2 new KingQuads

Hello everyone, I’m new to ATV’ing and just purchased 2 new KingQuads for my 14old son and myself. I hope to have lots of fun with him exploring the Colorado Rockies on our new quads. Having never owed a quad before I can’t give much of a report or compare the KQ to another brand, but I will contribute what I can from my experience with the KQ.

If you all could answer a question for me, I thank you in advance: I’m going to replace the stock tires on the KQ’s with “26” Bear Claws, will they fit on the stock rims or do I have purchase new rims also? And are there any issues I should be aware of doing this? Again thank you.

 

they will fit the stock rims

 

You may want to check with Maxxis Bighorn Radials. It is an outstanding tire on the KQ.

 

I am assuming you purchased the KQ700. The rims are alloy and of high quality. I would keep them . Same with the tires. There is not too much advantage in changing unless you are riding in heavy mud all day. Getting up hills and through mud is at least 60% rider and 40% machine, so I would wait till I wear the tread down a bit and by that time you will have seen and maybe tried different combinations that work better.
I have the same tires and will be using them for snow and ice soon which I find is the most difficult test for a tire. They look up to it although I may stud them.
I also have a son of same age. This is a lot of bike for the first one! My son followed a prescribed safety course for young ATV riders where they show them a lot of tricks I would not have thought of.
Drive safely and enjoy. It's a great father and son activity.

 

I agree that the King quad is to much for a 14 year old. Especially for a 14 yr. olds first atv. I own one and have ridden atv's for 20 years and it can be a little scary at times for me! Just remember that bike will do 72 mph! I am not trying to tell you what to do but be careful and keep a watchful eye on him. I think there is a throttle limit screw on the thumb throttle, you my want to limit the throttle somewhat. I think it says how to do this in the owners manual, it only takes a minute to do it. Have fun!

 

Sullivad & Raven1 – Thank you very much for your comments you both make some really valid points, I’m kinda wondering and second guessing myself if I went way overboard buying two KQ-700’s specially one for my son. Seeing how this is our first ever quad. I was looking at getting something that would last a long time and that I would not be looking to upgrade in a year or two, without realizing how much power these quads have. We have only used them once so far and already had a close call, my son’s going up a hill that did not really look that steep, but when he went up it he did not lean forward just sat there straight up & down on the seat and when he gave it some throttle going up the hill it pulled the front wheels way off the ground all the way up the hill, I thought for sure it was going over on him it did not because he just made the top of the hill just in time, but my god I can’t even imagine what would happen to him if it came back on top of him. My son’s yelling down to me “that was so Cool” and I’m looking for a place to change my underwear! I SO AGREE with you Sullivad this KID is getting some ATV TRANING!, if I remember right when I was filling out the paper work when purchasing the KQ’s there was a form from Suzuki for an ATV class? Did you guys see something like that when you purchased your KQ?

Raven – thank you for the info on the thumb screw, I will look into that, are there any issues that might happen limiting the power, like needing more power going up a hill and not having anymore throttle left?

Coopdeville – Thanks for your tire suggestion, I should have not been so impatient to get new tires and just listened for awhile because everyone seems to like those Bighorns. I already ordered eight 26 inch BearClaws, until this thread every post I read that the first thing you do from people who purchased a KQ is replaced the stock tires for better handling an performance. If the stock tires are good I can just leave them on and put the new tires in the storage shed.

Again thank you all for you comments – please let me hear what you have to say , I’m 40 years old and learning hobby and can’t tell you all how much I value you comments.

 

I did not see anything offered by Suzuki. Our clubs supply training as part of a state law for 14-16 year old riders. They teach climbing techniques, braking, downhill, slides and emergency procedures as well as trail etiquette, use of mirors and hand signals.
At least the KQ is a nimble bike for the size and with a few weeks of training riding, he will be much improved. This is a great sport but like anything else it takes quite a while to become a decent rider. So there is nothing wrong with being really careful and cautious. Will take you all four seasons before you experience all the conditions.
Best thing to buy is a small compressor and a radial tire patch kit and a first aid kit. Have seen them used too often. Other than that I have used my GPS to get me out of the woods more than once.
hope you enjoy this sport as much we do.

 

Actually,
your salesperson has an OBLIGATION[as per 1988 Consent decree agreement] to inform you that ANY major brand ATV you purchase,except POLARIS,will pay YOU[the buyer]a 100.00 dollar incentive to take a FREE 4 hour ATV Safety Institute class.Your 14yr son CANNOT take the ASI safety course on anything over 90cc.

I have had dealers in Michigan get their asses in trouble with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for NOT telling their ATV buyers about these safety classes.I'd tell you to go to your salesman and show him this post.If he gives you any static,dont buy into it,e-mail me and I'll inform you how to take care of this salesman to make sure he dont make this mistake again.

ONCE AGAIN,YOUR SALESMAN IS OBLIGATED TO TELL YOU ABOUT THESE FREE SAFETY COURSES!If he did'nt,he is in violation of the 1988 Consent Decree Agreement.

HOW DO I know?Look below,

Bill
ATV Safety Institute-Instructor
Program Director-Mich ATV Safety Assoc
Bombardier 2-Up Instructor

 

Yup, you’re exactly right MUDDY4LIFE that’s what it was. $100 dollar incentive for an ATV class. Salesman did not say anything to me about it; it was the finance person that I wrote the check to. She said fill these out if you want a free ATV class, I but I don’t know what became of it, does something come in the mail? That’s too bad about my son not able to take advantage of that class they offer he really could have used it. I will have to look around the Denver area for some training for him. Thanks for your help Muddy4Life

 

switching to a more agressive tread leads to a less than desirable ride....I live in New Mexico, so have similar riding to you in Colorado. I have two sets of tires, the 27" ITP Mudlites and 27" ITP 589s both mounted on ITP Type 5C aluminum wheels. The mudlites are a better all around tire, as they taper on the side of their tread, the 589s have full lugs all the way to the edge. Even though they are balanced, the both still give some head shake above 40 mph....they are not as smooth when riding slower either. For your riding, you may want more than one set of tires/wheels, but since you have two machines, that could get expensive.....

There are other options for tires of course, something that may be better for your application. The best thing about going to larger tires is ground clearance....The lowest point under my Polaris is 12.25"....

dave