I had my 2005 KQ (completely stock) out on the river (good n frozen -20 c) tonight...now I know I've only got 50 km's on it and am in the middle of the break-in but I only managed to get to 94 kmph (about 55 mph)[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img] during my full throttle forays....I was accellerating and then letting off the throttle completely to coast to a stop, then accellerating at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle up to progressively faster speeds....finally after about 20 minutes I cracked it wide open from 85 kmph (got there easy) but it only climbed to 94 kmph thats it.....I repeaded teh up/down routine about 20 times this trip out but never managed more than 94.....fwiw I have been breakin in the KQ for awhile now...it's already had two oil/filter changes, the first as soon as I brought it home from the dealer......I wonder if this is normal at this stage or maybe I was slowed down casue I was in 4wd or on packed snow,......thoughts anyone...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

I don't know that ice/snow is the best testing ground for top speed. I'd find a good stretch of pavement if I were you and then see what happens.

 

The stock tires do not get much traction in the snow, snow and ice will slow you down considerably on top speed. I never have topped mine out but I wouldn't try in the snow, I've gotten mine to 65mph easily on a dirt road in the middle of summer..so don't let this worry you. Also the 4wd may lower the top speed as well...but I'm not sure bout that.

 

Thanks for the replies...I was wondering though if there was someone out there that HAD an 05 or 06 KQ up to speed on a similar surface...and what did they find....I was in 4wd riding on packed snow so I wasn't digging in too much and occasional ice...I was solo (weigh about 230) and have a kimpex back seat/stoarge box but wind should'nt be a factor since I got the same results up wind and down wind..

 

Kenora, I have had my stock KQ up to 72 mph. I was in 2WD (High) and riding on a dirt, not gravel, road. The road is pretty flat from all the "drag racing" and general cruising. I had 3/4 tank of gas. I weigh about 185lbs. There was no wind. My buddy Joe, who weighs roughly 210lbs, had it up to 68 mph in the same conditions. We were running at Deepwater Missouri. I am pretty sure I could get it a little faster if I had more room. Find yourself a nice dirt road and put her in 2WD (High) and hang on!

 

Kenora...There is NO question that surface condition is the issue here. Just wait till spring...you will see what your machine is capable of. We have plenty of ice/snow here in E. Washington and speed is greatly reduced on these conditions. I had my machine up to 60 last summer with "lots" of throttle left...I simply didn't want to go any faster!