FYI.

I picked up my vinson Saturday and rode all day Sunday at my brother-in-law's hunting lease on the Wolf River here on the Gulfcoast of Mississippi. I put 32 miles on it and almost 6 hours of run time. I LOVE the dashpod! And let me say, the Shifter on my Vinson is flawless.

We had a group of 5 people: 2 Recons, 1 ArcticCat 300 4x4, and a Big Red 3 Wheeler. My 500 was easily the leader of the pack. I tried a little of every type of riding with care given to it being new and needing to break in. It jumped straight and level over the sand dunes. It does about 30-32 mph at half throttle through some twisty backwoods trails. The rearend kicks out like a sport bike , and it is ALWAYS in the right gear. I still have the shocks at the stock setting, which is the softest preload. Also, We all went upstream on a gravel/sand creek that feeds the River. The Vinson and the ArcticCat, with 4x4 locked in and high range, were cruising and leaving the other bikes sinking in the creek. I can't tell you how many times I stopped to go back and drag the other bikes to a high spot, only to have to do it again at the next hole. That experience alone makes me a believer in 4-wheel drive.

The bike is exceptionaly stable on the hills, especialy considering it is narrower than a lot of the quads it's size. I did manage to roll it end over end when I attempted to go down a almost virtical hill. The nose just lunged into the sand and I made a leap to clear the monster. It gently rolled over on it's side and I pulled it back upright. Not a single part damaged except the small scratches on the fenders from sliding on the sand. It started right up and away I went.

The belt drive system is just incredible. I was in water to the fenders for about 15 minutes and not a single slip or chirp. No water in the sumps or drains either. The rear storage even stayed dry.

The only thing that was uncomfortable in the least was the amount of heat that rolled over my leg when the radiator fan turned on. I thought there was a blast furnace down there with a open harth on my leg. As for a comfortable ride... not a single ache or cramp after all that riding except for the massive sunburn I have from not taking a break from the sun. The only work I had to do to it was tighten the handlebars. they were a bit loose as I found from a few jumps I managed. After all the guys I was with had some time on it, they agreed that it was a well built bike. I can see at least one of them getting a new one in the near future.

The front fender dry storage is a great place for my: Multitool, keys, cellphone, digital camera, rags, and whatever other small items I can find. I just made sure to pack in some foamrubber to protect the gadgets.

In short, I am exceedingly happy with my purchase, and I feel I got a good deal. after it was all said and done, I walked out with the bike for 6600 including all the taxes, title, and required fees. Plus I got 2.95 percent on the loan thanks to GE Capital backing Suzuki.

I know that for a few hundred more I could get a Bigger bike like the Praire, or the Sportsman, but I have had such a good experience with the local Suzuki dealer and with my Old LT125, I just felt it was the right one for me. Besides, it fits me like a glove and I am 6'5" 250lbs.

Can't wait for the breakin to be over so I can stretch it's legs. The torque this thing has already is brutal, when it loosens up and I can rev it..... I am going to be hard pressed not to hurt myself.

Anyway, hope my drivel helps someone somewhere, and I appretiate any and all feedback

 

Glad to hear somebody say anything about the Vinson, asked around and heard lots of negative stuff. Getting a Vinson for work soon. Where did you pick yours up at???
Thanks

 

I got my Vinny at Suzuki City In Biloxi Mississippi. Not even close to where you are. I just don't understand the fears people are throwing out about the shifter. I mean, it is not a difficult adjustment, and Suzuki has a Kit to fix it for free. The main thing seems to be bad service people and NOT the machine. That happens with ever brand. as a matter of fact, that is the MAIN reason I went with Suzuki here. The Honda dealer on the coast is a well known gouger, but seems to have a knack for getting stupid people to buy their wares. Never have I met so many obnoxious pseudo-intellectual knowitall's. Not to mention the lack of work ethic and a filthy shop.

The Suzu Dealer, on the other hand, was top notch and very easy to talk to. Their shop looked like a operating room and everything was well kept. They were also willing to deal and offered advice like: "If you get the shop manual for 60 bucks you will have saved your money using it just twice since my shop fee is 40 an hour plus parts." I still have not gotten the manual because I don't see aneed for it yet, and 60 bucks buys a LOT of gas for my rides.

Anyway,Rationalize things however you want, but for me, The Vinson and the place I got it from were all part of the best deal around here.

 

I asked my local dealer about the shifter kit and he didn't know about one? What is the part number?

 

My Vinson got here today, what at ride, put 7 miles on it in a couple of hours. Called it work.
Had a little trouble with the shifter, found out if I stood up on the foot brake it shifted without a problem. Department bought this one as a test for future purchases, I don't mind being the guinea pig,

 

Just picked up my new Vinson Saturday. I got the green one, as the yellow is a little bright. I haven't been able to ride it yet, except for around the yard. I can't wait to break it in. Let me know if you guys find any good aftermarket parts/accessories, or experience problems. I'll be in touch as I break mine in.


ScottOne
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2002 Vinson