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Posted by: cc1999
If you are set on Suzuki why not look at the Suzuki Twin Peaks 700. Its priced in the middle of the vinson and the KQ. If you didn't know the Twin peaks is a IMO better looking Prairie. DW just handed the throne back to it rightfull owner in this months KQ vs Prairie shoot out and stated that its still the" best 4x4 money can buy" The vinson's are nice I would have looked hard at buying one if they would have dropped in the KQ's powertrain in it. I just don't care for the tippy feel the IRS gives the KQ. I wanted a EFI for colorado and the Polaris felt more stable than the KQ. I will agree with DW 100% in that I also think the P700 or Twin peaks rides every bit as smooth as the KQ or the BF750 for that matter. I think the BF750 and the KQ suspensions are set so stiff to give them some stability that they are both harsher riding than the Twin Peaks.
Posted by: cc1999
yes , that was why I called it a better lookimg prairie, and why I was talking about the DW article that put it back on top.
Posted by: jimmypsp700
The Vinson was in 3 shootouts recently and the Polaris Sportsman 500 HO won each time.
The Vinson has a SRA and may be sportier but also a harsher ride quality.
Of the two, I would get the KQ myself, I like IRS.
Jim
Posted by: jimmypsp700
Quote
Originally posted by: propnut
Sorry and no offense, but shootout schmootout. Darn shortsighted, non-technical journalist riding it for a day. They should test 4 year old quads with the same amount of use on them. Include things like repair/maintenance costs, things that don't work or have broken on the quad, how truly dated in function it has become, and current resale value (depreciation).
I came so close to buying a manual Vinson that I had both sitting there and chose the minute before I signed the purchase agreement. Vinson, Rubicon, Vinson, Rubicon........ I ended up buying the Rubicon as it has an unbelievable auto (that my wife can use, especially when it becomes hers and my backup quad), fenders that don't get busted from rubbing on trees, and a better fit an finish. I will still look a these two when I buy another.
However, the Vinson is faster and more comfy ride. I would definately not call the difference in ride to an IRS "harsh". The 500 has been out there for years and is a dependable and powerful 500cc.
King Quad hasn't been out long enough for me to buy one. Sat on one and liked the ergos, but didn't want to make the leap. Good thing, I would have been upset at the reverse issue (they chose to fix it anyway). EFI, nice idea, works good on sleds, good idea for a quad? Is the technology ready for quads? They have a lot of experience, but I'd wait another year.
I know what you mean about shootouts but its another opinion to consider, most are experianced testers.
The one tech editor owned AND raced a Manual Vinson and still picked the Sportsman.
In two of the 3 shootouts the sportsman was faster than the Vinson. I have a freind with an 05 sp500 HO and we raced (my 700) and its fast for a heavy 500 cc machine.
The Vinson does not ride smother than an IRS machine (maybe the Honda).
Jim
Posted by: jimmypsp700
I underrstand and agree. Not all SRA machines ride bad.
My buddy has a SRA griz 600 and that thing rides like it has NO suspention compaired to my Sp700, i don't care on what kind of terrain you are talking about.
But them again in a recent shootout between the KQ and the Prarie 700 they said the Prarie rides almost as nice as the (stiff for an IRS) KQ.
My Scrammy is very smooth for a SRA , IMO.
Jim
Posted by: Sean99TJ
Unless you have ridden them all......I wouldn't exclude any of them. Ride all of them. narrow it down to a couple you really like, then go to that area and ask the people that own that specific quad what they like or dislike about it....or what they would change. Asking for as comparison like this is really just opinions from owners and some of us are stuborn....why isn't the Polaris Sportsman 500 on your list anyway....don't listen to that reliability crap...that is old news....oops excuse me....back to your question...you also didn't elaborate on use...trails...dunes....towing? etc....
Posted by: BryceGTX
Quote
The only place that I think it makes a difference is GC and articulation of the rear suspension while slow going over radical terrain
LOL, you are absolutely right. Other than less unsrung weight, the above statement says why people buy IRS. Just try taking a straight axle over a bump on one side of the quad... LOL, the other side tire reaches for the sky... IRS keeps the tires planted.
BryceGTX
Posted by: RidinLCWA
Here are two articles that are informative for comparing machines. The ATV Rider article is starting to get dated, but the comparisons are still valid IMO.
