Features

O.E.M.s reveal new and updated quads for 2005

New to Suzuki’s line-up in 2005, the 700cc King Quad (MSRP $7,199) is a fuel-injected brute featuring a V-belt CVT with high/low range sub-transmission, front and rear oil-damped independent suspension with double A-arms and five preload settings, a dual hydraulic disc front brake and sealed hydraulic disc rear. new-design pressed-aluminum wheels for reduced unsprung weight and more positive suspension performance, 25×8-12 front and 25×10-12 rear Dunlop tires , and a polyethylene skid plate providing front-to-rear underside protection.
With a seat height of 33.9 inches, the King Quad weighs 602 lbs. dry, has a wheelbase of 50.4 inches, and measures 83.5 inches long and 47.6 inches wide. It is available in Yellow, Green, Red.
____________________________________

King Quad Specifications
Engine: 695cc, DOHC, four-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled
Warranty: 6 month limited warranty.
Bore & Stroke: 102.0 X 85.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: CDI
Starter: Electric and recoil
Transmission: V-belt CVT automatic with high/low range sub-transmission, 2WD/4WD/4WD front differential lock
Final Drive: Shaft drive
Overall Length: 2120mm (83.5 in.)
Overall Width: 1210mm (47.6 in.)
Overall Height: 1220mm (48.0 in.)
Seat Height: 860mm (33.9 in.)
Ground Clearance: 260mm (10.2 in.)
Wheelbase: 1280mm (50.4 in.)
Dry Weight: 272kg (602 lbs.)
Suspension:
FRONT: Independent, double A-arm, oil-damped, five preload settings
REAR: Independent, double A-Arm oil-damped, five preload settings
Brakes:
FRONT: Dual hydraulic disc
REAR: Sealed hydraulic disc
Tires:
FRONT: AT 25 x 8-12
REAR: AT 25 x 10-12
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 liter (4.6 gal.)
____________________________________

Suzuki’s popular LTZ400 (MSRP $5,799), the model that spawned sport quads from Kawasaki and Arctic Cat, also returns for 2005, but with some key new features.
New to the ’05 LTZ400: a larger 37mm carburetor with throttle position sensor – ignition timing is determined by throttle opening for improved engine response, especially at high rpm; revised cam profiles for improved overall power output; an increased number of clutch drive plates (8 to 9) for improved clutch operation and feel; a new magnesium valve cover, clutch cover and ignition cover for improved engine appearance and reduced weight; piggy-back reservoir-style front shock absorbers featuring adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping for improved overall suspension performance; a new aluminum front bumper and aluminum rear grab bar for improved appearance and reduced weight; and an aluminum gear shift lever for lighter gearshift feel and reduced weight.
____________________________________

LTZ400 Specifications
Engine: 398cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, TSCC
Warranty: 6 month limited warranty.
Bore & Stroke: 90.0 x 62.6mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Fuel System: Mikuni BSR36
Lubrication: Dry sump
Ignition: Digital/transistorized
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 5-speed, with reverse
Final Drive: # 520 chain
Overall Length: 1830mm (72.0 in.)
Overall Width: 1165mm (45.9 in.)
Overall Height: 1160mm (45.7 in.)
Seat Height: 810mm (31.9 in.)
Ground Clearance: 265mm (10.4 in.)
Wheelbase: 1245mm (49.0 in.)
Dry Weight: 169kg (372 lbs.)
Suspension:
FRONT: Independent, double A-arm, fully adjustable preload, compression & rebound damping, 8.5 inches of travel
REAR: Linkage-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression and rebound damping, 9.1 inches of travel
Brakes:
FRONT: Dual hydraulic discs
REAR: Single hydraulic disc
Tires:
FRONT: AT 22 x 7-10
REAR: AT 20 x 10-9
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 liters (2.6 gal.)
____________________________________

