Hi,

I have a 2005 Suzuki King Quad LT-A700X and the top end needs to be rebuilt. We use this on our ranch everyday and I need to do as quick a rebuild as possible (still runs fairly well). I'm thinking that buying a fully rebuilt head, cylinder/piston, etc. is the way to go. Just wondering if folks have a recommendation on where to buy or what brand of parts (aftermarket, Suzuki) are the better choice.

Thanks!

 

Can't see any point in a "rebuilt head" Unless valve stems or guides are worn, a new set of valve stem seals should be all it needs. Yes, if clearances are out, the 700 is going to be a faff fitting shims, but I would at least check valve clearances and guides, before going to the expense of a rebuilt head. As for cylinder, it is plated and, if worn, a new cylinder will be needed, but again, check it and the piston for wear. Could be all you need are new rings. The one problem with inspecting everything before buying new parts is availability of the new stuff. Parts availability is weird at the moment with long waits for some items. Check if your dealer has the parts before stripping.

I fitted a non genuine piston and rings to a 500 Honda and found the oil control rings seemed soft and inclined to try to escape when the cylinder was slid over them, genuine rings seem to be springier and easier to fit, so I now always go for genuine.

 

@merryman Thanks much for the fulsome reply, I agree with all you say and if time weren't a very critical factor, this would be how I'd proceed.

The main point of my post is that time is critical. I do not have time for the sort of rebuild process I'd normally undertake, as you suggest. I need to have all parts in hand before i do tear down; hence the rebuilt head, new cylinder, piston, rings, etc.

So my question remains: what is a good source for these parts. I can wait on the parts since, as I've indicated, the ATV runs well enough for now. But a rebuild IS required.

 

Genuine Suzuki parts are usually extremely expensive. the big parts sellers like Babbitts and Partzilla are often a bit cheaper than the dealer's list price. I'm not sure if anyone will supply aftermarket heads and cylinders, though some specialists may have "rebuilt" stuff. As I wrote above, I go for genuine pistons and rings. Any aftermarket gasket set should be OK.

If you are in a situation where you can't do without a bike, I would seriously consider getting a second one for use if the first is off the road, this takes the urgency out, and my guess is the cost of a genuine head and cylinder will be more than buying an early Ozark or Eiger (if you want to stick with Suzuki). The 700 is a thirsty beast, one of our customers got one and hardly used it, they had a couple of smaller Hondas (350s I think) and always went for them first, being cheaper to run and more nimble. In fact, despite being a busy beef and sheep farm, they had to do the battery isolator mod on the 700, I had already done the extra wires from battery to regulator mod before they got it.

 

A Suzuki bare head is $1000.

 

To clarify: I'm looking for a source for good aftermarket parts (I know the OEM parts are way high) and reconditioned heads (or even re-sleeved cylinders). So, brand (not Suzuki), and/or supply house, and/or shop that rebuilds top end parts.

Thanks...