Vinson
Nov 16, 2001 | 01:33 AM
#11
Pro Rider
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 439
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LEP7MM, KNOWSALOT,
My Vinson was jetted for sea level with a #128 main jet. I just re-jetted tonight with a #120. I usually ride above 6K feet so I was running very rich. I had pulled the spark plug after a ride that was mostly slow, rocky climbing, ruts, etc. It was pretty black and full of carbon. Maybe that has to do with the bad gas mileage? After I re-jetted, I took it around the neighborhood for a few laps and let it cool down. Then I pulled the plug and it looks like it's running a little lean. That's good because I live at 4700 ft, and I figure going up to 6K feet and above, should be about right. Plus it's only about 50-60F (dense air) now and when summer comes and the temps hit regularly in the 90s, the air will be much less dense. I'm probably going to try to ride this weekend and see how it does leaned out.
The gas gauge is interesting. I'm pretty sure it reads for 4 gallons, not the full 5 gallons. My first ride I put over 70 mi. on it and it read near empty, but it wasn't on the 1 gal. reserve yet. I've got 42 miles on this tank and it's near 1/2 full. Again, this was with very rich jetting. We'll see if it improves as it breaks in and if the leaner main jet makes a difference.
Re: the battery tie down. I think it had already been fixed. I looked tonight and the rubber strap is hooked onto a metal clib. What bugs me though is the plastic that's on top of the round part of the clip broke on one side and the bare metal is showing. Maybe that's why the recall? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Last weekend, I took it on some very muddy roads and in the snow up around 8700 feet and it was caked when I got home. I'm used to my KQ with the large mud flaps. The Vinson isn't as well protected. The bottom skid plate has no vent holes so the mud just dried under the engine. I'm going to have to remove it to clean it.
The tranny is smooth, no problems. The more I ride it, I realize that making a "sport/utility" required some compromises. There are things I like about the KQ that I wish the Vinson had and visa versa.
It has plenty of power for my tastes.
I'm with coconut on the Dynojet kit. I e-mailed them about a month ago and they said they were getting a Vinson for testing. I'm glad to hear they're making progress.
Phoneguy, good luck with your purchase. Let us know how it goes.
Mark
My Vinson was jetted for sea level with a #128 main jet. I just re-jetted tonight with a #120. I usually ride above 6K feet so I was running very rich. I had pulled the spark plug after a ride that was mostly slow, rocky climbing, ruts, etc. It was pretty black and full of carbon. Maybe that has to do with the bad gas mileage? After I re-jetted, I took it around the neighborhood for a few laps and let it cool down. Then I pulled the plug and it looks like it's running a little lean. That's good because I live at 4700 ft, and I figure going up to 6K feet and above, should be about right. Plus it's only about 50-60F (dense air) now and when summer comes and the temps hit regularly in the 90s, the air will be much less dense. I'm probably going to try to ride this weekend and see how it does leaned out.
The gas gauge is interesting. I'm pretty sure it reads for 4 gallons, not the full 5 gallons. My first ride I put over 70 mi. on it and it read near empty, but it wasn't on the 1 gal. reserve yet. I've got 42 miles on this tank and it's near 1/2 full. Again, this was with very rich jetting. We'll see if it improves as it breaks in and if the leaner main jet makes a difference.
Re: the battery tie down. I think it had already been fixed. I looked tonight and the rubber strap is hooked onto a metal clib. What bugs me though is the plastic that's on top of the round part of the clip broke on one side and the bare metal is showing. Maybe that's why the recall? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Last weekend, I took it on some very muddy roads and in the snow up around 8700 feet and it was caked when I got home. I'm used to my KQ with the large mud flaps. The Vinson isn't as well protected. The bottom skid plate has no vent holes so the mud just dried under the engine. I'm going to have to remove it to clean it.
The tranny is smooth, no problems. The more I ride it, I realize that making a "sport/utility" required some compromises. There are things I like about the KQ that I wish the Vinson had and visa versa.
It has plenty of power for my tastes.
I'm with coconut on the Dynojet kit. I e-mailed them about a month ago and they said they were getting a Vinson for testing. I'm glad to hear they're making progress.
Phoneguy, good luck with your purchase. Let us know how it goes.
Mark
Nov 16, 2001 | 07:26 PM
#12
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info guys. The dealer called and he got his 2 yellow machines in before the green one he was supposed to have last week. He invited me over on Monday after they have the first one assembled for a test ride. Will be looking forward to trying out the Suzuki line again.
Thanks again!!!!!
Thanks again!!!!!
Nov 17, 2001 | 02:26 PM
#13
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
well, I got a chance to ride the Vinson today. My first impressions are pretty good. The steering is easier than my SP500. I prefer the clutching on the Vinson also. The gear shift is far easier than the Polaris. Even though the machine is new, I could tell that there is a lot more power in the Vinson than the pre-ho version of the Sportsman. The ride isn't as nice, but I didn't look to see how the shocks were set.
