Originally posted by: OldmanWheeler
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.

Originally posted by: Rainking
None of those types....ummm, what about the reverse override? OR having to use the brake to go from low to high range...and that's just the safety design related problems...ok, I'm not going to start on Pol although I guess I just did...Buyers remorse over my last machine I suppose, no offense to the Polaris faithful, when they are in one piece they are hard to beat. Either way, as I said in the Highlifter forum, those kinds of things can be taken care of with a little ingenuity(which I don't have but I'm sure someone will) and nothing to worry about. Minor annoyances to me.

Jesse