One of the more tech-advanced 4x4s of the early ’90s, the Suzuki King Quad 300 rocked the ATV world and set the bar for modern-day 4WD vehicles. It came out of the gate loaded with features now considered must-haves on ATVs – IRS, selectable driveline modes, and a lockable front differential, to name a few. In this guide, you will discover how this 300-class four-wheeler set the foundation for present-day 4WD vehicles.
The Suzuki King Quad 300 is a rec-utility quad that revolutionized the ATV scene between 1991 and 2002. This iconic 300-cc machine, featuring a 280-cc engine, utility racks, IRS, selectable driveline modes, and an auto-clutch transmission/three-tier sub-transmission, easily became a standout.
Read on to learn more about Suzuki King Quad 300’s specs and features, as well as recommended upgrades guaranteed to bring back the glory days of this quintessential wheeler.
The Ultimate Towing Rig
The above is one of the most popular monikers of the Suzuki King Quad 300 – and for good reason. It has an incredible low- to mid-range pull and a 900-lb trailer hitch capacity, which is remarkable for its small size. Current off-roaders use the 4×4 for traversing dunes, mud holes, and gnarly inclines. But back in the day, the 300-class machine was best known as a trusty farmer’s utility vehicle.
Only four models were released in the market during its entire production run from 1999 to 2002. But interestingly, many KQ (King Quad) owners mix the King Quad LT-F300/F300F with the LT-F4WDX series – also carrying the same nomenclature and with the same 280-cm3 engine displacement.
It cannot be helped, as there is no online resource (not even on the official Suzuki website) that clarifies whether or not the LT-F4WDX series make up the earlier models of the 300-cc machine or if it is an entirely separate product line. The latter was produced from 1991 to 1998 and looked exactly similar to the Suzuki King Quad 300.
Highly lauded for its low-maintenance nature, the KQ appealed to ranchers as well as adventurers. The machine was aptly equipped with essentials – basic instrumentation, protective components, and a reliable power mill. It also sported a rugged aesthetic that made it look like it was born for the outdoors.
A few minor mods and adjustments turned the King Quad 300 into a snowplow machine or a conqueror of the hills. Because of its capabilities, this small but powerful machine easily became one of the crowd favorites.
Suzuki King Quad 300 Specs & Features
Engine
The vehicle upgraded to fuel injection, alongside changing to a Mikuni BSR29, for recent-year trims – like its big-bore sibling. Its cooling system was also changed to liquid, as stated in some ATV publications. As for its top-end speed, the marketed value is unreported. But the figure below, however, is true if riding on a long, flat road.
Similarly, we can only assume the Suzuki King Quad 300 horsepower to be around 25 hp/25.3 PS (18.64 kW) since the King Quad series seems to increase its power output by 1.0 hp for every 50-cm3 increase in engine displacement.
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke OHC |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single cylinder |
| Carburetion System | Carburetor, Mikuni BST31SS x 1 |
| Engine Cooling | Air cooling (w/ oil cooler) |
| Engine Fuel | Unleaded gasoline of at least PON 87 or RON 91, containing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), < 10% ethanol, or < 5% methanol w/ appropriate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitor |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 L/3.2 US gal (reserve – 2 L/(0.5 US gal) |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 68.5 x 76 mm (2.697 x 2.992 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Displacement | 280 cm³ / 17.1 in³ |
| Valve Clearance Cold Intake | 0.03 – 0.08 mm (0.001 – 0.003 in) |
| Valve Clearance Cold Exhaust | 0.17 – 0.22 mm (0.007 – 0.009 in) |
| Top Speed | 45-54 mph (72.4-86.9 km/h) – owners’ claim |
| Starter System | Electric/recoil |
| Air Filtration | Polyurethane foam element |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Engine Oil & Quantity | 3.5 L (3.7 US quarts) – oil change 3.6 L (3.8 US quarts) – filter change 4.6 L (4.9 US quarts) – overhaul (LT-F300) 4.3 L (4.5 US quarts) – overhaul (LT-F300F) SAE 10W-40 4-stroke oil w/ an API grade of SJ meeting JASO T903 MA, MB Alternatives: SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-50, 15W-40, 15W-50, 20W-50 – depending on ambient temperature |
Drivetrain
In addition to the specs below, the Suzuki King Quad 300 offered selectable driveline modes with a lockable front differential. On the downside, owners had observed the 4×4 to run faster in 4th gear than in 5th due to its rev limiter. The said feature caused the engine to sputter slightly at higher RPMs.
