Thread: Investigating Quad Bikes

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I am only familiar with the older 300cc Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki.

Those older hondas are as reliable as an axe but rust out the bottom chassis rails.....ones ex dairy farms probably dont even exist anymore.
The same generation Suzuki has a far better 3 speed transfer case and front diff lock and independent rear end but has carb and fuel valve issues, technically much better than the Honda but its not a Honda.
The Kawa of the same capacity and era is kinda the awkward sister to the other two, didnt do anything great or badly but didnt get market share.

On the 420 I borrowed one off of a dealer to take Toby for a hunt and on new tires it was mercilessly thrashed breaking trail in deep snow 2up on high country tracks and it performed well there but the two people I know who own them have had electrical problems and one of them is at the end of his tether with it and will get it going(again) and sell it.

If I was to buy one of those older quads it would be the Honda or Suzi simply for parts support.

The old Suzuki 300 with locker and big rear tyres is a winner in the rough sticky stuff. I've given up making the rear suspension work though. Tried different shocks, in length and spring weight and it'still rock hard. I suspect it's a lot to do with the geometry of the linkages.