Hello listers,
I'm in the market for another quad.
Among other motorcycles I own, dirt and road,
I have a Kawi Lakota. I absolutely love it.
I was looking at the Polaris Expedition 425 and
Yamaha Big Bear before settling on the
Quadrunner 500
Artic Cat and Honda are out because the local
dealers are lousy.
Friends have a Prairie 300 and a Yamaha Grizzly
and, riding them, I really want a 4x4 for this quad. But having ridden the autotrannys, I find I really prefer the 5-speed.
I'm maybe 80% "sport" in the riding I do, but do
use the present Lakota for "chores" occasionally.
Money is not much of an issue.
I'm looking for power and FUN, with the emphasis
on the FUN.
Plus Suzuki, while apparently not real popular, seem to give good value. It has the features I like:
disc brakes, 5-speed, skid plates, large motor,
liquid cooling, etc.
The King Quad fits the bill with the exception of engine size. Bigger, to me, is better.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy this quad?
Any reliabilty problems?
Any input will be greatly appreciated. On or off the list.
Many thanks in advance,
NY Pete

 

NYPete,

I almost bought a 1999 Suzuki Quad Runner 500. I bought 2 Kawie Bayou 220's instead, then upgraded one to a 00 Grizzly. I ride almost every weekend with a friend with a 2000 Quad Master 500. I have ridden it some, but mostly know how it compares to the Grizzly. Of the machines I ride with, I would say it has the smoothest and best sounding motor. I have seen him cross creeks with water up to the racks. I can beat him top end and off the line, but I don't think it really matters, since we don't ride very many trails that are straight for more than 20 feet. We more or less raced on Sunday on a 2 mile long trail that had many tight turns through trees, a mud bog, small creek cossings, and some hill climbs. He kept right on my tail. From what I could tell at the time, it appeared he gained on me everytime we slowed for a corner. It appears to be a sure-footed stopper.

Only two problems I have seen. It has a low seat height, but it appesrs to have been at the expense of ground clearance. I have pulled him out 3 times in ruts that the Grizzly crossed without even rubbing. The Suzuki got high centered and all fours tires were off the ground. Other problem is recent. The fuse for the cooling fan keeps blowing. It is easy to replace and happens about once per trail ride, but the temp warning light comes on before it's apparent.

All in all. I think it is a great machine. This is second hand, but sometimes that may be better.

Yammer_Hummer
P.S. I wanted a manual too, but after having an auto for 200 miles, I love it!

 

I have a Quadrunner 500. I feel that it is the best 4x4 quad on the market right now. it does have low ground clearance for stock but that can easly be fixed. I have added 27" titan 589, itp wheels, lift kit, oxlite cv boot guards, super winch, moose hand guards, camo tape, gell seat, and floor boards. Now I have more clearance then I will need. The motor is so strong You will joke about the performance of the grizzly 600 and sportsman 500. And can you say never worry about engine problems, you can if you own a LTF500! Find one to ride and you will never ride anthing else. I guess I fell pretty strong about this quad, but you will never hear anyone say anything bad about a Suzuki 4x4 quad. Hell they invented the first 4x4 quad ever! enough said!!!

 

My feelings exactly Camo....

 

I second that.

Hey Camo, where did you get your Oxlite's? I have Cycle Country on mine and have torn a boot with them in the crust. The Oxlite's that my brother-in-law has on his Honda 450es are sweet. They angle out near the tires, pushes anything away from the boot not into it. I think if I could get a pair like these on my quad I would never have to worry about tearing another boot.

Thanks

 

NYPETE,

I also strongly recomend the 500 Quadmatser. You will really be surprised at the power and speed the autotranny delivers. I also think that the center of gravity is a little taller on the 500 auto vs the 500 manual. There are some differences in construction from one to the other. For sport riding I much prefer riding my wifes Quadmaster over my manual Artic Cat.

 

c4drm

I got my oxylites from the dealer for like 35 - 40 bucks. I'd go to the dealer of your bike and order oxylites... they are awesome! I have not had any busted boots after I got oxylites (I've had 1 so far in 3 years of riding with oxylites -- the only time was MY fault).

-E

1993 trx300 4x4
26" blackwaters
superwinch2000
oxylite brush guards

 

The only thing I have a problem with is the extra big mud flaps (they catch on everything). Other than that it is a great machine. Wayne H.

 

wow wow wow
man everyone here has one with big mudder tyres and lifts but like if you want a bad *** 4wheeler it would be it unless you do like auto's then go for its bro the quadmaster is jsut as good!

 

Harsh... Yes your right, but they sure keep you dry.
Dennis Kirk has some rubber fenders for the Suzuki, and I'm wondering if they would look a little better, and maybe be a little more flexible. They are only $45.00 a pair...pretty reasonable...