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate, automatic, centrifugal type |
| Transfer, Transmission Type | 5-speed constant mesh, 1-reverse w/ 2-speed sub-transmission – LT-F300 5-speed constant mesh, 1-reverse w/ 3-speed sub-transmission – LT-F300F |
| Gearshift Pattern | Forward – All up (foot lever operated); Reverse (hand lever operated) |
| Drive System | (Cardan) Shaft drive |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 3.150 (63/20) |
| Secondary Reduction Ratio | 1.125 (18/16) – LT-F300F |
| Sub-transmission Reduction Ratio | LT-F300: 2.388 (43/18) – low; 1.112 (11/25 x 18/17 x 43/18) – high LT-F300F: 3.176 (17/18 x 25/11 x 37/25) – super low; 1.480 (37/25) – low; 1.112 (11/25 x 18/17 x 43/18) – high |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.090 (34/11) – LT-F300F, front; 3.647 (62/17) – LT-F300/LT-F300F, rear |
| Transfer Gear Ratio | 1st – 3.083 (37/12) 2nd – 1.933 (29/15) 3rd – 1.388 (25/18) 4th – 1.095 (23/21) 5th – 0.913 (21/23) Reverse – 2.833 (29/12 x 34/29) |
Ignition
Some Suzuki King Quad 300 parts like the battery differed, depending on where the unit was released. U.S. and California models required a slightly shorter battery. Conversely, those released in Sweden, Canada, and the rest of the markets had slightly taller YB14A-A2 battery (view on Amazon) formats.
Although both are high-performance batteries, they are not automatically interchangeable (YTX formats are AGM-type batteries; YB formats are Yumicron/conventional ones). It would be best to check your Suzuki King Quad 300 manual before deciding to get those 10-mm spacers.
| Ignition | Electronic ignition (CDI) |
| Ignition Timing | 5° B.T.D.C @ 1,500 RPM |
| Spark Plug | NGK DR7EA or DENSO X22ESR-U Gap: 0.6 – 0.7 mm (0.024 – 0.028 in) Cold type: NGK DR8EA or DENSO X24ESR-U |
| Generator | Triple-phase A.C. generator |
| Fuse | 20 Amp |
| Battery | 12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10 Hr, YTX14AH-BS/YTX14-BS format – E-03, 33 12V 72.0 kC (20 Ah)/10 Hr, YB14A-A2 format – E-17, 24, 27, 28 |
| Battery Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.31 x 3.50 x 5.56 in (150 x 87 x 166 mm) – E-03, 33 5.31 x 3.50 x 6.94 in (134 x 89 x 176 mm) – E-17, 24, 27, 28 |
Tires & Brakes
The four-wheeler’s initial model had uneven tire sizes – 24-inch tires on the front and 25-inch ones at the back. The front knobbies later changed to AT25 x 8-12 for succeeding models. When seating tire beads, remember not to go over 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi).
| Front Tire, off-road/road air pressure | AT24 x 8-11, tubeless Tire pressure: 30 kPa (0.31 kgf/cm2, 4.4 psi) |
| Rear Tire, off-road/road air pressure | AT25 x 10-12, tubeless Tire pressure: 27.6 kPa (0.28 kgf/cm2, 4 psi) |
| Tire Tread Depth (F/R) | Limit: 4 mm (0.16 in) / 4 mm (0.16 in) |
| Front Brake Type | Drum brake w/ twin piston calipers, hydraulically operated |
| Rear Brake Type | (Expanding) Drum brake, mechanically operated |
Suspension
The quad initially had short-travel suspension, later upgraded to 170 mm (6.7 in) wheel travel – front and back. While it did not improve the vehicle’s ground clearance, the upgrade enhanced the King Quad 300’s bump absorption and overall handling.
| Caster, Trail | 5° 30’, 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Toe-in | 2 ± 4 mm (0.08 ± 0.16 in) |
| Steering Angle | Inside 36°; Outside 26° |
| Turning Radius | 3.2 m (10.5 ft) |
| Front Suspension Type, Travel | Independent, double wishbone, oil-damped, spring preload 5-way adjustable, 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Rear Suspension Type, Travel | Independent, diagonal swing axle, oil-damped, spring preload 5-way adjustable, 125 mm (4.9 in) |
Dimensions
Like its big-bore version, 300-class King Quad machines released in North America and Australia were shorter than units sold in Sweden and New Zealand. They also had a slightly lighter dry mass. Other than these two, the rest of the vehicle’s measurements are the same across all models and trims.