Yamaha
Yamaha will enter 2005 with a stable of models – one new, some sporting slight refinements as well as new paint options.
The All-New air-cooled Bruin 250 Semi-Automatic 2WD (MSRP $3,499) has a five-speed transmission with automatic clutch; MacPherson strut front suspension and single rear shock with 5-way preload adjustment; Grizzly-style bodywork with integrated floorboards; rugged, serrated footrests; wrinkle finish front bar carry and cargo racks; and a standard trailer hitch.
The utility-flavored Kodiak 400 Auto 4×4 ($5799) and 450 Auto 4×4 ($6199) both now come with an indepedent rear suspension.
The YFZ450R ($6,899 to $7,099), currently one of the most popular race quads on the starting grid, was slightly revised for the coming year with a new non-slip seat; updated front suspension settings for improved bump absorption and reduced rider fatigue; and aluminum alloy shift and rear brake levers that are lighter and designed to provide a more positive feel. Also new for ’05: Special Edition livery featuring yellow and black plastic.
Other Yamaha models receiving Special Edition badging include the Banshee ($6,099 to $6,299), Raptor 350 ($4,999 to $5,199) and Grizzly 660 Auto. 4×4 ($7,199 to $7,499).
With black body work and water-dipped cowl, the 2005 two-stroke 347cc Banshee receives a special, limited- edition livery to add a sportier edge to the machine; the four-stroke Raptor 350 also gets a new metallic water-dipped, carbon fiber cowl; and the big 660cc Grizzly Auto 4×4 Special Edition features metallic black with water- dipped carbon fiber.

BRP
BRP has a few new offerings for 2005, as well as a new take on an older model. The biggest news for 2005 is the redesign of the Rally 200.

Rally 200
The Rally (MSRP $3,299) no longer has the innovative composite racks it was known for, rather the 2005 model will feature traditional steel tube racks, plus a slightly tweaked front end with updated headlights and radiator. The rear brake on the machine is new, too — a hydraulic disc design, as are preload-adjustable shocks.
The Rally still features Bombardier’s unique Surrounding Spar Technology frame. The SST is unique because it is not a “box-type” frame that surrounds the engine. Instead, it surrounds the engine, or what is referred to as a vertical axis. Adding strength, a single steel spar loops around the 176cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine.
Engine Redesigns and Other Updates
Also new for 2005, Rotax redesigned the 330 and 400 H.O. engines to, according to BRP, offer more power and burn cleaner. The engines will be in the Outlander 400 H.O., the Outlander Max 400 H.O. and the Outlander 330 H.O.
Another change: The Quest nameplate will disappear in the coming year, with the “Quest” machines folded into the Traxter line ($7,799 to $8,599). Along with the name change on the Quest machines, the whole Traxter line gets a light pod on the handlebars for more light output, an improved XT option package, new Ohtsu tires for non-XT machines (for 15-lb. weight savings), braided stainless steel brake lines, a softer seat design, new suspension calibration and a larger speedometer.

Honda
Honda won’t hold its annual dealer meeting until September. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has revealed news of some updated models for ‘05.

Rancher
2005 Honda FourTrax Rancher series receives new styling for the coming year, with silver wheels on all models and updated plastic on the 400cc Rancher AT and Rancher AT GPScape.
New last year, the GPSCAPE model features a GPS unit with easy-to-read LCD display. GPSCAPE is contained within the standard meter assembly and features storage for up to 100 waypoints, digital compass function indicating travel direction and an automatic compensating clock. When traveling or returning to a designated waypoint, GPSCAPE will tell the rider distance and direction from present location.
MSRP for the FourTrax Rancher series ranges from $3,899 for the 350cc FourTrax Rancher to $6,199 for the 400cc FourTrax Rancher AT GPScape.

Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat’s newly developed 641cc single cylinder four-stroke engine will power the firm’s new 650 H1 4×4 Automatic utility quad, which will feature wide fenders for increased protection from water and mud, integrated floorboards, and a seat designed for optimal ergonomics. Powered by the 633cc Kawasaki powerplant found in last year’s Arctic Cats, the quad known as the H1 also will be branded as the 650 V-2 4×4 Automatic.
A 650 LE (Limited Edition) version of the machine will be made available. It will come with polished aluminum wheels and a sealed air intake.

Arctic Cat’s 500 4×4 Automatic TRV is the all-passenger version of the workhorse TBX.
While the TBX weighs a scant 10 lbs. more than the dual-passenger TRV – 742 lbs. to 732 lbs. – and has slightly different dimensions, both come with a 493cc liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke engine, Automatic CVT with engine braking system and 2/4 WD capabilities, a double A-arm front and fully independent rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and digital speed and odometer. Wheelbase is the same at 58 inches, as
is front rack capacity (100 lbs.) and towing capacity (1050 lbs.).

TRX450R
The 2005 Honda TRX450R (MSRP $6,499) will also be available in black next year.

Advertisement

Rincon
Honda’s 2005 650cc FourTrax Rincon/FourTrax Rincon GPScape (MSRP $7599-$7799) receives a new black color this year in addition to red and olive.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button