KQ700.....

Do this and see if you get results, i am pretty sure you will.

I know, for a FACT that Suzuki knows about the filter issue.

Contact your crappy dealership, have them contact the Suzuki rep for your region. Inform the dealership, specifically, to ask the Rep about a "GOOD FAITH" repair on your bike due to documented dirt ingestion past the air filter. If they do that, and the rep doesnt know what you are talking about, immediately contact the Better Business Bureau and your State Attorney Generals office to file an official complaint......tell the dealership and rep you are doing that. I have access to a repair order (scanned copy) that happens to have those exact words for the repair done, with the exact problem you are experiencing. I will give you some serious firepower if they keep jerking you around.
I am sick and tired of the hide and seek on this issue....its known, and they wont do anything to resolve it. Pathetic!!

Trust me, as i said, i know for a FACT they know and will repair your bike under the "GOOD FAITH" repair method.

-Glade

 

gladesteen,

Thank you for advice on this problem. Do you happen to know from the service order you mentioned what the compression was on that particular vehicle? Does it say if it was smoking or not? I would love to see a copy of that sevice order that was OK's by Suzuki.

 

Compression will vary some from engine to engine. You also need to remember that you have an automatic compression release. This is going to affect you compression test result.

The test you need to do to determine if your unit has wear in the cylinder is a leak down test. It should have less than 10% leak down. 5% is normal on a "perfect" engine and 12% is the number Suzuki says is unacceptable. In my book , if the leak down is good and it does not smoke, you are still ok.

As far as getting yours "fixed", it is all in how your dealer presents it to the TSM for approval. If he says it runs fine and tests good but you want it done anyway, the tsm is not going to approve it. You are going to have to show signs of a problem and have someone who will go to bat for you.

There is a thing called "Good Will", where many times if a unit is out of warranty we can get Suzuki to pay for the parts and we do the labor. This is a prime example of where "Good Will " will come into play later on if your unit has problems. Just document the issue.

 

Yes, Motorhead is right.......its "goodwill" repair.

The service order did not have the compression results, but does have dirt/dust ingested into engine past filter on it.
It also states cylinder wall scored, etc....... all the usual symptoms from the crappy filter problems Suzuki still seems to not fully admit about yet.

 

Well, Thanks for the replies guys. This is good info for lot's of us wondering at what point SHOULD Suzuki fix the problem. As for mine, it's back together with a UniFilter on (which Suzuki actually paid for. Why would they do that if the stock filter was good???) So I guess I'll just use it, as it runs at about 90% of when it was new in my estimation, which is OK for most of the riding I do. My only problem is now my KingQuad, which I thought was great before I noticed the drop in performance, has kind of a black eye so to speak, and I'll always have it in the back of my mind that it is not what it should be and not what I paid for.

 

I know this is an old string, but I would like to to do an update and ask a question.

First, as you may recall I had the head blow on my 05 KQ at about 1600 miles due the failed air filter. The dealer working with Suzuki fixed the problem and covered new Uni filters for this one and the second 05 KQ that I bought in Sept. 05. They both have over 5,000 miles them, and I have not had any service on them other that the valve adjmt, and oil and filter changes. The original stock tires have about 4,500 miles on them. However, they are pretty much bald. Not bad though considering the street miles on them. I was able to pick up two new sets of these original stock tires from the dealer for a bargain. They are not the best traction tires I have ever had, but all in all they wear great

So I am still very satisfied with the KQ's.

My question. I want to inspect, and replace the drive belts on these bikes, but have never done this before. Anyone got some info, or a source for manual on how to go about the replacement? I did pick up a couple of Carlilse belts as replacements.

Thanks.

 

MY EXPERIENCE:
I AM ANOTHER AIR FILTER VICTIM!!! The Suzuki rep has inspected my machine and agreed to provide the parts for a rebuild. I however, am responsible for the labor costs. Currently I am waiting to see if my extended warranty will cover any of it. I am less than happy about having to fight, and ultimately, pay anything for something that is not my fault.

It very much appears that this problem is widespread enough to indicate that something is wrong on the Suzuki end of things. My dealership has also admitted that the stock air filters are the problem and are replacing them with the UNI filter before sale.

I purchased the Suzuki shop manual with my machine and have followed it's instructions for proper maintenance. Regardless, I am one of the many faced with paying for costly repairs in order to further enjoy my machine. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR ANY OF US!!!

SUGGESTED SOLUTION:

There is power in numbers. It sounds like there are many frustrated voices out there. The most likely way to have an impact is to unite as one cause, possibly even one lawsuit. I would happily assist in this effort. My full time employment is as a law enforcement fraud investigator, so I assemble cases for a living. Based on that experience I will offer a few suggestions. A report should be compiled with the following information.
1. The experiences/information from as many KQ owners as possible
(By this I mean your problem with the machine, as well as your experience with the Suzuki reps/company, experience in dealing with your dealership, ultimate outcome, costs, etc.) DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS
2. An overall summary of the problem(s), associated costs, etc.
3. And finally a request for action by Suzuki. Should be specific, like reimbursement for labor costs, a RECALL!!!, etc.

If Suzuki still isn't willing to play ball, then this same report goes to an attorney for review and subsequently, a lawsuit.

Currently, I would be interested to hear what the outcomes have been for others. As mentioned, Suzuki will at least be providing the parts for my rebuild. It sounds like several others have obtained this same deal.

 

Do this affect only the 700 models.. or others... We just purchased an 07 KQ 450....

Should we be concerned also..

thanks..

Nick

 

Suzuki has changed the part number for the airfilter on both machines, the 450 and the 700. Not sure if this is a fix or not. So your best bet would be to change the filter out to a Uni or Twin Air filter. Both are washable and reusable so they will pay for themselves over time. You shouldn't have to but why even risk the possibility having to deal with this issue down the road.

 

I have friend with same problem and the dealer won't resolve and suzuki won't cover it and I need to tell him who to call at suzuki to get this taken care of.

Can't believe suzuki would want bad reputation for not taking care of known problem.

Post details on who you contacted where to get yours taken care of or anybody else that can help