| Length | 2,080 mm (81.9 in) |
| Width | 1,130 mm (44.5 in) |
| Height | 1,080 mm (42.5 in) – E-03, 24, 28, 33; 1,140 mm (44.9 in) – E-17, 27 |
| Seat Height (Unloaded) | 810 mm (31.9 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,165 mm (45.9 in) |
| Track (F/R) | 860 mm (33.9 in) / 860 mm (33.9 in) |
| Dry Weight | 260 Kg (573 lbs) – LT-F300 275 Kg (606 lbs) – LT-F300F (E-03, 28, 33) 280 Kg (617 lbs) – LT-F300F (E-17, 27) |
| Rack Capacity (F/R) | 30 Kg (66.1 lbs) / 60 Kg (132.3 lbs) |
| Payload Capacity | 390 lbs (including tongue weight) |
| Towing Capacity | 181.4 Kg (400 lbs) – uneven ground; 410 Kg (904 lbs) – level ground |
Exterior & Lighting
It has a steel frame and plastic body panel in Flame Red. It comes standard with a radiator guard, handlebars, bash plate, and front and rear fenders/flares. Digital instrumentation is adequate. Some lighting components are exclusive to specific Suzuki King Quad 300 models. A perfect example of this is the backup light, only available on Swedish releases.
| Electronic Speedometer | Standard |
| Indicator Lamps | Standard |
| Trip Odometer & Computer | Standard |
| Emergency Off Switch | Standard |
| Ignition Switch | Standard |
| Headlight | 12V 30/30 W x 2 – E-03, 24, 27, 28, 33; 12V 35/36.5 W x 2 – E-17 |
| Brake Light/Taillight | 12V 7/5 W x 1 – E-03, 24, 27, 28, 33; 12V 7/3.4 W x 1 – E-17 |
| Indicator Lights | 12V 3.4 W (reverse, neutral) 12V 1.7 W (high beam, cooling fan) – E-17, 24, 27 12V 3.4 W (engine oil temperature) – E-03, 28, 33 |
| Speedometer Light | 12V 3 W x 2 |
| Backup Light | 12V 21 W – E-17 |
Cost of a Suzuki King Quad 300
Auction listings for the 300-cc KingQuad range between $716 and $1,600. Most are in good working condition, with over 300 hours and 2,800 miles total. Others are sold not running, probably due to a plugged carb or low-voltage battery.
Minor to visible cosmetic damage – like scuffs, scratches and, wear – is to be expected. Be sure to thoroughly check the vehicle’s exterior when buying it second-hand, as it could have holes on the seat or in the fenders, or its front bumper could be bent (usually a sign of hard riding and the possibility of a crash).
For those of you wondering about the list prices, I have consolidated them in the table below:
(Source: Nada Guides)
| Year – Trim – Model # | List Price | Retail/Trade-In Values |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXM | $4,699 | $355 – $2,515 |
| 1992 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXN | $4,799 | $355 – $2,680 |
| 1993 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXP | $4,899 | $355 – $2,990 |
| 1994 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXR | $5,249 | $410 – $3,200 |
| 1995 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXS | $5,459 | $325 – $2,550 |
| 1996 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXT | $5,899 | $380 – $2,885 |
| 1997 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXV | $5,949 | $455 – $3,035 |
| 1998 Suzuki King Quad LT-F4WDXW | $5,749 | $535 – $3,340 |
| 1999 Suzuki King Quad LT-F300FX | $5,499 | $890 – $1,170 |
| 2000 Suzuki King Quad LT-F300FY | $5,499 | $945 – $1,245 |
| 2001 Suzuki King Quad LT-F300FK1 | $5,499 | $990 – $1,305 |
| 2002 Suzuki King Quad LT-F300FK2 | $5,499 | $1,030 – $1,355 |
Bring Back the Umph
Because of its factory setup, this mean machine tends to feel underpowered in the 4th and 5th gears – especially when going over 30 mph. As such, many Suzuki owners feel the need for performance upgrades to really bring the brute back to life. Here are a few tried-and-tested recommendations from King Quad enthusiasts:
Get an Exhaust and Air Filter Upgrade
Some exhaust upgrades – like getting an MBRP Exhaust AT-7301 Slip-On Utility Muffler (view on Amazon) – and a brand-new air filter will let your rig breathe better and give it a boost at low- to mid-range.