This is only my first impression and will be able to tell more after I have it for a while and get some miles on it. The mechanic had just finished putting everything together when I got there so there may be a few things to tweak before I pick it up.
This is only my first impression and will be able to tell more after I have it for a while and get some miles on it. The mechanic had just finished putting everything together when I got there so there may be a few things to tweak before I pick it up.
Nov 18, 2001 | 09:13 PM
#14
Pro Rider
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
LEP7MM, and other Vinson owners,
The plastic skid plates of the Vinson don't drain well at at because there are no holes. I took a look at my KQ and there are drain holes drilled everywhere in the metal skid plate. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
The reason I noticed the lack of drain holes was a couple of weeks ago, I went up in the snow at around 8800 ft and the bike got real muddy. After the ride I hosed it off and noticed the water and mud had no where to drain under the engine.
Yesterday I took off the main skid plate ( 3 bolts on each side ) and drilled about 8-10 1" dia. holes in strategically placed spots to allow it to drain better. The holes should allow more heat to be dissipated away from the engine as I ride too. I was careful in the hole placement because I didn't want to weaken the strength and rigidity of the plastic. I can envision a rock catching one of the holes and tearing the plastic so I plan to be more careful.
LEP7MM, I'm interested in how the Vinson compares to the Sportsman. I would expect the Sportsman to ride smoother with the independent suspension. How do you feel they compare in power, acceleration, and reliability?
Mark
The plastic skid plates of the Vinson don't drain well at at because there are no holes. I took a look at my KQ and there are drain holes drilled everywhere in the metal skid plate. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
The reason I noticed the lack of drain holes was a couple of weeks ago, I went up in the snow at around 8800 ft and the bike got real muddy. After the ride I hosed it off and noticed the water and mud had no where to drain under the engine.
Yesterday I took off the main skid plate ( 3 bolts on each side ) and drilled about 8-10 1" dia. holes in strategically placed spots to allow it to drain better. The holes should allow more heat to be dissipated away from the engine as I ride too. I was careful in the hole placement because I didn't want to weaken the strength and rigidity of the plastic. I can envision a rock catching one of the holes and tearing the plastic so I plan to be more careful.
LEP7MM, I'm interested in how the Vinson compares to the Sportsman. I would expect the Sportsman to ride smoother with the independent suspension. How do you feel they compare in power, acceleration, and reliability?
Mark
Nov 18, 2001 | 11:36 PM
#15
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
Mark,
I didn't have much of a chance to really open up the Vinson I rode. The mechanic had just put everything together and I wasn't about to beat on a machine that isn't broke in yet. But overall, I think that the Vinson has the pre-HO Sportsman beat in power, acceleration, and reliability. Reliability is really a situational factor since this lies mostly in the hands of the owner and their preventative maintenance practices. But if each machine was put through identical conditions, I feel the Suzuki would hold up better and require less maintenance. I was looking through the stats of the HO and Vinson and there is only a slight difference in compression ratios between the two machines. Also, the fit and finish of the Suzuki is lightyears better than the Sportsman. I have yet to see a Polaris where the side panels actually fit. This could possibly be fixed by loosening the fenders and repositioning them slightly, but for a $6K wheeler, I expect more from the factory. The Suzuki doesn't have the plush ride like the Polaris, but I can't comment on the Suzuki until I get it into some rougher terrain and put it through the test.
I will certainly keep you guys posted in the findings after I get it home. It may take a week or better. I have a hunting trip scheduled for next weekend and won't be back until next Sunday afternoon.
I didn't have much of a chance to really open up the Vinson I rode. The mechanic had just put everything together and I wasn't about to beat on a machine that isn't broke in yet. But overall, I think that the Vinson has the pre-HO Sportsman beat in power, acceleration, and reliability. Reliability is really a situational factor since this lies mostly in the hands of the owner and their preventative maintenance practices. But if each machine was put through identical conditions, I feel the Suzuki would hold up better and require less maintenance. I was looking through the stats of the HO and Vinson and there is only a slight difference in compression ratios between the two machines. Also, the fit and finish of the Suzuki is lightyears better than the Sportsman. I have yet to see a Polaris where the side panels actually fit. This could possibly be fixed by loosening the fenders and repositioning them slightly, but for a $6K wheeler, I expect more from the factory. The Suzuki doesn't have the plush ride like the Polaris, but I can't comment on the Suzuki until I get it into some rougher terrain and put it through the test.
I will certainly keep you guys posted in the findings after I get it home. It may take a week or better. I have a hunting trip scheduled for next weekend and won't be back until next Sunday afternoon.
