Hi Mr. Meyer I wanna that I'm going on 20 years old soon and that i always enjoyed watching your show growing up since the early 2000s at my uncles on the outdoor channel. I still watch ur reviews hear on RU-vid once in awhile.
Both are great ATVs and you won't regret the purchase of either one of them. But with that said, the KQ400 is one of my all-time favorite ATVs and in fact are using this very unit as a long-termer where we put on 'the essentials' (winch, fuel packs, mirror, bag, and tires) to make it what I think is not only a great ATV, but a great value as well.......
I am still loving the King Quad 400, my last trip I went to the top of a mountain, even though I have been to the tops of mountains before, the last mountain had real steep hill climbing so I naturally put it in 4x4 low, and it did wonderful, climbed all the way to the top with out any problems!
I have the 2012 model 400 KQ with the cvt... It's a good four wheeler, I have put it to the test on the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina, It will climb anything, and when you come down the mountain it feels safe, even with slipping and sliding rock coming down a steep old creek bed I still felt like I had control. I weigh about 240lbs and it had no trouble climbing to the top of the mountain! I have drove it right down though the creek many of times with no trouble!
Good video Doug, I'm a fan of this machine, I like it's price. I think it's really worth pointing out, that when you are hunting, and need to track through the woods to get your deer, or moose. The narrowness of this machine is so handy. It's all about getting as close as you can get right? And I can testify that this little machine, can pull out a moose, living here in Canada I've seen it a lot. :)
Thanks for posting. your videos are very informative, honest, and actually helped me gain approval from the all important wife to pickup an ATV. I'm struggling in choosing between a 2012 KinQuad 400 ASi, and a rancher 420 ES. Any input / opinions you have are greatly appreciated. My use is 90% trail riding (Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Washington State). Planning a trip to the Pauite Trail thanks in part to your videos.
Thanks for the review. I'm looking to purchase a new atv. I would most likely buy the King Quad 400 foot shift. Air cooled with oil cooler is the same as my 1991 King Quad 300 4wd. Bought new and has not had any problems in 25+ years. Just maintenance, valve adjustments, cables, cv boots, air filters, batteries, brakes, tires. Another option is the Rancher 420 FM. Same price but has no low range, liquid cooled, no odometer/speedometer. What are your thoughts on the two atvs ?
Both great ATVs. The Rancher may be a little smoother riding. Also Honda claims that their 1st gear is low enough so there is no need for a low range. That's kinda true but I still prefer a low range. With that said my choice would be the KQ.
Not all straight-axle set-ups are created equal...this set-up has two shocks with a drum brake.(this setup is solid.toosolid.you can see the bike bouncing wildly through the creek bed) The Kawasaki KVF360 and Brute Force 650 use a single-shock,it is pre-load adjustable.It can be cushy soft or load hauling stiff...The rear-end differential and the oil-bathed,multi-disc brakes,are impervious to water and dust!.. I know that any straight axle is superior to independant when loading the racks heavy.
I picked up the KingQuad, largely based on the reviews I've found including this one. What's your opinion on a break in period for a new quad? Hoping to see you on the trails.
I'd probably choose the STI Black Diamonds. And maybe even 26" as they run small when you air them down to the 2 1/2 pounds needed for this light of a machine.
I agree that a lockable front differential is of value on every ATV, but I can't agree with the IRS - a solid rear axle has a lot of advantages over an IRS system. Simple, solid, stable.
agree on the IRS...more to go wrong more CV joints/boots etc.... I also agree on FRONT DIFF LOCK and i am mad at honda for not putting that on any quad they make
Great. The best break in is simply to vary the speed. Try to keep the engine from just staying at a constant rpm for minutes at a time... Other than that, just ride it! Might change the oil after about 100 or so miles....
I have a 2012 and though im unsure if the 2013 is the same but this thing really needs a reverse rev limiter override. Has been a constant problem especially when in muddy conditions to not have full power in reverse to get out of sticky sitiuations. I really feel Suzuki dropped the ball on this point but otherwise it is a great ATV.
There is a guy here in Massachusetts selling a 2013 King Quad 400 on Craigslist for $4500 with a few hundred miles. Is that a good price? Is there a blue book for ATVs that I can reference. Thanks!
The Foreman is a little faster, a little smoother, and has power steering available. Both are very reliable. The Foreman is a bit larger sized as well.
Needs diff lock and independent suspension, the kind quad 300's were just as reliable as this machine. Id take the 300 as a work horse over this machine, the diff lock is just too often a necessity when you run into trouble and the solid axel can throw you for a loop when hitting bumps descending terrain...
