ahead and the Z90 will take care of everything else. Key features of the Quadsport Z90 are:

• Compact 90cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine designed for durability and low maintenance

• Screw-type throttle limiter allows adult supervisors to limit the maximum power delivery to suit a rider's ability.

• CVT automatic transmission provides easy operation and allows the rider to focus on riding instead of shifting

• Single A-arm front suspension with twin independent shock absorbers, and single-shock rear suspension provide a comfortable ride

• Modern styling with full floorboards and a big Quad look, plus bright yellow or white paint and coordinated graphics. Suzuki T-bone seat similar to the QuadSport Z400 for a comfortable ride

Msrp: $2,899