I have seen several posts in here as well as in other forums which ask this question time and time again. Which one is better? We know what DW thinks. What about someone that owns both? This is my opinion...

In order to keep this short, overall the KQ is better, DW is right. If you ride both back to back it's easy to see. Basically, the only thing the BF has over the KQ is power, both in the low end AND the mid range, no matter what you hear to the contrary. Having said that, I prefer the BF over the KQ for ME. I ride in rivers and in the open. I prefer massive low end and like to wheelie so the BF is better suited to me.

Ergos-The KQ has a more comfortable riding position and the third light on the handlebars is awesome. The controls are similar on both machines. However, I prefer the KQ's diff. lock system to the BF's. Also, the shift from 2wd to 4wd is much less problematic on the KQ than it is on the BF. The BF has that annoying delay when you shift. The seat is softer and more comfortable on the KQ also.

Ride-This is where the KQ really shines. The IRS system is WORLDS better than the BF's. The KQ slides almost as well as a Prairie. It rides like a dream. It absorbs adverse terrain like a dream. It corners like a sport quad. Conversely, the BF's IRS system SUCKS. I know this will draw some shots but it's true. It's not that it sucks like the Grizzly's does, it just sucks compared to the KQ. It's difficult to powerslide the BF and the ride is somewhat harsh for an IRS equiped quad. It absorbs adverse terrain better than a Prairie but not near as well as a KQ. The BF corners like a dump truck compared to the KQ. The KQ steers WORLDS better than the BF.

They both handle mud very well no matter what Polaris owners say. I've owned a SP700 and I believe they both handle mud at least as well as the Polaris does. Again, I prefer the KQ's diff. lock to the BF's. Water crossings are effortless on both machines, however, I feel more comfortable on the KQ for some odd reason which I can't explain. Hill climbs and decents are effortless on both, I've read that some people have problems with the BF due to the abrupt power delivery but I've never had an issue with it.

Power-One thing that Suzuki people avoid like the plaque is this topic. Before I purchased my KQ, I asked time after time on here about the KQ's power characteristics. I never got a straight answer. Let me definitively answer this question for those of you that are researching or are curious. There is no comparison. The BF is MUCH faster on the low end and definitelt faster in the mid-range. The top end is similar on both quads. My KQ will wheelie in low gear but not very well. In high gear it won't wheelie unless I yank on it VERY hard. Riding the BF is a different story. In low or high, pin the throttle and it wheelies VERY easily with NO rider input. The BF is king of grunt.

If I were ranking these quads in to determine the OVERALL best big bore available today, I would choose the KQ. It simply does everything right except for the low end hesitation it has. Again though, I LOVE and prefer the BF, it fits my needs better. I'm a power freak, so I have to have the most powerful one available, and right now the BF is just that.

 

CAM650, thats a good comparison. Its nice to hear from an unbiased source. From what I've read, the Prairie won't be around much longer. If this is true, and the King Quad handles something like it, with the advantages of IRS, then we just have to get Suzuki to build a V-twin like the Brute's and stick it in the King Quad. That maybe the closest thing to perfection there is. Have you heard if they have any plans for a twin cylinder engine in the future?

 

CAM650---I forgot to ask about the King Quad's CVT. Is it the same as the Prairie's or did Suzuki design their own? Also, if they are different, which one is better built? How about engine braking? Congradulations on owning both quads!

 

whew! I'm glad I bought the right one. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a quad and then somebody else says theirs is better. I guess I'll keep it now lol I switched from an EFI Polaris to the BF because I wanted the quickest utility quad available this time around [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I'd have been mad if that Zuki beat me.

 

So to sum it up, you're saying if you like going fast in a straight line get the BF? But technical trails, slow paced trails, comfort, turning the handle bars etc. the KQ is better? Thanks.
Would it be easier to fix all that's wrong (not better) with the BF, or easier to make the KQ faster?

 

cam: Good writeup, overall evaluation of one vs the other. I pasted it to my general kawi file. I'm like you though, like to kick it along the trail with kawi power, havin' fun.

 

Cam650,
Good write up KQ has a lot going for it. I have had the chance to play with timing and the EFI on the KQ. I used a device that the sled fellows use on their sleds to boost the EFI plus added some timing to the motor on my buddies KQ all I can say it definitely woke it up. Will a person be able to modify the KQ to the utmost potential of the V - Twin..........not a chance. A twin cylinder will have far more potential than a one lunger for less money. I was at the 12 hour race this fall there were 2 KQ there both died with electronic and rear axle failures. Unfortunately there weren't any BF's there so no one knows the outcome. PB had a BF in the Baja through driver error they did not finish the race that would have been a definite way to test the machine. Do you give up power to have driver Ergos or keep the power and settle for ho - hum IRS, tuff choice!!!!!

Slyj,
KQ has a Sprague Clutch identical to Yammys Grizz. If you install larger tires you will lose 30% power right off the top with weights and springs you may be able to gain at most 15% back. Very much lacking as compared to the Kawi clutch.

 

PADZZ-

In very simple terms yes that's what I'm saying. But the term "better" is a relative one. I prefer the BF overwhelmingly for the type of riding I do, even if the KQ outshines it in several of those conditions. It would be easier to fix the handling issues on the BF with spacers and different tires then to try to make the KQ faster.

2005BF750-

You're a smart a$$! LOL You're in no danger at all of a KQ ever beating you.

ALLTOYS-

I'm done with doing any kind of modifications to my quads unless it's something like a module(loved the result). I've had nothing but bad luck on aftermarket tires(were slightly off on the bolt pattern) and wheels(out of round), pipes, jet kits(no real noticeable gain), etc. However, it could be that I'm a pi$$ poor mechanic! LOL

In my case, absolute power corrupts and I must have it so the BF, even with its faults, is the only quad for me NOW. Having said that, I'm not brand loyal, so I'm EXTREMELY excited about the upcoming Grizz and the rumored Bombardier 800. I agree with you on your assesment of the power loss with the application of larger tires. I understand that larger tires have their place, but I can't stand them, they suck too much power from even the biggest machines.

 

CAM650,
I am patiently waiting for the Bomb as well our bike show will be in January I was hoping the Bomb would be there but I dought it. Apart from Yamy coming out with a twin cylinder rumors are that Honda will also have a twin cylinder too. 2005 - 2006 should be an interesting year. I can definitely say if Bomb had at least a 600cc Outlander in their lineup there would be one in my back yard!!!!!

Have a Happy Christmas may we all have a new toy under the tree in morning!!!!!

 

Quads are like computers i thought i had the best 2 yrs ago (quad) I thought I had the best 2mos ago (computer) Yea right .....I give up on engineers and corporate sateration sales technics a long time ago like a lot of us we will get the best outa what we got when its shot we will shop again ... It is hard to out think a bunch of corporate engineers with a ruthless marketing technic ...I will choose to modify my investment till is new technoligy is a must I will try to keep up long as I can ......its all i can afford....jh