Suzuki King Quad 700 Problems and Reliability – Our Review

When it comes to the world of four-wheel ATVs, Suzuki has been in the game since 1982. The first of its soon-to-become long line of products was the 1983 Suzuki LT125 QuadRunner. The model would undergo evolution until it was repackaged as the Quadsport and the KingQuad that we know of today. The first of the KingQuad range of ATVs was the KingQuad 700.

The Suzuki KingQuad 700 is known for its capability to handle anything from gentle slopes to rough terrains. It has exceptional off-roading capabilities and doesn't really need huge power in order to tackle most obstacles. The short three-year production run of the ATV from 2005 to 2007 didn't stop this popular machine from being one of the highly regarded models by users because it is known not only for its handling and performance but also for its practical features like its easy maintenance.

Due to its positive approval from consumers, the KingQuad 700 paved the way for the KingQuad 750 and KingQuad 500 that we have today. However, the 700 model is far from perfect and has shown its own share of problems along the way.

In this article, we will examine the following factors to help you decide whether you should spend your hard-earned cash on buying the KingQuad 700 or you should switch your sights on other ATV alternatives:

• Suzuki King Quad 700 by the Numbers

To start off, we will help you familiarize yourself with the key specs of the ATV, which include a quick look at its engine, transmission, suspension, fuel economy, and price.

• Suzuki King Quad 700 Common Problems

Next, we will discuss the problems generally encountered by owners of the product with a quick rundown on the possible causes and solutions for it. So, just in case you end up encountering one of them, you will have an idea of how to diagnose and fix the issue.

• Reliability

Lastly, we will evaluate the unit based on our personal experience riding it.

Suzuki King Quad 700 by the Numbers

The KingQuad 700 is equipped with a DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. The unit is known to be the catalyst of the big-bore revolution in ATVs having a bore of 4 inches and stroke of 3.35 inches. It has a displacement of 695 cc with a compression ratio of 10:1.

One of the innovations introduced in the vehicle is its use of electronic injection. Among the many benefits that it brought to the KingQuad was better performance while delivering improved fuel efficiency. Another advantage the tech brought to users is convenience because it saved them from regularly modifying their carburetor depending on the climate or altitude levels of their location.

There are no figures about the King Quad 700’s powertrain but it is estimated to be around 25 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque. The horsepower and torque figures of the ATV may be lower than its rivals like the Yamaha Grizzly 660’s 40 hp and a bit less than the 2005 Honda Foreman Rubicon TRX500FA’s 27 hp, but it is enough to propel it to a max speed of 67 mph despite its 410 lbs weight making it at par with the competition.

The output is distributed via a CVT automatic with a high/low range of sub-transmissions and a reverse function. The power is directed to a selectable two-wheel-drive or four-by-four system.

For the suspension, the KingQuad 700 utilizes an independent, oil-damped, double-A arm for the front and rear. Meanwhile, braking is managed via a dual hydraulic disc located in front and a sealed hydraulic disc at the back.

The ATV is 83.5 inches long, 47.6 inches wide, 33.9 inches high (up to the seat level), and has a wheelbase measuring 50.4 inches. With the recommended all-terrain tires with sizes of 25x8-12 and 25x10-12 in front and at the rear, respectively, its ground clearance is 10.2 inches.

The fuel tank capacity of the KingQuad 700 is 4.6 gallons with an average fuel economy of 17.2 mpg based on a thousand-mile run.

The original price of the ATV was between $7,199 to $7,799 when it came out. Prices slightly vary depending on the location of the dealership and the accessories customers have opted to include. As of 2022, you can buy a used one that’s in good running condition for around $1,600 to $4,200. Again, that depends on the wear and tear as well as other issues associated with the unit you are looking to purchase.

Suzuki King Quad 700 Common Problems

The King Quad 700 has a few known issues that have been reported by owners. This part discusses the general complaints associated with the product.

One of the most common problems is that the front differential tends to leak oil. This can be a serious issue, as it can lead to damage to the vehicle’s axles and bearings. It could mean a nasty accident on your part if left unchecked, too. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the level of your front differential’s oil regularly and top it off if necessary. This most likely stems from a worn-out gasket, so just replace the part with a new one to solve the problem.

Another problem that has been reported with the King Quad 700 is that its fuel gauge becomes inaccurate after years of use. This can be a frustrating issue, as it can cause you to run out of gas unexpectedly. It is important to keep an eye on your fuel level and fill up when necessary. The main causes of the problem range from a faulty fuel clock gauge, defective sensor, or the floater getting stuck. All of which can be associated with the normal wear and tear of the unit, because, after all, you are riding a unit that’s already more than a decade old. We highly recommend changing the defective components to get a more precise reading on your fuel level.

Owners also reported burning the stators when the ATV is idling and boiling gas in the fuel tank. The problem manifests when the engine tends to misfire or it is experiencing hard starts regularly. The issue was attributed to the direction of the ATV’s hot exhaust and for having few oil galleries to keep the temperature of the stators at reasonable rates. Sadly, this is a design flaw on the part of Suzuki, which was only resolved in the 2009 King Quad 750, so the only way to fix this is by using an aftermarket kit that transfers the hot exhaust away from the fuel tank.

Last but not least, the 4x4 of the King Quad 700 has received its share of complaints about sometimes failing to operate properly. This could be a part of a more complex issue because of the numerous components linked to it. However, before banging your head on a wall, see first if the activator, wirings, and fuses are working well. If you can’t find the root of the problem there, try checking your battery if it has enough juice. After that, if it persists, maybe it’s time to have your regulator/rectifier and ECM checked. Again, this calls for replacement of the parts causing the hiccup, unless it is just loose wiring that simply needs to be reconnected.

Reliability

The model we used was the 2007 Suzuki King Quad 700 Camouflage version that we scored for around $2,200. Luckily, it didn’t exhibit any of the issues mentioned in the previous sections of this review because we had a good mechanic on our side who helped us choose the best unit where we can get our money’s worth.

As a side note, we advise that you do the same whenever you are buying a used vehicle because dealers will not exactly tell you every issue related to the product they’re selling unless it is already painfully obvious. Even if you are an expert, an extra pair of eyes always helps. With that out of the way, here are our thoughts on the 15-year-old ATV that we tested.

As promised in its marketing campaign, the Suzuki King Quad 700 delivered the right power that we needed to traverse varying slopes and terrains. The CVT did its part in managing the power of our ride in different off-road conditions. We were caught by rain during our trails but the 4x4 setup of the ATV did its part to keep us away from getting stuck in the mud.

Due to the activities we engaged in, we expected to burn a lot of fuel along the way so we were contented on the 8 to 10 mpg that we got while off-roading (but it’s still a poor economy). It also did a good 45-50 mph run on better grounds, which is not far from the figures we discussed earlier in this article

Aside from the usual minor flecks and scratches in the paint, we noticed some whirring or whistling noise on the wheels during our speed run, which may indicate problems with the bearings. However, that’s already expected for a vehicle that has withstood the test of time. A replacement would easily do the trick.

Our Verdict

For a 15-year-old machine, the 2007 Suzuki King Quad 700 sure did perform well during our test drives under different on- and off-road conditions. There was no lag in its shift and it delivered the right power when needed it most. This just proves that with proper maintenance and care, this ATV can last long even with the occasional abuse from the trails.

We give the Suzuki King Quad 700 a thumbs up for anyone looking to buy one.