Nov 19, 2001 | 09:54 PM
#17
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
Just to let you guys know, I picked up the Yellow Vinson tonight. But if you asked the mrs., it's flame red. That's what she's seeing now. Don't think I'll be sleeping in the bedroom tonight. Oh well, gives me more time to ride the new machine.
Mark,
I'll be heading your direction, but stopping when I hit the Missouri River for the hunt. I would almost rather drive to Utah to ride. I'll give you a full report when I return.
Mark,
I'll be heading your direction, but stopping when I hit the Missouri River for the hunt. I would almost rather drive to Utah to ride. I'll give you a full report when I return.
Nov 24, 2001 | 04:13 PM
#18
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Hey markdf,
I live in the same area as you and wondered if the deal you got was at Big Boy's, Vesco's or someone else. I just purchased 2002 Big Bear, but need another bike so that I and my wife will be able to ride and I think she'll enjoy the automatic. Also, do you have to stop the Vinson to select 4wd or is it on the fly? If the Vinson is durable and low maintainence it sound's like the best deal going. Any of you guy's had long term experience with Suzuki products, I've never owned anything Suzuki. Thanks in advance for the info!
PS- Anyone know if the recall on the EIGER automatic tranny applied to the Vinson?
I live in the same area as you and wondered if the deal you got was at Big Boy's, Vesco's or someone else. I just purchased 2002 Big Bear, but need another bike so that I and my wife will be able to ride and I think she'll enjoy the automatic. Also, do you have to stop the Vinson to select 4wd or is it on the fly? If the Vinson is durable and low maintainence it sound's like the best deal going. Any of you guy's had long term experience with Suzuki products, I've never owned anything Suzuki. Thanks in advance for the info!
PS- Anyone know if the recall on the EIGER automatic tranny applied to the Vinson?
Nov 24, 2001 | 05:51 PM
#19
Pro Rider
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
Browntrout,
I bought my Vinson at Big Boy's. The Eiger recall didn't affect the Vinson. The Vinson has a recall for a battery tie down bracket. (Not a big deal) Mine was already fixed when I bought it.
I've owned a King Quad and Quadrunner now for a little over a year and have 1000 mi. on each. They are very reliable. As you can see from my signature, I've done a few mods to them too.
You do have to at least slow down when going from 2 to 4WD on the Vinson. If you don't you'll hear a chattering as the front differential disengages. After that happened a few times to me, I now come to an almost complete stop to go in or out of 4WD. It honestly doesn't bother me that much. It might irriate others though.
Hope this helps.
Mark
I bought my Vinson at Big Boy's. The Eiger recall didn't affect the Vinson. The Vinson has a recall for a battery tie down bracket. (Not a big deal) Mine was already fixed when I bought it.
I've owned a King Quad and Quadrunner now for a little over a year and have 1000 mi. on each. They are very reliable. As you can see from my signature, I've done a few mods to them too.
You do have to at least slow down when going from 2 to 4WD on the Vinson. If you don't you'll hear a chattering as the front differential disengages. After that happened a few times to me, I now come to an almost complete stop to go in or out of 4WD. It honestly doesn't bother me that much. It might irriate others though.
Hope this helps.
Mark
Nov 26, 2001 | 12:57 AM
#20
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
markdf,
we didn't have much luck on the hunting trip this weekend. We did see a lot of deer now that most of the crops are out. I may have to make plans for next year for a deer hunt. The pheasants were tough to get and we saw very few roosters. But enough of that already.
I did get the Vinson out for a quick spin this afternoon. Still not many miles on it yet, but that will change this week. I have noticed that the initial acceleration is real comparable to the 650 Prairie. I'm real curious what the top end will be after break-in. The weather man is talking snow here in MN for tomorrow and Tuesday, so that will double the fun. After break-in is over, I will be out with the gps to get an accurate reading and compare to the speedo. Have you checked to see if yours gives an accurate reading? I've been hearing some reports that the Vinsons are hitting 65 mph. Will believe this when I see it on the gps. Either way, the more I ride the Vinson, the more I feel I made the right choice in trading in the Sportsman.
we didn't have much luck on the hunting trip this weekend. We did see a lot of deer now that most of the crops are out. I may have to make plans for next year for a deer hunt. The pheasants were tough to get and we saw very few roosters. But enough of that already.
I did get the Vinson out for a quick spin this afternoon. Still not many miles on it yet, but that will change this week. I have noticed that the initial acceleration is real comparable to the 650 Prairie. I'm real curious what the top end will be after break-in. The weather man is talking snow here in MN for tomorrow and Tuesday, so that will double the fun. After break-in is over, I will be out with the gps to get an accurate reading and compare to the speedo. Have you checked to see if yours gives an accurate reading? I've been hearing some reports that the Vinsons are hitting 65 mph. Will believe this when I see it on the gps. Either way, the more I ride the Vinson, the more I feel I made the right choice in trading in the Sportsman.