I bought a new 2012 model, they changed the gauges, all digital, including the fuel gauge, all on the handle bars, I also got the automatic which is great for creeping and making your own trail, it also holds back like the manual when going down hills or mountains, it has great power, i have rode it up steep grades already, i went up the side of the blue ridge mountains here in N.C. where to my surprise there where 4 other Suzuki's on the trail.The 4x4 works great, I am extremely happy with it
I actually like the look of the 400 more than the 750 and 500 models. I wish Suzuki would put a manual front diff lock and a rear disk break however. but still love this machine
I just pick up a 2010. It Canada it comes in blue and red for 2010. I picked up a blue one and unlike in the US the 2010 that I got has the digital speedo and fuel injection so I got an end of the season 2010 and its the same as the 2011. It's a sweet ride at a reasonable price. I like the size of this machine. It does everything I need.
also is this the same egine as the eiger or is it a little differt and does the qualty of the plastc and the materials on par with the older eiger . and have you heard good are bad about the moter ?
I have the 09 400 kingquad as camo. the shifting is way better then the fs. and it will go ANYWHERE. its just awesome. u can ride it all day without a problem. its a must have.
With the economy like it is, the industry like it is, and Suzuki really lacking cash flow (And sales) I say no changes coming....I like SRA because of their inherent stability. They are also are better for towing because of that and the lack of change in ride height with the weight.
Great review! I just started looking at new machines again and the kingquad 400fsi seems to fit the bill for me, i just have a couple of questions i was hoping you could answer for me... In your opinion what are the chances suzuki will add a front diff lock to this machine in the near future? I've seen that you have spoken highly of SRA and was wondering why? Personally i have never driven a IRS atv as i grew up on a rancher 350es.
Never tested them. You might really rob some power and overload the drivetrain and front differential with 10s and 12.5s! My personal opinion would be the 8s up front and 10s on the rear.
Some interesting info for anyone interested in the KQ400. HP numbers from the california air research board website, '02-'09 eiger/KQ: 22HP, '10 and up KQ: ASi 25HP, FSi 26.9HP. Honda 420cc: 26.5HP, yamaha 421cc: 26.1HP
holly shit. EVERY SINGLE PART OF THIS ATV I LOVE!!! PERFECT CC'S. PERFECT GEAR SETUP. PERFECT EVERYTHING. PLEASE TELL ME I CAN STILL BUY THIS EXACT MODEL NEW! OR WHERE I CAN GET A USED ONE WITH LOW HOURS!
@aj9270 Fluids for sure. The valve adjust is certainly questionable. On one hand, the Japanese (especially Honda) are known for such very close tolerances on their engines so the valve adjustment may be a good idea. On the other hand, even close build tolerances seem to dictate something longer than 30 hours or about 300 miles. On the final hand ;-) that would be the single most important maintenance item to an engine for long term reliability. If you have to pay, do it at 50 hours ;-)
The Rancher is a great machine for sure and a good match for the KQ400. I like the better stability of the KQ as well as the front differential. Not sure on power and fuel economy.
@gadgetguy4000 While I grew up with conventional clutches, and the move to semi-automatics was weird, now we've spent so much time on CVTs that riding a semi-auto was hard. But, I do wish all UTVs were semi-automatic transmissions... And if you ever get the chance to ride a Honda Rubicon in ESP mode, jump at the chance! That is by far the best shifting tranny I've ever ridden.....
@ATVTVCOM Yes. I guess anything over a 400 has too much compression to be able to be pull-started. Hell with this thing if the battery goes dead, you can pull start it or just jump it (if you're too damn lazy to pull start it!). Another thing to - this 376 suzuki motor starts on a dime. Just three pumps of the primer and it starts like it's fuel-injected - no matter the temp.!
i just bought my 2011 kingquad 400 asi and was told basically the same thing about adjusting the valves @ 30 hours and that all the fluids need to be changed also , i agree with the changing of the fluids but to me adjusting / checking the valve clearance that soon seems unnecessary any input ?
Hi Doug: Nice review ! Could you tell me which différence between this kingquad 400 Fs and a Eiger 400 Fs please ? Same frame ? Same méchanical ? Same ride ? Regards
@77LincolnContinental In cases like this, your local dealer has to be your best friend! That's really the only way to get something done. I've heard before that Suzuki is not very good at dealing with problems, but if your dealer has a good mechanic it should be a rather easy fix - or so I think ;-)
soo.....Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and Suzuki (to name a few) all offer big bore atvs at huge prices with all the bells and whistles.....yet, if you're out on the trail somewhere and the battery fails (esp. if there happens not to be a jumper cable, assuming even that you're not by yourself), you're screwed? If thats the case, why spend the money on a big bore machine.....to me a double redundant starting system should be standard on all atvs.