2003 ATV Rider 7 Quad Showdown
ATV Television 500 cc Class Comparison
As for my 2 cents, I really enjoy my Vinson. One can always use more power, so if there is a bigger CC machine that you like, it may be worth considering. As for IRS v SRA, it really boils down to personal preference. In general IRS will be a bit more tippy and not corner as well; though, it will ride a bit more comfortably, particularly on slower trails. SRA will be a bit more stable in off camber and in cornering and a bit more jumpy in the rear end when doing whoops or bumps at speed. I'm fine with SRA and have no complaints about ride comfort or handling. Also, I would not get too caught up in the locker v. no-locker debate. The limited slip 4wd machines go 95% of the places that locked front differential machines do. Typically, I use 4wd as a preventative measure, more than a recovery once I'm stuck. I probably could go through most of the stuff in 2wd and be fine, but since it has 4wd might as well use it in the muck, slush and hills.
Posted by: propnut
Sorry and no offense, but shootout schmootout. Darn shortsighted, non-technical journalist riding it for a day. They should test 4 year old quads with the same amount of use on them. Include things like repair/maintenance costs, things that don't work or have broken on the quad, how truly dated in function it has become, and current resale value (depreciation).
I came so close to buying a manual Vinson that I had both sitting there and chose the minute before I signed the purchase agreement. Vinson, Rubicon, Vinson, Rubicon........ I ended up buying the Rubicon as it has an unbelievable auto (that my wife can use, especially when it becomes hers and my backup quad), fenders that don't get busted from rubbing on trees, and a better fit an finish. I will still look a these two when I buy another.
However, the Vinson is faster and more comfy ride. I would definately not call the difference in ride to an IRS "harsh". The 500 has been out there for years and is a dependable and powerful 500cc.
King Quad hasn't been out long enough for me to buy one. Sat on one and liked the ergos, but didn't want to make the leap. Good thing, I would have been upset at the reverse issue (they chose to fix it anyway). EFI, nice idea, works good on sleds, good idea for a quad? Is the technology ready for quads? They have a lot of experience, but I'd wait another year.
Posted by: propnut
I meant that the Vinson rode better than my Rubicon, and that there's not that huge of a difference in overall comfort between that of an IRS to the Vinson. You go over a 1 foot bump or big whoops, you are still going to feel it on both. IRS is not magic. The only place that I think it makes a difference is GC and articulation of the rear suspension while slow going over radical terrain, but that can be precarious on off-cambers. But remember with GC, as soon as you sit on an IRS you lose clearance, and the more you put on the racks the more you lose. All those GC numbers are usually unloaded.
I have yet to see any stock 500 run faster than a Vinson. Must have had the choke pulled on the Vinson.
Notice I'm not marketing the Honda, he asked about the Suzukis
Posted by: propnut
you may not have every wheel on the ground in all places, but it does feel more stable in off camber than an IRS (to me anyway)
the Vinson is smooth for an SRA.
I really liked the Arctic Cat articulating SRA. The best of both worlds. Too bad you can't still get the 500 with one, or that all SRAs don't have that option.
Posted by: propnut
Cats are huge. Not too good for tight woods, but huge CG...and it has the Vinson engine with the manual. Not as sporty, more for work. I looked at those too, nice. Not lacking many features! Biggest rack capacity, most GC, most suspension travel...
Posted by: propnut
Isn't that really just a Prairie? The v-twin has a different belt drive than the Duramatic, right?
Posted by: propnut
just don't read the ATV TV best of 2004 or you might switch brands....LOL
Posted by: Slimegreencat
If you are considering a Vinson ,why not an Arctic cat 500 . The Arctic cat has the Vinson engine in it and also has IRS , more ground clearance and suspension travel and a locking front diff....
Posted by: DG400EX
Within the Next Month i plan to Purchase either a 2005 Suzuki Vinson or King Quad, I was wondering what all of you thought my best option would be with pro's and con's for both of them!Also I was wondering where is a good place to buy parts for these type 4-wheelers? THANKS ALOT!
Posted by: FYN
Or you could be an oddball like me and get a quest 650, I haven't had any problems with mine over 2 years other than the usual wear and tear. Plus the guards are steel rather than a lot of the plastic I see out the, well protected and rides awesome