The only shortcoming is that it sometimes takes away from the 4×4’s top-end speed. Adjusting the main jet to ensure that the quad runs richer and is not starved for fuel when the throttle is wide open should balance things.
Bore the Machine and Do Some Port Work
Exhaust upgrades and jetting alone will never really draw a lot of top-end from the King Quad, as its displacement is only 280-cm3. If you want to see any substantial power increase from it, you will need to bring out your mechanical skills and get into porting the cylinder head, among other things. Depending on your skill level, you may or may not require a professional to help you out with this task.
Turn To Smaller Tires
Changing stock 24-inch/25-inch rubber into something smaller helps change the vehicle’s gear ratio and revving ability. Or you can retain stock size but go for Super Swamper VAM-20 Vampires (view on Amazon). These may be out of stock but are worth the wait – the added traction is just night and day to have on your wheeler. Just do not expect this small change will not affect RPMs at low speeds.
There is really no way that anyone can achieve a higher top-end and more power at the low range at the same time. Not to mention that the King Quad 300 has neither speed nor grip to overcome nasty hills in stock form. You will have to choose one and live with the resulting compromise.
Accessorize!
In addition to increasing its power output and overall performance, your four-wheeler will also have to look the part. Here are optional add-ons that are good to have on your quad:
- WARN 94000 4000 DC Series 12V Electric Winch with Steel Cable Rope (view on Amazon)
- Rack extensions
- Gun scabbards, for hunting enthusiasts
- Handguards
- Headlight guard
- Cargo/rack bags
- ATV whip
- Mud Flaps
- Polycarbonate windshield (view on Amazon) for improved visibility and protection in the snow
- A new seat or Great Day RR605B Ride-N-Rest (view on Amazon) backrest for all-day trail rides
Modding and personalizing your four-wheeler is fun to do and easy to get down for highly skilled mechanically-inclined owners. But what truly helps keep this 4×4 in tip-top shape is proper servicing done regularly and consistently.
How to Determine the Model Year
By now, you know that an ATV’s VIN tells you this information. Below are some of Suzuki’s most common quads and the corresponding locations for their Vehicle Identification Number:
(Source: ATV VIN Check & Lookup)
| Model – Class | VIN Location |
|---|---|
| Suzuki LTR 450 | On the metal bar near the frame next to the kicker area |
| Suzuki Eiger | On the left rear cross member along the mud wing |
| Suzuki 250 Quadrunner | On the right rear bar near the taillight |
| Suzuki King Quad 300 | On the small flat plate (it is visible on the left rear frame member, standing vertically) |
| Suzuki King Quad 700 | On the left rear frame, at the back of the wheel |
| Suzuki QuadSport Z90 | On the left rear side of the frame |
About Suzuki
Suzuki Motor Corporation is a well-renowned Japanese corporation, which traces back its humble beginnings to weaving loom before becoming a big shot in the automotive industry.
Founded in 1909 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, the maker of the Suzuki King Quad 300 spent its first 28 years reorganizing in preparation for manufacturing small consumer cars. However, WWII thwarted production plans, and it was not until 1952 that the Japanese firm started to bounce back from the aftermath of the war with its Power Free motorized bicycle.
At present, Suzuki has grown into one of the most successful global automakers by production, with ten subsidiaries and over 133 distributors in 192 countries.
Conclusion – Suzuki King Quad 300 Review
It may fall flat on its face once in a while on graded trails and gravel roads. It may not always have adequate torque to pull in high gear. But one thing is for sure – these minor drawbacks will never undermine the positive impact of the Suzuki King Quad 300 on the 4wd ATV segment.
Its features – selectable 2WD/4WD modes and front locking differentials – were undeniably best in class. So much so that they are still relevant even by today’s ATV standards. Thanks to this legendary quad, off-roaders now get to enjoy feature-rich, highly capable behemoths in the outdoors.
If you are in search of a four-wheeler that is guaranteed to bring you good times, then look no further than the Suzuki King Quad 300!
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris