I was surprised to see that Kawasaki went back to the hard plastic fenders of yesteryear on the BF. I had those same type fenders on my Kodiak, and they don't fare well in tight woods situations. The flexible outerfenders on the Prairie are far superior IMO.

Anyone else think this is a durability issue?

 

Interesting, I was looking at the king quad especially after this report About the two. I have no connection with the aurthor.

KQ versus BF

Perhaps I can help shed some light on this question. I have two close friends who are in ATV industry and have ridden both the new King Quad and the Brute Force. I will share with you what they have told me.

They both stated that each machine will appeal to different market segments. Once you have ridden both machines a few things jump out at you: 1) the KQ sits lower, has a more comfortable seat and very comfortable ergonomics. The BF has a more upright riding position and clearly “feels” more top heavy as you sit on both machines. Depending on whether Suzuki stays with the pre-production engine specs or decides to de-tune it will be the deciding factor in a drag race between the P700, BF750 and the KQ700. Keep in mind that they never actually raced side by side, this is just a guess on their part but both had the same opinion. In pre-production mode, on flat ground all three are pretty much even; however, if Suzuki does de-tune the engine for the production model the advantage will go to Kaw in this category.

The biggest issue was the IRS’s on the KQ and BF. Both once again agreed on their opinions. Despite the relationship between Kaw and Suz it is very clear that both companies designed their own IRS and they did not share technology in this area. The King Quad suspension “may be” the best IRS on the market – PERIOD! Both quads rode nice on flat ground and in the mud; however, a big difference surfaced when they rode the quads in the woods. The KQ’s suspension shined and had a much more sport feel to it and very, very little body role. They both compared the BF to the Grizzly but not quite as tipsy but very similar handling characteristics. Both felt that Kaw missed the mark when designing their suspension for aggressive woods riding; however, both commented that they felt Kaw was attempting to appeal to a different market since they have the P700 in their lineup. Granted Suz has the Twin Peaks but Suz was clearly attempting to build a quad that was purely “Suzuki’s” design to take on the P700. One of my buddies made the comment that the Suz's wider stance, even though it's only an inch or so, seems to make the KQ feel much more stable.

They feel that the EFI could be the most significant difference between the machines and that it may just give Suzuki the overall edge. Like they said it will depend on how one plans on using the machine with the Kaw being more “farm” and “work” oriented and the Suz designed for more aggressive riding. Both machines had very good finishes and both looked much better in person then they do in pictures. The KQ's “Vinson” style third head light drew very positive comments and Kaw’s dual head light is an improvement over the traditional two light machines. Both riders preferred the lever style diff lock on the Kaw over the push button on the Suz. They also felt that the Suz "water proof" fender storage department was an advantage over Kaw's fender net version. Why? As silly as it sounds they prefered the Suz storage because your stuff has a 100% better chance of staying dry over the net style on the Kaw where everything is garanteed to get wet and dirty. Two unique designs, two unique machines.

I can also tell you a few tid bits: 1) Elka is working on after market shocks for both machines, 2) OMF will offer bead locks in the proper off set and bolt pattern for the machines and a company I am not at liberty to name at this time is designing after market bumpers, skid plates, etc for both machines. Companies have noticed the popularity of the Utility Class in events such as the GNCC, 12 Hours of America and regional hare scrambles and are attempting to tap that lucrative market. This company has provided our race team with several custom parts for both of our machines that we race in endurance events, and this coming weekend at the John Penton GNCC race in Ohio. For the first time it will be much easier to setup a utility machine to run these types of events.

Based on the feed back I just ordered a Suzuki to see how competative it can be against the P700's we are currantly racing. It should be interesting but don't expect any feed back untill sometine in Sept when the KQ is scheduled for release. I hope this information helps.


-------------------------
OldmanWheeler
12-Hours of ATV America
Saturday, October 29 & 30, 2004
Fort Dodge, IA
FD Racing - Sponsored by Four Stroke Tech, HMF, Diamond G Racing, Dalton Clutchs, Maxxis, Elka, OMF, TAG, Dial-A-Jet, Ogio and a few others!

 

Apparently every one read this report and just wishes it would go away.
Or they never saw it at all.

 

I personally could care less about this report, I don't put much faith in he said that he said reports. The statement about the Kaw being more "work" or "farm" oriented is not real bright.This must mean it has a smoother ride and more power. I do think Suzuki makes a good machine but the KQ will not go after the p700 market. There is a reason that prairies dominate GNCC racing and that is because no IRS quad will handle the fast pace is good as a SRA. Honda makes what is consided by most all to be the sportiest IRS quad out and they don't contend, just check all the Utility points , stock , modified and unlimited. I work for a kawasaki dealer and I have rode the BF , when I get on a KQ I will report how they feel to me but I will not tell how I heard someone say they compared. But if the KQ does win the shootouts against the BF then good job to them since the only bigbore shootout Suzuki has won was with a twin peaks or in other works a kawasaki.

 

Thanks for the comment, but don't we all buy on what we have heard? From others? CDI, DG3, twinair,
this report that report etc. I personally do not have the funds to buy every quad at my wanting.
And my limited dealers do not have the funds for a demo for me to ride. Beside the Honda shop.
So I have to rely on others as most do.

 

I found that the fenders on the kodiak were very tough,even in -30 degree weather I never cracked them,and they should have different times.Meanwhile my 650 prairie buddy has cracked his more than once and is scared to bump anything in the winter.This plastic is what he was waiting for.

 

The thin plastic sucks and I mean sucks in cold weather on the prairie, they severely loose their elasticity. In the summer or warmer climates I see them as being better(maybe). The lower fenders and trim plastic will fly to pieces in the cold, many many little pieces.

I want the thicker plastic and need it here in Nova Scotia as heyyou says. I love winter riding and the cold is part and parcel of it, thin plastic has NO place in the cold.

As far as IRS not competing you better think again, the Grizzly lead Mike Penlands Prairie until the last of the race when the axles broke. There were two Grizzly leading until near the end I beleive they said, so keeping up can't be a problem, AT ALL.

DOA

 

Point taken about the thin plastic in cold weather. Obviously, living in MS, that is never a concern. My Prairie's fenders remain extremely flexible year-round.

 

I have broken the plastic floorboard on my wifes Kodiak and I have broken the fender extensions on my prairie but have never broken an actual fender on either, The fender will hold up fine. DOA , I rechecked the points in utility stock 8 out the the top 10 or prairies only 1 is a yamaha and the other is a honda. You might want to think again,since Penland is closing on 10 STRAIGHT years on GNCC championships, a grizzly leading 1 race is not much to to brag about. A prairie has won every race but 1 this year and that was won buy a Rincon. Minimus you are close to right , most people buy because of what the have seen or heard first hand . I don't believe most people are dumb enough to buy because someone told them that someone told someone else something, I might base a decision on what several people say, that actually own a product but never because of grape vine rumors. 700cc do you ever go to Red Creek Offroad ? I live in north MS and have thought about going down there some time.

 

jeffro31,

I have never made it down there. We typically ride the Pearl River or head down to Timberlane Park in Wesson. I grew up in Columbus; where are you located?