Ive owned a honda 250ex and a honda rubicon for 5 years, neither of them have pull cords and have never failed on the trail. You know batteries dont just die on the trail right? When have you ever been driving along and your battery just takes a shit? Thats what i thought
My 225DRS swallowed a bit of water the other day - pull start came in handy to take load off the battery as it took some time to get it cleared and restated. Likewise, my enduro bikes all have kick-starts as backup - seen many (KTM , Gas Gas) with failed started motors etc unable to get going again, even a crf230 a the bottom of a slippery valley with no chance of a push start... bet he wished it was the older XR200!
I bought a new 2012 model, they changed the gauges, all digital, including the fuel gauge, all on the handle bars, I also got the automatic which is great for creeping and making your own trail, it also holds back like the manual when going down hills or mountains, it has great power, i have rode it up steep grades already, i went up the side of the blue ridge mountains here in N.C. where to my surprise there where 4 other Suzuki's on the trail.The 4x4 works great, I am extremely happy with it
This is an incredible machine in every way!
I actually like the look of the 400 more than the 750 and 500 models.
I wish Suzuki would put a manual front diff lock and a rear disk break however. but still love this machine
I just pick up a 2010. It Canada it comes in blue and red for 2010. I picked up a blue one and unlike in the US the 2010 that I got has the digital speedo and fuel injection so I got an end of the season 2010 and its the same as the 2011. It's a sweet ride at a reasonable price. I like the size of this machine. It does everything I need.
single swing axle setups tend to handle wonderfully without the IRS understeer
Too many people (and now manufacturers tend to overlook just what better shocks can do for a swing axle machine.
I think it's pretty much like this year... wonderful machine that's for sure.
I might get one of these. Simple, uncomplicated, dependable. Looks like just the thing for some yard work.
also is this the same egine as the eiger or is it a little differt and does the qualty of the plastc and the materials on par with the older eiger . and have you heard good are bad about the moter ?
@stephshane1 They are the same machine. The King Quad is an Eiger with a better-looking body.
@x11xCod This is our favorite 400 4x4
I have the 09 400 kingquad as camo. the shifting is way better then the fs. and it will go ANYWHERE. its just awesome. u can ride it all day without a problem. its a must have.
With the economy like it is, the industry like it is, and Suzuki really lacking cash flow (And sales) I say no changes coming....I like SRA because of their inherent stability. They are also are better for towing because of that and the lack of change in ride height with the weight.
Great review! I just started looking at new machines again and the kingquad 400fsi seems to fit the bill for me, i just have a couple of questions i was hoping you could answer for me... In your opinion what are the chances suzuki will add a front diff lock to this machine in the near future? I've seen that you have spoken highly of SRA and was wondering why? Personally i have never driven a IRS atv as i grew up on a rancher 350es.
Are these king quad more reliable than the 350 rancher?
@joegee71 No issues that I'm aware of but if it is a free check you might want to do it just so in case something happens later, you're covered....
Never tested them. You might really rob some power and overload the drivetrain and front differential with 10s and 12.5s! My personal opinion would be the 8s up front and 10s on the rear.
Thanks for the response!
Some interesting info for anyone interested in the KQ400. HP numbers from the california air research board website, '02-'09 eiger/KQ: 22HP, '10 and up KQ: ASi 25HP, FSi 26.9HP. Honda 420cc: 26.5HP, yamaha 421cc: 26.1HP
holly shit. EVERY SINGLE PART OF THIS ATV I LOVE!!! PERFECT CC'S. PERFECT GEAR SETUP. PERFECT EVERYTHING. PLEASE TELL ME I CAN STILL BUY THIS EXACT MODEL NEW! OR WHERE I CAN GET A USED ONE WITH LOW HOURS!
@aj9270 Fluids for sure. The valve adjust is certainly questionable. On one hand, the Japanese (especially Honda) are known for such very close tolerances on their engines so the valve adjustment may be a good idea. On the other hand, even close build tolerances seem to dictate something longer than 30 hours or about 300 miles. On the final hand ;-) that would be the single most important maintenance item to an engine for long term reliability. If you have to pay, do it at 50 hours ;-)
The Rancher is a great machine for sure and a good match for the KQ400. I like the better stability of the KQ as well as the front differential. Not sure on power and fuel economy.
There's really nothing wrong with a good swing axle when compared to an IRS system.
@gadgetguy4000 It's our favorite 400!
@stephshane1 Yes. It is a very dependable machine.
yes i wish they would bring back the orignal king with the 3 range trans IRS and mechanical true diff lock
what is a better atv, this or the polaris sp 400 ho.i need a good trail atv.i have a honda recon 250 but want to upgrade.any ideas?
@gadgetguy4000 While I grew up with conventional clutches, and the move to semi-automatics was weird, now we've spent so much time on CVTs that riding a semi-auto was hard. But, I do wish all UTVs were semi-automatic transmissions... And if you ever get the chance to ride a Honda Rubicon in ESP mode, jump at the chance! That is by far the best shifting tranny I've ever ridden.....
