Segment:
High-performance utility/recreational ATV segment.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, recreational riders, and utility users requiring robust performance for off-road activities, hunting, farming, and trail riding.
Competitors 2001:
Yamaha Grizzly 600, Polaris Sportsman 500, Honda Foreman 450, Kawasaki Prairie 400.
Engine Type:
Likely a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder engine, known for its torque and reliability.
Drivetrain Configuration:
Selectable 4WD with locking front differential for enhanced traction in challenging terrain.
Suspension Type:
Independent front and rear suspension for superior ride comfort and handling.
Transmission Type:
Automatic (likely a Continuously Variable Transmission - CVT) for ease of operation.
Braking System:
Disc brakes on all wheels for effective stopping power.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the engine. Covers top-end, bottom-end, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, and emission controls.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage of the automatic transmission, including operation, disassembly, inspection, repair, and adjustments. Likely includes CVT or similar automatic system specifics for the era.
Drivetrain:
Covers front and rear drive systems, including differentials, driveshafts, axles, CV joints, and four-wheel-drive engagement mechanisms.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension systems, including shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
In-depth coverage of the braking system, including hydraulic components, brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding procedures, and maintenance.
Steering:
Covers steering linkage, tie rods, steering column, and steering mechanism adjustments and repairs.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including battery, charging system (alternator/stator), starting system, lighting, ignition system, sensors, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor (likely for this era) or fuel injection system, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Procedures for radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, and fan operation.
Bodywork And Frame:
Includes procedures for body panel removal, installation, and frame inspection.
Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points and schedules for various components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustments, brake checks, fluid level checks, and general inspection procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues across all systems.
Engine Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, measurement (clearances, tolerances), and reassembly.
Transmission Repair:
Complete overhaul procedures for the transmission, including clutch pack replacement, gear inspection, and valve body servicing.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using multimeters, specific test procedures for sensors and actuators, and interpretation of wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of worn components, alignment procedures, and adjustment of steering system.
Brake System Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake line replacement, and bleeding the brake system.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire pressure checks, wheel balancing, and rim maintenance.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics).
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using basic diagnostic tools like multimeters and feeler gauges. May also reference specialized Suzuki diagnostic tools if applicable.
Schematics And Diagrams:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams for the electrical system, exploded views of components, and assembly diagrams.
Engine Family:
Suzuki LT-A500FK Series
Engine Type:
4-stroke, SOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Displacement:
493cc (approximate)
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 94.0 mm x 87.0 mm (specifics in manual)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 9.3:1 (specifics in manual)
Horsepower Estimate:
Around 30-35 HP (typical for this class and era, exact figure in manual)
Torque Estimate:
Significant low-end torque for pulling and climbing (exact figure in manual)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (likely a Mikuni BDSR40 or similar) for the 2001 model year.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled, with electric fan assistance.
Starting System:
Electric starter with a backup pull-start mechanism (often found on ATVs of this era).
Type:
Automatic (CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission)
Drive Modes:
High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, Park.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive (front and rear).
Engine Braking:
CVT system provides significant engine braking on deceleration.
Gear Reduction:
Gear reduction ratios for high and low ranges specified in manual.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or proprietary Suzuki fluid required (details in manual).
Maintenance Interval Fluid:
Fluid change intervals specified in the maintenance schedule (typically every 1-2 years or specific operating hours).
Overall Length:
Approx. 85.2 inches (2165 mm) (typical for this model)
Overall Width:
Approx. 47.0 inches (1195 mm) (typical for this model)
Overall Height:
Approx. 47.8 inches (1215 mm) (typical for this model)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm) (typical for this model)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 10.4 inches (265 mm) (typical for this model)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 579 lbs (263 kg) (typical for this model)
Curb Weight:
Typically around 600-620 lbs (exact figure in manual)
Towing Capacity:
Often rated around 1,200 lbs (544 kg) (confirm in manual)
Front Rack Capacity:
Typically rated around 44 lbs (20 kg)
Rear Rack Capacity:
Typically rated around 88 lbs (40 kg)
Front Tire Size:
AT25x8-12 (common for this model)
Rear Tire Size:
AT25x10-12 (common for this model)
Wheel Type:
Steel or alloy wheels, typically 12-inch diameter.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4-stud, likely 4x110mm or similar (verify in manual)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (ATVs are not typically crash-tested by regulatory bodies in the same way as passenger vehicles).
Braking:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, engineered for reliable stopping power.
4Wd System:
On-demand 4WD with locking front differential enhances stability and traction in adverse conditions.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy frame designed for off-road durability and rider protection.
Lighting:
Dual halogen headlights and a rear brake light for visibility.
Operator Controls:
Handlebar-mounted controls designed for intuitive operation and rider comfort.
Operator Training:
Manual emphasizes rider training, proper gear, and safe operating practices.
Engine Oil Change:
Recommended every 1000 km (600 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific intervals.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Coincides with engine oil changes. Part number typically found in the manual.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 500 km (300 miles), clean or replace as needed. Specific interval may vary based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection Replacement:
Inspect every 1000 km (600 miles), replace if fouled or worn. Specific spark plug part number and gap will be in the manual.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years to maintain braking performance.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Typically recommended every 2000 km (1200 miles) or as per manual's specific schedule.
Engine Oil Type:
Suzuki recommends specific viscosity grades like SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50, API SG or higher (confirm in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.4 Liters (2.5 US qt) with filter change (verify in manual).
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (confirm in manual).
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, bearings (wheel and steering stem), drive belts (CVT), suspension bushings, and control cables are common wear items on ATVs of this age.
Engine Potential Issues:
Overheating due to cooling system maintenance, carburetor gumming if not used regularly, and potential starter motor issues can occur. The manual provides diagnostics for these.
Drivetrain Potential Issues:
CVT belt wear and potential issues with the front differential engagement mechanism.
Suzuki Atv Legacy:
Suzuki has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable and capable ATVs, dating back to the early models like the LT125. The LT-A500FK is part of Suzuki's lineage of larger displacement, powerful utility ATVs.
Predecessors:
The LT-A500FK likely evolved from earlier Suzuki 500cc class ATVs, incorporating advancements in engine technology, suspension, and drivetrain.
Successors:
Subsequent models in the Suzuki King Quad line (e.g., LT-F500F, LT-A700X, LT-A750X) would represent further technological development and performance enhancements.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely manufactured in Japan or by Suzuki's international manufacturing partners.
Production Period:
The LT-A500FK model designation suggests it was part of a series produced around the early 2000s.
