I was looking at a honda rancher at, but the dealer has a vinson in stock. I have always like these bikes from the time they came out. Now i'm in the market again.

I am looking at a 04 vinson 4x4 auto LE. The bike looks incredible, has so much more power than honda's similar offerings, and is sporty while still being able to tow some things and plow some snow. Did I mention the bike looks trick??? I have been quoted at 6250 financed w/o tax (farm use). Is this a good price? Its stock, no add ons. I can get a winch for 250, which I will, but I hear I need a new front bumper as well. Rocky mountain has a good one for cheap, so I'll pick that up. Since I'm not familiar with belts, please educate me. How often to replace, to check wear, to adjust? How hard is it to do these things? If I smoke a belt on the trail, is this something I can fix on site or will I need a tow back?

 

I can answer some of your questions.

The belts last longer than the recommended service interval. I just replaced mine (bought the belts first without checking the original) and neither Vinson needed it. Each machine had over 2000 mi. on it. I'm keeping them originals as spares.

RE: changing the belt, I would say medium complexity. The tough part is getting the pulley cover off. Suzuki makes a special $85 tool for it. But you can make one yourself or borrow your dealers for an evening (that's what I did, $100 refundable deposit).

I paid $5800 w/o tax for each Vinson back in '01 and '02. I think Suzuki has raised the price since then and you're buying a limited edition. So I'd think you would pay more. I don't think there are any mechanical differences between the LE and regular Vinson. Did Suzuki go to a single shock swingarm in '04? My '02s both have dual rear shocks.

Yes if your belt goes on the trail , you'll need to find a tow home. And you won't be able to replace it on the trail. I think that belt quality now a days is much better than it used to be. As I said above, I was surprised at the very good condition belts were in after 2000 mi. of tough riding.

Hope this help.
Mark

 

The chances of smoking a belt are pretty slim. You will know something is amiss long before the belt fails unless you are riding some kind of 4000 mile trail. (if you are, please let me know where it is!).

The msrp is $6599 so that looks like a good deal on an LE. The winch seems to be priced pretty good too. And it is a sweet looking machine!

 

That sounds like a good deal......I don't think you can go wrong at all with a vinson. They are great quads and probably the best 500cc one out there along with the honda rubicon. But at least the vinson has a selectable 2wd/4wd. Good luck!