This stage full of Suzuki motorcycle and ATV racers, many of them current and former champions, like Dustin Wimmer and Doug Gust, demonstrates Suzuki's commitment to racing as the company celebrates its 45th racing anniversary. Speaking of racing, the race-worthy LT-R 450 didn't recieve any changes for 2009, but is now available in a sharp-looking black and gold package as well as a red and black one.
“Serious solutions for serious times”, that’s what Suzuki’s Mel Harris told Suzuki dealers on hand for Suzuki’s 2009 Dealer Meeting at the Rio Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Despite the current economic slump / recession, going on in America, Suzuki didn’t indicate that there would be any changes to their current ATV race teams. Furthermore “First on Four Wheels” released a new model in their KingQuad 500 AXi, a mid sized Utility 4x4 that includes all the features of their mighty KingQuad 750, including all-new power steering for 2009. The new 500 is not a de-sleeved 750, it uses its own new cylinder and piston.
2009 marks Suzuki’s 100 year Anniversary, like mentioned above, slow economy or not, Suzuki is planning on celebrating with several new marketing campaigns planned for the year. If the entertainment Suzuki booked for dealers, racers and media attending the 2009 Dealer Meeting is any indication as to how Suzuki plans to do things in 2009, look out competition! Ventriloquist Terry Fator and master impressionist Frank Caliendo had the crowd rolling with laughter. After the show the appreciative crowd gave a well-deserved standing ovation.
As for changes to their already impressive ATV lineup, we’ll see new colors and graphics for 2009, including new pink highlights on the LTZ50 and LTZ90 youth quads. It was said the flashy feminine pink accents may attract new people to the sport. Suzuki will also show off their biggest racing sponsor, Rockstar Energy Drink, with an all-new “Rockstar KingQuad 750”. The 2009 Rockstar KingQuad will certainly stand out and just may be the sportiest looking 4x4 on anyone’s showroom floor.
Lastly, when asked if there is a Side x Side in the works, Suzuki’s Glen Hansen said, “We’ve been looking at that product line for a long time now, frankly we’re still not sure whether to release something catered to the utility side of the market like Honda is doing with their new Big Red, or if we should go the route that Yamaha has with their sporty Rhino. Those questions are yet to be answered, so for now Suzuki wont have a Side x Side product.”
Below are some studio shots of a few 2009 Suzuki ATVs provided to us from American Suzuki. Click the Gallery button above for detailed photos of the new machines as well as photos taken throughout the 2009 Suzuki Dealer Meeting experience at the Rio in Las Vegas.
The 2009 Suzuki KingQuad 750 AXi Rockstar Edition may be the sportiest looking 4x4 on anyone's showroom floor in 2009. The Rockstar KingQuad 750 will retail for $7999 and be available in January.
The KingQuad 750 AXi will not only come in several new colors for 2009, some models will also be available with Power Steering.
New for 09 is a mid sized utility KingQuad. The KingQuad 500 AXi, includes everything the 2009 750 has including power steering. Retail price $7599, available in December.
This Olive Green King Quad 750 AXi should turn some heads in 2009.
The 2009 Suzuki LTR450Z seen here in stiking red and black. All 2009 LT-R 450's will be available in November.
