Last spring I went shopping for a utility quad. I'd never owned an atv before and had no preconceived notions of quality or reliability. I went to a small town dealer who sold a number of brands (Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, and Suzuki) and drilled them (salesman-who was the owner, and one of the mechanics) about price and reliability. I liked the looks and ride of the 500 SP but the salesman wasn't comfortable selling me one being it I lived so far from the shop. I ended up buying the Suzuki LTF500 (2000). The salesman told me, in his view, that Suzuki was the "most under rated quad" on the market. I spent about 6800 bucks, this included a two unit ATV trailer and they wired up my vehicle as well. I'm sure that most ATVs are fine, this was just my experience.

 

This January I wanted a 4x4 and I wanted the most reliable and toughest I could find. I thought about the SP500 and the Grizzly but I don't like automatics and all I ever heard about was belts slipping on both machines and all I see or hear is Polaris breaking down a lot(my friends have some polaris so it's not just hearing, it's seeing them break down). I got my 2000 LTF-500F for $5400 and got half off on an aluminum ramp. I spent 2 weeks working my dealer by always acting interested but then in turn leaving if he wouldn't throw in a winch(which he later did for half off) or knock the price down more. Spend some time and you can work the dealers. I'm very happy with my quad and the only other serious thought I had for another bike was the 500 Arctic Cat which again uses a Suzuki motor, I just liked the looks of the Suzuki 500 better. So far this machine is unstoppable and I've put it to the test many a time. As in everything else I ride or drive I don't take it easy on it and so far the only problems I've had are the fender flares popping loose from their mounts. I've had it for 8 months and in that time I'd would have had a Polaris in the 3/4 of the time I owned it. I like the idea of the IRS but until it gets reliable I'll never own a quad with it especially with big 27" & 28" tires, those CV's just don't hold up on those Polaris.

 

I've seen a lot of quads on the trail, running. Have seen several quads being towed in from the trail. Usually, racer type quads. The utility quads seem to hold up better under normal conditions. Each has it's best features or worst flaw. I know that I don't want a belt drive. That does not mean that belt drive is a bad feature. It's just not right for me. It's still a seller for manufacturers here and abroad. So, it doesn't matter what I think! They're right...
Chuck, Suzuki KQ 300, GPS & lunch...

 

As far as Suzuki they are probably one of the most reliable Quads out there but ther chassis & suspension is not the greatest. If you want Suzuki reliablity & great suspension go buy a Arctic Cat 500 or 500a. They are probably one of the most confortable rides in the market.

 

Chuck,
I have to agree with you,very seldom do we see a utility quad being towed,though sometimes it does happen.

I know your not a belt fan,but did you know that in a current ATV Pull in New York,Polaris
[Belts] won in 9 out of the 11 events?It was the belt drive that alot of folks dont like that dominated this event over any gear driven quad.Im not CRAZY about the belts either,however,if a 150 HP snowmobile [belt driven] can handle the stress the engine deleivers,my 38 hp quad should have no problem.Just a little food for the thought.


BTW,The new 650cc Kaw is belt driven to.

GOOD DAY,
Bill

 

Well, again Bill, I didn't look at this post before I talked to you. I'm working too many hours and got too much going on right now but I'll catch up. Please, everybody that ride belt drives, don't be offened. I prefer clutch and for good reason but let's not go there.
If the new Kow coming out soon, has a belt drive I will look for Suzuki to come out with a new five speed, diff. lock, probably four or 500 cc single cylinder, four stroker,with RIS and disk brakes. There's no doubt, they've heard all this stuff before... 'Cause you told 'em... Problem-- How much is it gonna cost?
Chuck, Suzuki KQ 300, GPS & lunch...