I am debating what I would like to buy in place of the 2005 Brute force I will be trading in. What I am looking to improve on is this:
1. Better/softer ride/less tippy
2. Reliability (the brute had problems in the winter--belt got wet very quickly, brakes froze sitting outside during hunting. Also, the belt got wet while driving thru water just higher than the tires? It also overheated after going thru some mud because of the radiator----never happened to me on any other ATV?
I have always had a Polaris and like the SP800 which my Dad has and he likes it. I have also had a sportsman a while ago. The sp800 is heavy, accelerates a bit quicker off the line, rides good and has been to this point very reliable compared to my Brute. I tried the Brute for the cool V-twin power but have too many other issues with it. Wondering what everyone thinks about the KQ vs the SP800 in terms of everything mentioned above. I do ride a passenger 90% of the time but still like something more fun to ride not tippy. I would get an 06 for sure just to move up a model year. I know I can get the polaris for about $7600-$7800 with no tax/extras incl., any idea when and what the 06 KQ would run?

Just looking for opinions from others.

Thanks,
Brandon

 

06' KQ will run between $7000-$7200 out the door.

I own a 05' KQ, all I can say is you can't go wrong with it. Polaris have a very nice ride, poor consumer reports, history of problems in the past, now it may be different...They look mean but looks don't do it for me.

KQ has had very good reviews,the reverse issue and the efi module have been fixed as long as you buy a KQ with the last 6 serial numbers over 115990, which an 06' will start much higher than that, no worry, they are much lighter weight than the polaris, roomy seat for two, as I also ride double 90% of the time. generally during hunting.

Seems like Polaris around here are tough to sell and re-sell, always have been. I live in Central Kentucky.

In Canada, Bombardier and Polaris are the top sellers.

 

Thanks for the insight.

I am open to suggestions until the end of Oct. when I plan to make the trade.

 

kq is a great quad, i think you will the like suzuukki

 

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I would get an 06 for sure just to move up a model year. I know I can get the polaris for about $7600-$7800 with no tax/extras incl., any idea when and what the 06 KQ would run?

Just looking for opinions from others.
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I am open to suggestions until the end of Oct. when I plan to make the trade.

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I too am considering an '06 KQ and at this point most likely against an '06 Rincon BUT I don't think you will be able to get an '06 KQ in Oct. I have heard Dec for those to start hitting the dealers and I called a big one here in St. Louis and they said January is more likely.

 

I ride double a lot on the KQ as well and I can hardly tell anyone is on it with me when I accelerate. It has been very good to me so far, I haven't had one problem. The Polaris 800 is too heavy IMO, exspecially with 2 people on it, all the Sportsmans are to hard to steer and to heavy IMO, my 04 400 Sportsman gave me sore shoulders and a sore back from turning and that was when I was driving alone, the KQ feels like it has power steering in comparaison with the Sportsmans most like because it's 170lbs lighter than the 800. The KQ's gas mileage is also better than any other big bore, I've heard the Sportsman 800 is very bad on gas and your BF 750 as well in comparison with the KQ. But KQ is it's weigh capacity is 380lbs so if you and a passenger weigh over 400lbs it wouldn't be good for it, my aunt and uncle(400lbs+) got on my KQ and it handled them pretty good but, I wouldn't want to do it very often.

 

Another question,

I know the KQ has 2wd, 4wd, & 4wd lock, can 4WD lock be used in high or low at any speed or what? Do you have to stop to engage any of them? I have never owned a Suzuki so any info on how the 4wd system works is very helpful.


Thanks,
Brandon

 

I don't think you have to stop to engage, but I would anyway. Yes you can use differential lock in low or high.

 

I rode the Brute 750 and didn't like it either, primarily because it felt too tippy. I bought an '05 KQ about 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it! I can't say enough about it!

There are some really good deals on 2005 KQs right now, which is why I bought one instead of waiting for an '06. There really are only cosmetic changes between the '05 and '06 models; black rims instead of silver, black replaces the yellow color, and I believe they changed the green color a bit also, so unless you are REALLY interested in one of those color changes, my advice is to buy an '05 and save yourself several hundred bucks in the process. I paid $6300 OTD for my '05, and the 2006 KQs retail for $7299. I was able to get a Warn 3.0ci winch, Suzuki a-arm guards, and a Kimpex front bumper with the money I saved, and I still came out under $7000 total. Just be sure if you buy an '05 that you get one with the last 6 VIN digits over 115956 to be sure you get the new reverse gear. All 2006 KQs will have this new gear as well.