Looking for some info from all you 4x4 friends out there. I went to the dealership today and was looking to get a 500cc quad like the Vinson. Should I get the 5-speed or auto? Any problems with the belt ? Also any other quads I should consider before dropping some major dough? I'm going to use it for rec riding and hauling wood with a trailer around the property. Thanks

 

The Suzuki "Quadmatic" CVT is one of the best belt-drive systems out there, right along with Yamaha. It never needs to be tinkered with for quite a long time to my knowledge, unlike the Kawasaki and Polaris systems. Unless you enjoy shifting or want the small discount, I wouldn't think twice about getting the automatic.

 

Go ride them both and then decide. I've never had any regrets on getting the manual, and the only thing keeping me from looking at the king is that they don't offer it in a manual. Over 2k miles on mine and never had to change a belt, it feels like about 5hp more than an auto, when going downhill you can go different speeds without touching the brakes or the gas. I put 27" mudlights on and it handles them just fine without a clutch kit. Going uphill you can downshift without letting up on the gas and get an instant power increase.

Of course the auto has some advantages too, just none that I cared about. Like I said, go ride them both and then decide what's right for you.

 

I also have the manual. Its not as smooth as the auto at first but after break in its fine. Its just a personal choice though.

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: Niskibum
I've never had any regrets on getting the manual, and the only thing keeping me from looking at the king is that they don't offer it in a manual.q]

And I think that changes this year.

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: RedGoblin

Have you heard something? According to the Suzuki website the only changes this year are color options.

 

Vinson came out on top when I was looking, my needs were rec riding and hunting. Yamaha and Artic Cat were to high in price both new and used. Vinson has a great low gear, much lower than a Kaw 700 that my son has, should work well towing a trailor load of wood. For trail riding it soots me fine, I dont run break neck like I used to but the Vinson is capable if I'm willing. I'm 6'4" and weigh 230 and it has all the power you need to climb hills or jump logs.

 

I'm 6 foot, 220 and my Vinson Auto works great for me. I use it around the property to pull a trailer with wood, gravel, gear, etc. For the money, it's a very good buy. You should consider at this point looking at a new 2004 machine. When I bought my 2003 about this time last year, I saved a $1,000 versus a new 2004. I don't think there have been any major upgrades for 2005.

 

I have had my 05 Vinny for almost a year now...took it to Utah to ride the Paiute Trail, will be going to Hatfield McCoy in a few months, haven't had a single problem with it.

I have been a Honda man for 30+ years, but I picked the Vinson because at the time it was the largest 4X4 with a manual shift and disc brakes on both ends. Honda can't seem to get the message about their "sealed drums" (don't get me started)

The Vinson 5-speed kicked the Vinson auto's butt in a direct one-on-one comparison done by DirtWheels magazine a couple of years ago (sorry I don't have the year/month but I promise you it's there) mainly because the 5-speed's power was much more controllable and you could rev it out as needed. There was some moron on the thread a few months ago claiming his auto would smoke a 5-speed...his claim was absurd.

I didn't want an auto because it has the same failing as most other autos...if you get the drivebelt wet crossing a stream, you're stuck. Yes, I know about snorkeling...I also know nothing is foolproof. The 5-speed eliminates that possibility.

 

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going with the 5-speed but any more input will be welcome!!!