Two or four-wheel drive, three gear ratios

Press, 24 July 1987, Page 12

Two or four-wheel drive, three gear ratios

Suzuki’s new LT-F4WD Quadrunner has been described as a state of the art four-wheel-drive motorcycle, incorporating many unique features.

This four-wheeler has independent suspension front and rear, four-wheel-drive capability and a high 200 mm ground clearance.

In relatively easy conditions, the Suzuki can be operated in two-wheel-drive, while a dashmounted lever makes it easy to select four-wheel drive. The front differential can be locked when the transmission is in the super-low ratio for extragripping traction. There are five gears, but the choice of three ratios, effectively giving 15 gears to cope with all types of conditions. A reverse gear is standard, and suspension firmness can be adjusted to suit light or heavy loads.

Power is transmitted to the front via shaft drive and the rear directly via the gearbox final-drive assembly. The drive to the front wheels is through a constant-velo-city ball joint, allowing a tighter turning circle and even wheel rotation. To reduce noise and

lower maintenance, an automatic cam-chain tensioner is built in to keep the chain constantly adjusted. An easy-use parking

brake is provided, and the self-adjusting front brakes need little maintenance.

A snorkel-type air cleaner and the electrical components are mounted

high and, near the front to keep water out. The front guard design wraps around the inside of the front tyres to prevent mud from splattering on the

engine during turns. Front and rear carriers cope with loads of 30kg to 60kg respectively, and the unladen weight of the vehicle is 232 kg.