@ATVTVCOM Yes. I guess anything over a 400 has too much compression to be able to be pull-started. Hell with this thing if the battery goes dead, you can pull start it or just jump it (if you're too damn lazy to pull start it!). Another thing to - this 376 suzuki motor starts on a dime. Just three pumps of the primer and it starts like it's fuel-injected - no matter the temp.!
@MrPinhead11 King Quad is smaller, more agile and considerably more reliable.
@x11xCod (new?) I prefer this because it has a solid rear axle.
i just bought my 2011 kingquad 400 asi and was told basically the same thing about adjusting the valves @ 30 hours and that all the fluids need to be changed also , i agree with the changing of the fluids but to me adjusting / checking the valve clearance that soon seems unnecessary any input ?
@emgpickups1990 I'm very anxious to try one. Make mine an automatic.
@cbk982 Yes, the Big Bear is an incredibly reliable machine....
@gadgetguy4000 We had it for several months. The only problem we had is we found we were unused to foot shifts ;-)
why is it that most atvs today come without a backup recoil starter?
Thanks for the information
@joegee71 That's not right. I believe that the dealer is lying to you about voiding the warranty. Plus, adjusting the valves is not a 342.00 job!
@spintEEn1 Same thing - different names. All Terrain Vehicle and 4 wheeler.
See our 2013 test.
@stephshane1 I thought I answered this already;-) Yes, it's the same. No belt. Great for mud.
what do you think is built beter the eiger are the king quad 400
@cdawg4391 That's getting more and more rare nowadays!
@cdude509 We don't - We never teat top speeds. Sorry.
also just one more question is the speedomitor have a light so yo can see it in the dark ?
For durability offroad capability, how would a Big Bear compare to this atv? I dont think theres a new-ish video of the big bear
@stephshane1 I don't remember....Can anyone that has one answer that?
is the cluth on this like a honda with no belt ?
Starting redundancy is a must on all ATVS as it is on all cars and trucks...Whoops, it isn't there either....;-)
pretty much just like my eiger just different body and a messed up shifter thing
Hi Doug: Nice review ! Could you tell me which différence between this kingquad 400 Fs and a Eiger 400 Fs please ? Same frame ? Same méchanical ? Same ride ?
Regards
Everything's the same except the looks!
Thanks Doug !
Hi, as I asked on the other review just now - I though the Eiger had front diff lock and the KQ does not? Cheers
No locker.
is this a reliable 4 wheeler ... i am getting ready to buy this model ... do you like it
@x11xCod Pretty close call.
@77LincolnContinental In cases like this, your local dealer has to be your best friend! That's really the only way to get something done. I've heard before that Suzuki is not very good at dealing with problems, but if your dealer has a good mechanic it should be a rather easy fix - or so I think ;-)
@PCAZCANUCK Awesome!
@1000brycen It's hard to be more reliable than a Rancher, but I'd say they are as reliable....
I liked your video very much.
soo.....Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and Suzuki (to name a few) all offer big bore atvs at huge prices with all the bells and whistles.....yet, if you're out on the trail somewhere and the battery fails (esp. if there happens not to be a jumper cable, assuming even that you're not by yourself), you're screwed? If thats the case, why spend the money on a big bore machine.....to me a double redundant starting system should be standard on all atvs.
@cbk982 You guys should test the 2012 big bear! :)
@gadgetguy4000 Thanks
Why couldn't they make it with IRS like the 01 king quad 300. Keeps me from getting one
Ive owned a honda 250ex and a honda rubicon for 5 years, neither of them have pull cords and have never failed on the trail. You know batteries dont just die on the trail right? When have you ever been driving along and your battery just takes a shit? Thats what i thought
My 225DRS swallowed a bit of water the other day - pull start came in handy to take load off the battery as it took some time to get it cleared and restated. Likewise, my enduro bikes all have kick-starts as backup - seen many (KTM , Gas Gas) with failed started motors etc unable to get going again, even a crf230 a the bottom of a slippery valley with no chance of a push start... bet he wished it was the older XR200!
are they bigger?
mine came with a plastic skid plate it brakes off alot it sucks
@cbk982 We just may...
how is the automatic's "shifting" better? because you're too lazy?
exactly
@1000brycen About the same...
@311fan312 Haven't they all ;-)
Do you know where the VIN number is located?
+Dale Overstreet No sorry.
To save costs.
Top speed of 57-58 mph😀
+zackery barnard That sounds pretty optimistic to me.
Ok
haha i found in new zealand they make this with a digital spedo that sucks for people that like the digtal int he us
@ATVTVCOM Ok thanks. Subscribe :D
Lazy or too incompetent ;-)