Unlike many other manufacturers that just add
the power steering unit to the existing machine
with very few changes to the actual machine,
this isn’t the case for the King Quad. The frame,
suspension components, controls, wheels and
more have been engineered specifically to work
with the Power Steering, so while a Suzuki KingQuad
with EPS may look identical to one without EPS,
there are numerous component changes that make
a substantial improvement in the handling of
EPS equipped KingQuad, which is well worth the
added expense for the upgrade.
While the KingQuad without EPS is a solid utility
ATV, our only issue with it was its unpredictable
handling, which has remained the same since
being updated in 2005, but all those changes
made for the EPS models made a dramatic improvement
in the handling of the KingQuad, which was very
evident when riding the two units back to back
on the trails.
The first thing we noticed was the difference
in the handle bars between the two units, which
are wider and lower on the non eps KingQuad
to provide more leverage for the rider, but
we really like the taller and narrow feel of
the bars of the EPS KingQuad right away before
even hitting the trails.
Once out on the trail with the EPS equipped
KingQuad, it performed well beyond our expectations
with a light steering effort required, and the
power steering wasn’t overwhelming either, so
you still felt in control. The biggest improvements
is in its overall handling because it went were
you pointed it, and it provided a confidence
inspiring ride. We didn’t have to worry about
any unexpected handle bar movement, and after
several hours of trail riding, our arms didn’t
feel fatigued, which meant the power steering
was doing its job.
While the EPS was the biggest change that stood
out to us since our last ride, the King Quad
500 & 750 are both more powerful than during
our previous ride, and I have never heard anyone
complaining about having too much power. While
the performance increases are not overwhelming,
they are in line with other units on the market,
and provide great throttle response with plenty
of power to get the job done.
After several hours of riding, the seat and
overall ergonomics become more important, and
the Suzuki KingQuad shines in this department.
The KingQuad has one the lowest center of gravities
in its class with it canted 48 degree engine
head, which also allowed Suzuki to lower the
seat height. Also, the gas tank is under the
seat, and the airbox is up high and wear the
gas tank was mounted in the past, which again
reduces the center of gravity and makes the
airbox easily accessible as well.
