Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi

By: Terry Stevenson, Photography by: Patrick Stevenson

Date: 30.06.2009

Suzuki was the first manufacturer to introduce a quad bike, the small LT-125, way back in 1983. Now such bikes are a staple piece of machinery for many farms.

Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi

The 305kg KingQuad 500AXi has automatic transmission, which is standard in most modern ATVs, and power steering, which improves power, efficiency and handling
The KingQuad is stable under all conditions as it has adjustable independent suspension units on all four wheels held in place by a double wishbone system
The rear brake of the Suzuki ATV clamps onto the rear drivetrain like a lot of tractors, however when in 4WD, the rear brake lever works all four wheels because the rear brake is connected to the drivetrain
The ATV has a digital dash with easy to read displays and information
ATVs on farms can replace tractors in many tasks – they are not only cheaper than tractors to run, they also don’t cost as much to service or replace

Estimates suggest there are over 100,000 ATVs in use today around the country and the vehicle has proven popular with farmers for smaller jobs that don’t require a tractor. ATVs are not only cheaper than tractors to run, they also don’t cost as much to service or replace.

The Suzuki KingQuad 500 is stable under all conditions a regular farmer will throw at it, helped by adjustable independent suspension units on all four wheels held in place by a double wishbone system. A well hidden anti-sway bar keeps the ATV level on slopes and it has a 260mm ground clearance.

The Suzuki has a 493cc engine with power to burn. For farmers, this means that the ATV can pull heavier loads. The engine is a liquid-cooled 493cc single overhead camshaft four-stroke featuring the, now common to ATVs, fuel injection system instead of the older style carburettors. Having fuel injection means the ATV is easier to start and will take you typically 10 to 20 percent further on the same tank of gas. It offers the rider additional power instantly when the throttle is turned.

Power steering is becoming an increasingly standard feature for ATVs, much like the now standard automatic transmission. The Suzuki’s automatic transmission has two ranges as well as reverse, diff-lock, plus 2WD and 4WD selectable on-the-fly options.

The 305kg KingQuad 500AXi is capable of a hill-start from high ratio, however going down the hills is a bit different, as the Suzuki doesn’t slow much on engine braking alone from above about 10kmh. Below that figure the engine braking slows the quad nearly as much as any other manufacturer.

The brake levers on the Suzuki operate separate brakes, as opposed to one lever or the foot brake operating both front and rear brakes. The left handlebar lever and the right foot lever both operate the rear brake, and the right lever works the front.

The KingQuad 500AXi brake system is different to other ATVs so it needs to be explained. The basic difference is the operation of the rear brake, which clamps onto the rear drivetrain like a lot of tractors. When in 2WD the brakes are operated as above. But when in 4WD, the rear brake lever, or foot pedal, works all four wheels because the rear brake is connected to the drivetrain.

The digital dash is easy to read and gives all of the usual information such as speed, fuel gauge, odometer, two trip meters, 2WD or 4WD position, diff-lock indicator, and, transmission range position. With nothing on the steering head there are two headlights on this model.

To read in-depth farm machinery reviews, see the latest issue of Farm Trader magazine, on sale now at all good retailers.

Specifications Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi

Engine type Four-stroke, air-cooled with SACS, OHC
Piston displacement 376cc
Bore x stroke 82.0mm x 71.2mm
Compression ratio 9.0 : 1
Carburettor Keihin CVK32, single
Starter system Electric and recoil starter
Transmission V-belt, CVT automatic, Hi/Lo ratio, 2WD-4WD
Drive system Shaft drive
Overall length 2160mm
Overall width 1200mm
Overall height 1220mm
Wheelbase 1270mm
Ground clearance 250mm
Seat height 840mm
Curb mass 285kg
Suspension – front Independent, double wishbone, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension – rear Twin shock, swingarm type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes – front Disc, twin
Brakes – rear Drum
Tyres – front AT25 × 8-12**, tubeless
Tyres – rear AT25 ×10-12**, tubeless
Fuel tank 16L