Along with performing the necessary changes to the KingQuad 750’s chassis necessary to mount the EPS unit, Suzuki performed a number of other chassis changes to complement the power steering in improving straight line stability at high speeds. The arm caster was increased from 1.6 to 3.3 degrees. Camber setting went from 0.64 to -1.3 degrees, toe out was decreased from 10mm to 5mm and rail was increased from 3.4 to 16.7 mm. The front wheels were given 7mm more offset while the rear wheel offset was decreased by 5mm. The front shocks' preload was increased and the rear sway bar has been recalibrated.
Weight Loss Program
Japanese manufacturers work hard to maintain a reasonable weight of around 600 pounds dry for their ATVs. With the addition of power steering adding around 13 pounds Suzuki shaved a few pounds off the machine to compensate. The recoil backup starter was removed, leaving the very reliable electric starter to handle firing the machine up. Thickness of various materials was reduced and different materials were used for the battery holder, brake pedal, sub transmission lever, the driven gear in the oil pump and the aluminum wheels.
Updated Ergonomics
With less effort needed to turn the machine, thanks to power steering, Suzuki gave its flagship ATV slightly different ergonomics. The handlebars are a little taller with a bit more downward sweep then the standard KingQuad 750. This results in a more upright seating position aimed at making the machine more comfortable on long rides.
The Standard Good Stuff
All of the updates that come along with the power steering were added to the KingQuad’s already impressive package. Its 722cc engine incorporates a lot of race bred technology, such as Suzuki's race proven SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) for improved heat transfer as well as lightweight and tighter piston clearance. A compact 4-valve cylinder head features large 36mm intake valves and straight intake ports for increased cylinder charging efficiency. Along with the engine’s many weight saving features, Suzuki angled the cylinder forward 48 degrees to help lower the center of gravity.
The updated front shocks have five-way preload adjustment and feature 6.7 inches of wheel travel while the five-way preload adjustable rear end features 7.1 inches of travel. Speeds are controlled by Suzuki’s engine braking system and the machine is brought to a halt by dual hydraulic disc brakes up front and a sealed oil bathed multi-disc rear brake.
With two-wheel and four-wheel drive plus the benefit of front differential lock, the KingQuad is equipped for the most gnarly off road challenges. For work duties the tubular steel racks feature a capacity of 66 pounds up front and 132 pounds in the rear. The KingQuad 750 has a removable rear hitch mount with 992 pounds of towing capacity.
Ride Time
Our test took place in southern Ohio in much more hospitable conditions then last year’s frigid 2008 test. With warmer weather and much more traction available we were in a much better place to put the benefits of power steering to the test. Since we were already familiar with the performance of the KingQuad 750 we were eager to experience the benefits of the power steering. We sat with the motor off and turned the handlebars left to right several times. We then fired up the engine and performed the action again. With the engine running and the power steering active, the effort needed to turn the bars from side to side was definitely reduced. However if we were not aware that the machine had power steering or felt the effort needed to turn the bars without the machine being turned on, we would have simply thought the machine’s steering was light and not mechanically assisted. For several of our test riders this was their first time experiencing power steering on an ATV so they had no idea what to expect.
Front and rear shocks on the KingQuad 750 are five-way preload adjustable.
To compliment the power steering, Suzuki made some updates to the chassis.
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