I just sold my BF and TP700. I need(want) a quad with EFI. I've been reading about the KQ and I'm really interested in it. However, I've read several posts that state that the power might be on the light side.

Can someone OBJECTIVELY tell me how the low end and mid range of the KQ compares to the BF and other big bores such as the P700/650, SP700 EFI and the Grizz. Please don't chime in unless you have first hand knowledge on the subject matter. Also please no posts telling me how this comparison doesn't matter because the KQ handles better and is the complete package blah blah. I just want hard facts.

 

There's really not that many people on the forums that have had a chance to ride both the BF and KQ. At least if they have, we haven't seen many ride comparisons yet. V-twins will usually have more touque than a large single, so the BF will probably somke the KQ off the line. Stock for stock however, it seems like people are reporting the KQ as having a slightly higher top speed. It is purely speculation at this point, since a power commander has yet to be released, but common belief is that the KQ is de-tuned in stock form. Take off from a complete stop is a little light until you hit about 8mph, then it takes off like a rocket. This is possibly a safety feature set by the manufacturer to prevent unskilled riders and idiots from accidentally pulling a wheelie and dumping the quad.

As requested, I'll refrain from mentioning the KQ's superior handling, the the fact still remains. Also if you're considering the BF, you may want to spend a little time browsing the Kawi forum and checking out some of the reports of first year flaws. I'm not saying that the BF isn't a good machine, I'm sure plenty of people are happy with them!


Admittedly, not much of the above info can be classified as "hard facts," but that's only because the KQ hasn't been out long enough for the aftermarket to release the products we need to open up the KQ and see what it's really capable of

 

Thanks Mill,

OK, so I think we can safely deduct that the BF is quicker down low and in the mid-range. Does anyone know how it compares to a P700/650 or a Grizz?

 

Sounds like you will be the best judge once you get to test out a KQ given your past rides. Trust me - you'll be impressed. The BF will edge ahead of a KQ in a straight up drag race......but it is NOT a walk away. I don't think that will be the case after the power commander is released, but we'll see. In most other cases other than a drag, the KQ will inspire more confidence because of it's overall feel, handling and power delivery. If a person spends all day long on the side of a road or fire trail waiting for someone who is willing to drag race and that is ALL he is interested it - he should buy a BF. If a person does any of the other 1000 things with a utility 4x4 and wants the best performance, fastest times and the biggest smile - he should buy a KQ. The KQ is fast, it has a ton of low end and it has everything else that I was looking for......so I bought one. My first Suzuki.

 

Thanks for your response Big. I just want to make sure it will, at a bare minimum, stay close to a P700 in low and mid-range power. Anything less and I don't think I would be happy.

 

Does it wheelie easily?

 

I don't see how a few opinions can tell you what you are seeking. The one person I knew who drove both and then switched and drove the other (KQ/BF) said it was bascially a dead heat while drag racing. Either one has better points in different areas than the other. I think the only way you can fiqure out which one is best for you is to drive both for a day or so. I can say with certainty that the KQ is no where near having the utility usefullness of a Polaris 700 stock. I own both and they both cost the same but the KQ would require tires and some better stick protection before I would take it on serious mud riding trips.

 

Snowwolfe,

I'm not letting a few opinions influence my decision. I agree that the absolute best way to compare the two is with real seat time on both but unfortunately that opportunity is not available to me. I'm simply probing people for information that I feel that i need.

I'm not looking for a true utility quad so the SP700 is not one of my choices. I owned an 03 SP700 and didn't like it. I feel the only piece of the puzzle I lack in making my decision is how the KQ runs in low and mid-range. You can help answer that question since you have both a KQ and a SP700. I'm familiar with the SP700's low and mid range characteristics. How does the KQ compare to the SP700 in the low and mid-range?

 

Let me just say this......The few times I rode my KQ around the yard before putting it away for the winter it actually scared me with it's low end punch. It wheelied on command. I didnt have the opportunity to ride it above 30 mph but it was the fastest quad I have ever driven. But I have never tried a BF.
I would suggest reading this thread: This forum seems to have more input on KQ's
http://www.highlifter.com/ubbthreads...page=0&fpart=1