Suzuki Vinson 500 Auto

Without putting too fine a point on it, men on the land expect a lot from their equipment and don't have time to pamper it. Quads are no exception, in fact some farm quads cop such a caning it's a tribute to the determination of the engineers who designed and built them.

The Vinson 500 is Suzuki's top-of-the-line farm ATV. There are two variants, a 5-speed manual and a CVT auto, both with switchable 2WD/4WD. All-wheel drive is becoming more popular these days – many rural operators believe 4x4 quads are safer - although some fuel conscious owners like the option of reducing power losses through the drivetrain and the increased fuel economy that delivers. Most ATVs are also more responsive in 2WD, and lighter in the steering.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
With a broad rounded seat and thoughtful ergonomics, the Vinson is very comfortable so you won't be getting saddle sores after a hard day at the office. The digital instruments are large and easy to read and the controls are about as simple as they get . The instrument pack includes a speedo, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, two trip meters, and a gear selector indicator. The only thing we didn't like about the controls was the choke. Mounted on the left side of the bars next to the grip, it's easy to inadvertently pull it to the 'on' position when you change the position of your hand on the bars.

The suspension is double wishbone up front, with a solid rear axle and dual shocks on the rear. The steering is a little heavy in 4WD, despite the torque-sensing LSD up front, and there's noticeable bump-steer when the front suspension hits anything with a hard edge, but overall the ride quality is very good, in fact we'd say it's plush. Farm quads aren't designed to hurtle across rough ground, they're designed to pick there way through it, and this one does it very easily. 

The Vinson also has a full-length, high-impact plastic bash-plate running along the underside, so you're less likely to pick up nasties that could destabilise the quad while you're running around the paddocks. We like the generous floorboards that enhance your sense of safety. We also like the large mudflaps, which stop mud and gunk getting all over you, and the powerful lighting system, a main headlight and one supplemental spottie on either side of it. There's no way you'll suffer 'black out' with this setup. There's also a 12V DC power outlet for additional spotlights, a portable compressors, a cocktail mixer and so on.

Carry racks are positioned front and rear (we'd prefer solid boxes but that's a personal thing). There's a small, under-body storage compartment for odds and sods at the rear and a round 'dry' storage compartment, with a screw-down lid, on the righthand front guard. If you're carrying something that has to stay dry, stick it in the screw-down.

Gear selection is controlled by a stubby shift lever to the left of the operator and offers the familiar and idiot-proof L-H-N-R pattern. This engine produces very little vibration and shifting CVT auto is very smooth. Fuel is stored in a large 19 litre tank, which would keep most of us going all day. 

As you can see from the photos, this ATV will go almost anywhere. We pushed it through deep water that actually ran over the radiator, nevertheless the high-mount snorkel managed to keep shoving air into the engine. We pushed the Vinson at steep rock shelves, which it climbed easily in low range 4WD, and we grunted it through deep sand. The jetting may have been a little off but the big Suzuki never gave a moment's trouble. Nor did it spit the dummy at any of the test course obstacles.

We were impressed. And at $11,990 the Vinson 500 auto is also good value for money.