ATV Test: 2016 Suzuki Kingquad 750 AXi

Suzuki has always believed in its flagship utility ATV line. How can we be sure? They’ve skipped right over the Prince, Jack and Queen and went straight for the Kingquad moniker from the get-go. Sure, you won’t be wearing a crown when you mount up on the 2016 Kingquad 750, but we can attest that from within the 750’s saddle all the world’s your kingdom.

What’s New

Suzuki didn’t use the 2016 model year for a full revamp but that doesn’t mean they just slapped new graphics on last year’s King and call it a day either. This year they made a few key improvements, most notable of these are some updated bodywork and a front end with factory mounts that now allows for the addition of a winch.

Inside the engine covers is where things really heat up however (no pun intended) as the 722cc DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke boasts an aluminum cylinder with Suzuki’s patented Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating for maximum heat transfer. Additionally that cylinder has been cantered 48-degrees to lower the machine’s overall center of gravity, centralize mass and bring the seat height down a tad.

Being King

You don’t get to the level of King without a few additional perks under the ol hood and 2016 is no exception. Suzuki has positioned the machine’s air intake above the engine itself to prevent accidentally taking in water, mud or muck when cruising through the slop. Additionally both of its CVT vents (intake and exhaust) have been routed nice and high for the same purpose.

The Kingquad has always been unique among 4x4s thanks to more transmission options than its competition. While the 2016 750 runs an automatic CVT setup like most of the vehicles in this segment, Suzuki does give the option of both a high and low range, push-button 2WD/4WD selection as well as differential-lock option.

Lastly Suzuki is taking the threat of overheating as is so common when mudding at low speeds very seriously. In addition to the above mentioned SEM technology, a high-capacity aluminum radiator mated to a thermostatically controlled fan keeps temperatures good and steady.

In Action

The experience of swinging a leg over the saddle, pressing the electric starter and blasting off on the big 750 can perhaps best be described in a single term: refined. This isn’t a bad thing of course though it may come as a surprise to those expecting a surge of stump-pulling, arm-stretching torque. The EFI is dialed right out of the box, providing remarkably smooth take-off, steady acceleration and very usable power. Remember the transmission options discussed earlier? They’re only a button-push away and completely transform the manners of this beast should you need to go from cruising to working in a hurry.

As is expected with CVTs, the spread of power is vast- literally from idle well into speeds that challenge the notion of how fast one can comfortable go on a machine weighing in at nearly 700-pounds.

Further extenuating the quad’s smooth persona are a chassis that refuses to become unsettled, even when the pilot finds his way into successive chop or roots. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is incredible in this application, keeping things at the bars smooth, stable and tracking straight.

The independent suspension is definitely on the utility-side of the spectrum (6.7″ travel front/ 7.7″ rear five-way spring preload adjustable shocks). As expected when charged with the task of suspending so beefy a quad, the shocks are stiff in even their softest preload position. While you’d probably be a candidate for a good mental evaluation for wanting to jump a stock quad of this stature in the first place, we can state confidently that you will find the squish here adequate for trail duty and especially well suited to mud detail and work tasks.

Getting a machine that carries momentum as well as the Kingquad 750 slowed down in a hurry can be a asking a lot out of a brake. Suzuki optioned dual hydraulic discs up front and a sealed oil-bathed multi-disc for the rear that are certainly up to the task. While we aren’t talking stoppie territory here by any means, the feel at the lever is responsive and crisp and lends itself to confidence when cruising at speed.

Conclusion

It’s really hard not to be impressed with how well the refinements Suzuki has integrated into their flagship utility ATV work in action. We already had a good idea of how well the machine can tow a cart, push snow, drag logs etc. but what’s really impressive is just how easily the same machine can transfer into all day trail exploring, rock climbing, mudding and so on.

Suzuki has taken an already potent package and refined upon it with details like a plush and comfortable seat, a natural rider position and solid floorboards with raised peg-areas for maximum confidence. The Kingquad 750 encourages you to play, work, cruise and explore; oftentimes without ever getting out of the saddle. To our sensibilities, that’s about as much as you can ask from a single machine.

Specs

ENGINE
Engine 722cc (44.1 cu. in), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC
Bore x Stroke 104.0 mm (4.094 in) x 85.0 mm (3.346 in)
Compression Ratio 10.0 : 1
Fuel System Suzuki Fuel Injection
Starter Electric
Lubrication Wet sump

DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission CVT (V-belt), with high/low-range and reverse
Drive Wheels 2WD, 4WD & 4WD Differential Lock
Final Drive Shaft drive

CHASSIS
Suspension Front Independent, double wishbone, coil spring, oil damped with five-way preload adjustable shock absorbers
Suspension Rear Independent, double wishbone, coil spring, oil damped with five-way preload adjustable shock absorbers
Brakes Front Disc brakes, twin rotors
Brakes Rear Sealed oil-bathed multi-disc
Tires Front AT25 x 8-12, tubeless type x 2
Tires Rear AT25 x 10-12, tubeless type x 2
Fuel Tank Cap 17.5 L (4.6/3.8 US/Imp gal)
Color Terra Green and Flame Red

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2115 mm (83.3 in)
Overall Width 1210 mm (47.6 in)
Overall Height 1245 mm (49.0 in)
Wheelbase 1280 mm (50.4 in)
Grnd Clearance 270 mm (10.6 in)
Seat Height 880 mm (34.6 in)
Curb Weight 302 kg (667 lbs)

WARRANTY
Warranty 12-month, unlimited mileage, limited warranty*
Extensions * Extensions available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP)

More Info
Suzuki’s Official Site