Suzuki
- Big news for small riders
Suzuki
made its mark in the early days of four-wheeled ATVs with outrageous
sport machines. These days, however, the company’s Quads
have become equally renowned for their rugged utility and practical
features.
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| QuadMaster
500 |
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Suzuki’s flagship model remains the QuadMaster 500, which
is the only full-size Suzuki to use a belt-drive CVT tranny.
Twin levers up by the tank allow shifting between low range,
high range, neutral and reverse, or between two-wheel drive
and four-wheel drive. Trail-smoothing chores are handled by
a pair of A-arms up front and Suzuki’s semi-independent
rear suspension, both of which provide slightly longer travel
than the similar set-up used on the returning QuadRunner 500.
The QuadMaster also stretches its wheelbase an extra 30 millimetres
over the ’Runner, and raises its seat height an equal 30
millimetres.
Both big Quads get their power from a 493cc, liquid-cooled,
four-valve four-stroke. On the QuadRunner, power flows through
a five-speed, foot-shift tranny with an automatic clutch. Unlike
the QuadMaster, the QuadRunner remains in four-wheel drive full
time. Both models rely on twin front brakes and a single rear
drum for stopping duties.
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| QuadRunner
250 |
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Stepping down a displacement category, the King Quad 300 4x4
and QuadRunner 250 4x4 both feature a five-speed gearbox and
a three-speed sub-tranny that adds a super-low range for heavy
towing or tough slogging. A 280cc, air-cooled four-stroke moves
the King Quad, while the QuadRunner 250 makes do with a slightly
smaller 246cc, air-cooled four-stroke. Both models feature drum
brakes all around.
The 2x4 version of the QuadRunner 250 shares its 4x4 cousin’s
246cc motor, but gets a conventional two-range sub-tranny. Both
250s and the 300 ride on a fully independent rear suspension
and stop with front and rear drum brakes.
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| QuadSport
80 |
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Slightly smaller in overall size, weight and seat height, the
QuadRunner 160 is equipped with a 158cc, air-cooled four-stroke
and five-speed tranny with reverse, while the even smaller QuadSport
80 returns with its 82cc two-stroke and CVT tranny.
Suzuki’s only new model
for 2001 takes the QuadSport 80 and shrinks it even further.
The new QuadMaster 50 for kids over the age of six is powered
by a 49cc, two-stroke motor with automatic tranny, and includes
such safety features as a removable key and throttle governor.
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