By: Tim Donaldson

Examining the Sibling Rivalry of Suzuki’s KingQuad 750AXi

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As a big brother myself, I know a thing or two about the rivalries that exist between older and younger siblings. Fighting on the lawn, racing to see who’s the fastest, and constantly bantering back and forth are just a few of the contentious activities that have tormented moms and dads throughout time. Fortunately for Suzuki, parent company of the KingQuad family, the relationship between the 750AXi and 450AXi is all about mutual respect.

Let me explain. Last month, ATVSource.com published its review of the Suzuki KingQuad 450AXi – the 750’s little brother. As we discovered in our comparative riding of the 750, the 450 is simply a miniature version – emulating the proven characteristics of its big brother. Of course, the 750 packs a bigger punch and offers a few extra features, so it’s easy to see how these two machines can be commonly admired and reciprocate the deserving honor to their parents, Suzuki.

The Suzuki KingQuad has always conjured images worthy of its name: market-leading positions of respect, a senior authority in product innovation, and best-in-class respect. Since 1991, the KingQuad has been on the forefront of cutting-edge developments, trying to be one step ahead of the competition. As Suzuki continues this competitive strategy while celebrating its 25th anniversary as the “First on 4 Wheels,” the 2008 KingQuad 750AXi 4x4 is an especially inviting utility-quad package.

About the 2008 Suzuki KingQuad 750AXi

Designed to be the best all-around sport/utility ATV made, the KingQuad 750 is available in the following versions: 750AXi (Red/Green), 750AXi Camo, and 750AXi Limited Edition (Black). The associated nomenclature indicates model specific features:  A – automatic, X – independent rear suspension, and I – fuel injection.  Suzuki re-introduced the KingQuad brand name with the 2005 KingQuad 700. Now, with the release of the 2008 KingQuad flagship model, riders will experience the upper reaches of utility-quad class performance – making the machine stronger and faster.

Engine/Transmission

At the heart of this KingQuad is a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine with a bore-and-stroke of 102mm x 85mm – displacing 722cc, providing low to mid-range torque. Add to that engine, Suzuki’s proven fuel-injection system which has been tested through years of development in high-performance motorcycles. Operated without a choke, the fuel injection provides instantaneous throttle response and smooth engine power.

The engine is coupled to Suzuki’s QuadMatic transmission and limited-slip front differential combination. A fully automatic transmission, the QuadMatic is managed by a durable V-belt with centrifugal clutch. Providing three drive modes, the transmission features: two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and front differential-locked four-wheel drive. The engine braking system helps the automatic transmission control speed and minimize freewheeling during descents.

Increasing durability and easing maintenance, the 2008 KingQuad 750 uses a new air filter with paper and foam elements. The outer foam element can be easily cleaned and re-used while protecting the internal paper element, lengthening the interval between paper filter changes.

With the increased power and torque of the 722cc engine, the 2008 KingQuad 750 features a heavier duty drive train. Essential components around the driveshaft have been strengthened, and the single-cylinder engine uses two balancer shafts and is secured with rubber mounts to keep the ride smooth.

The fender-mounted gate-type shifter is very easy to use and operates the high/low forward ranges plus neutral and reverse. Although the shifter operated effortlessly, we noticed that if the engine idle was even slightly high, the gearing would grind into forward on reverse – especially at start-up.

Suspension

As with all members of the KingQuad family, the 750 is equipped with fully independent suspension on all four wheels. In the front, the double A-arm front suspension allows for 7.1 inches of travel with 5-way spring preload adjustments.  Again, the rear includes 5-way preload adjustable shock absorbers, adding 8.1 inches of travel to the I-beam rear suspension. Right out of the box, this quad rode great with handling resembling that of a car. This ride adds several hours to the day by removing rider fatigue and adding comfort to those long, rough journeys.

Front Differential Control

Something that all Utility ATV’s should adopt, the KingQuad features a front differential lock in addition to the 4-wheel drive system. The electric 2WD, 4WD, and differential lock are operated by handlebar-mounted push-button controls. In 4WD mode, a compact torque-sensing limited-slip front differential is utilized. Lock in the diff-control and the front wheels act as solid front axle, providing crawling power through most any traction condition. While the differential lock is engaged, the engine speed is limited. An override switch allows the rider to increase the power available by overriding the normal speed limiter in forward differential lock or reverse.

Brakes

Suzuki features a very robust rear braking system on the KingQuad; the sealed wet brake. Featuring a clutch-type design, the multi-plate brake system design is sealed from the outside environment which removes the opportunity for mud and dirt to penetrate wear surfaces or for rocks and other debris to create impact erosion.  A 200mm diameter front disc brake with single, 34mm diameter piston caliper is standard on the front.  Together, the front and rear brake systems combine for reliable stopping power.

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