Hello everybody, first of all let me introduce myself: my name is Pete, I'm 21, I'm from Quebec, Canada and I'm new to these forums. I had a quad in the past, it was kind of an ordinary ATV, (polaris trailboss 350 2x4) It wasn't too bad of a machine, but I got stuck everywhere with it as soon as there was a bit of mud or spongy terrain. I am now considering to buy a new ATV next srping (read: "end of march" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] ) And since I'm young and have alot of friends with ATVs, we LOVE to ride all day long (4 hours in line or so) then rest an hour, then start again! And we drive in all kind of stuff: snow, mud (and s***loads of it), everything... alot where there is no trail too. I am interested in the new 2005 suzuki models, especially the vinson and the kingquad. I'd just like to know which is better overall in, lets say: deep mud... I know 500cc is enough for me to have fun and probably go tru most holes ... I just want some opinions. I need a tough machine, since I'm rough with everything ... just to give you an idea, my uncle's (who also happen to be my neighbor) Polaris Sportsman 700 didnt survive me, well duh, it looked like a tough machine, but I broke a few suspension arms, the wheel link with an A-arm, punctured a tire, and managed (I still dont know how I did that) to get the exhaust pipes underneath the engine to strech and detach so it did an amazing big block sound! (remember that '70 SS Chevelle ... well) We always fixed the machine together and I paid for it, no problems. The thing is, we were kinda too confident this machine was built tough ... lol . He also broke alot of things on it himself Well, thanks in advance guys. I'm looking forward to hear from you to help me make my decision.

later!

 

First of all welcome to the forums [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]!! and second:

The the 3 main things to a good muding machine is Traction(tires locker), Ground Clearance, and weight. (IRS is also nice to have too.) So the two you have listed both would not be good. For the KQ-Its just to big a bulky and heavy IMO so i would not chose it for mudding. The Vinson is also Big and it doesnt have a Locker. So i wouldnt pick that one. What i would suggest is to look at the 05 Kodiak 450. Its got 10.8" of ground clearance, IRS(for 05), and 3 way 4wd. (2wd, 4wd differential, and locking 4wd) and it is got good weight too.Or you could look into the Arctic Cat 400 4X4. It has 12" of ground clearance which is great, same 2wd,3wd,4wd locker, and IRS too. It also has good weight too. and the AC's are known to be great mudders too.lol Hope this helps.

 

KQ! Def. almost UNSTOPPABLE!

 

A KQ weighs to much @ 604 LBS Dry weight?

Anyways,serious mud also requires serious wheel speed in many instances,something you'll never get in the mud with a Artic Cat 400cc,and it does NOT have a front locker either.The 450 Kodiak is a nice quad,but if the 700 Polaris did'nt have enough for you,neither will the 450 Kodiak.I own a new 2005 KQ and its a real good mudder.It has adjustable suspension,front Diff locker,Over-ride button,EFI,disk brakes all the way around,and plenty of power.

KQ is a definate YES here.

 

lmfao- a kq weights like 600lbs, and so does a kodiak + the kodiak handls like cr@p, rides the same, and has no power, throw a locker on a vinny(the vinny wont break either- KQ WILL!!!!!!!!!! due to all the first model year flaws- may or may not have found out about yet....)then get a set of highlifter outlaws, and you will go anyware, and everware

let me put it this way

my vinny,(one in pic) will go more places then my bros 02 sportsman 500 h.o with a lift kit, clutch kit, and 28" maxxis mudzillas. every time he gets stuck be it water or mud, my vinny will go right through without a sputter. my vinson is the official tow vehicle of polaris's.......

belive me on this one, the kq is going to have the 1st model year problems, the vinson wont, the kodiak will also, and is under powered, the vinson has been out since 01, now being its a 05 model, all the bugs are gone. get a detroit gearless locker for 300$, and be dont

think all the money you save by buying the vinny, you can get tires, and pipe, clutch kit, and locker for it, and go more places then anyone else. imho after all./

v581

 

Well I have both and have to say you cant go wrong with either. there was only a 300.00 diff. between the two.

 

581-for mudding, I factored in the dif. lock on the KQ. Plus the more linear power. At the press intro, the KQ was going through shi...er...stuff you wouldn't believe. I grant you the "first yr. failure" thing, though. Plus, I LOVE my Vinson. I've thought of trading, but, thought better of it. With the stuff I've already thrown on her, plus the $ I'd have to spend, I'd be better sinking money into my baby. Keep in mind, bro., you've dropped a lil' dough in your ride.......If Pepete (cousin of Pete and Repeat?) were to go pure stock, just mud-KQ would out-perform our beloved Vinson!And both would KILL a Kodiak. BIG? Vinson? Get real F.B.! Is the Kodiak you're refering to anorexic????? 600-ish is standard weight in the ute class.

 

Well, thanks for the advices and the warm welcome, I'm still open for more [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

And I was just wondering, is the Vinson 500 EFI ? and with independant rear suspension ? and if I put big bad tires on it, how will it perform with them on, is it gonna kill my engine in the long run ? and can it go tru most mudholes and "wet" tracks in the woods ?

thanks again [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The Vinny is carb'ed. SRA (swingarm. It'll get you most anywhere you want to go. Have fun!

 

WHAT EVER YOU DO DONT!!! PUT A LIFT KIT ON ANYTHING YOU BUY, IT WILL LEAD TO CV FAILURE, TRUST ME, needed caps lock for a episis on this.

v581