“The big names in the game had better keep a close eye on Dinli”

Machine test | Quadzilla RS7
The big names in the game had better keep a
“
close eye on Dinli”
Mor
for less
Words & photography: Chris Pearson
Need a big, powerful utility quad, but can’t face shelling out £6,000-plus
in these uncertain times? Well, the Government’s paltry VAT cut won’t
help, but this new offering from Quadzilla just might…
The all-new Quadzilla RS7 is a real
powerhouse of an agricultural
four-wheeler. The chunky, 698cc,
fully automatic, engine gives
stomping power and torque
at all times and, thanks to the
well set up CVT transmission,
that power is always on tap
and ready to mete out a furious
impact upon this big quad’s
trajectory. The machine is built
for Quadzilla by Dinli, the huge
Taiwanese manufacturer with a
long history of putting together
quality machines, especially
since merging with the mighty
Cannondale. With every new
Dinli, lessons have been learnt,
culminating in some great
designs of late, each one ticking
the boxes required for a topquality, high-specification quad.
Based on this latest model, the
big names in the game better
keep a close eye on Dinli.
won’t tackle with great enthusiasm.
With an on-road top speed of about
65mph, it makes for a great way of
getting around too, so no need to
get changed or slip into a different
vehicle for that trip into town. The
RS7 we tested was equipped with
tyres better suited to hard terrain, and
yet it still retained its go-anywhere
competence. Having a good go at soft
and muddy ground, the four-wheeldrive transmission, with differential lock,
helped out no end with the seemingly
impossible task of getting in and out
of deep, boggy areas. On the hard
stuff, the quad is well equipped with
powerful brakes. Its suspension is well
set up too, but is a bit on the hard side
for serious off-road work. Even so, as a
good all-round base setting, enabling
the rider to just get on and enjoy, it’s
eminently workable, as it comes, out of
the crate. With each wheel having its
own suspension, the ride is smooth and
flat, with few of the unwieldy turning
mannerisms that are usual on big quads.
As a result, you stand a good chance of
keeping most, if not all, of the wheels in
contact with the terrain, keeping them
driving along nicely.
Big, friendly giant
Standing tall and proud, the big
quad looks business-like, even
while stationary. The highmounted front lights give it the
looks of a Chelsea tractor, while
the dangling look of the running
gear allows an impressive amount
of ground clearance. The RS7
is sturdily put together, making
for a tough all-rounder that will
take most knocks in its stride
while also having the ability to
punch back. It’s equipped with a
versatile transmission, and there
isn’t much that this machine
QUAD Magazine February 2009 www.quad.tv
www.quad.tv February 2009 QUAD Magazine
.co.uk
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Machine test | Quadzilla RS7
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• Weight - 180KG
Advantage pack RRP inc VAT
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• Fuel capacity - 5.5L
• Other features - LED Gear display, 2 point
harnesses, rain canopy, race type bucket seats
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10
QUAD Magazine February 2009 www.quad.tv
Left-side gear selector is wellpositioned and easy to use
Practically plush
Looking around the RS7, it’s easy to be impressed,
particularly with the vehicle’s comparatively low price when
weighed against the specification. Clearly a lot of thought
has gone into the day-to-day ergonomics; in each rear
mudguard, there is a sizeable, easy-to-access compartment,
covered by elasticated netting. There’s also a locking glove
compartment in the front shield. There is a pair of sturdy
luggage racks, one fitted to the front and one on the rear,
and a handy backrest for pillion use too. Further down at
the rear end, there is a tow-ball for hauling a trailer, greatly
adding to the machine’s lugging ability. After all, the big
engine shrugs nonchalantly at the idea of pulling huge
loads. The front end could do with some kind of crash-bar,
to protect the lights and plastic bodywork. The finish is
top-notch, though. The bike we rode was a pre-production
sample, and it will actually be available in red and white,
rather than orange, but this machine is still representative
of the finished product and, as such, is very well put
together.
In use, the RS7 is a breeze to drive; simply select a high
or low ratio – or reverse, if going backwards is your thing
– with the gear lever on the left-hand leg-shield and away
you go. The CVT transmission takes care of the rest. The
choice of two- or four-wheel drive is selectable using the
handlebar switches, as indeed is the differential lock. The
drive method is selected on the right-hand side, while the
left-hand side switches the lock, and both require the quad
to be at a standstill before changing. In four-wheel-drive
mode, the RS7 loses none of its manners; the light steering,
present when the rear end alone was pushing it along, is
still silky smooth when the front wheels are sharing the
work. Likewise, the feel through the bars remains light,
almost as though the steering is power-assisted. On the
move, the informative digital dash is compact but easy to
read. The big speed readout runs across the top of the
screen, with fuel contents and gear indicator in the corners,
and the various warning lights running up each side. It’s a
neat layout, based on previous Dinli designs.
Space for lunch: Handy
storage compartments on
each side
www.quad.tv February 2009 QUAD Magazine
11
Machine test | Quadzilla RS7
Verdict
Based on our first impressions, this new
machine is an instant winner and should
prove a popular machine. Anyone looking
for a powerhouse quad that can go
just about anywhere will be pleasantly
surprised by the RS7. And when they see
HYBRID
the price-tag, that surprise may just turn
to elation. Is this quad missing anything?
Well, a sizeable tow-hook for the front
could add to the usability, especially if it
ever gets stuck, but, that apart, Quadzilla
has got it just about spot-on.
Specifications Quadzilla RS7
Price: £5,499 (inc. VAT)
Engine:Single-cylinder liquid-cooled
DOHC four-stroke
Capacity: 698cc
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 85mm
Power: 40bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 39ft-lb @ 4500rpm
Transmission: 2-stage CVT,
selectable high/lo and reverse,
2/4wheel drive with differential lock,
shaft final drive
Starter: Electric with recoil back up
Frame: Steel cradle
Front suspension: Adjustable oildamped shock absorbers
Rear suspension: Independent
A-arms, adjustable oil-damped shock
absorbers
Front brake: 22mm disc singlepiston floating-calipers
Rear brake: 180mm disc mounted
on drive shaft, single-piston floatingcaliper
Front wheel: 25 x 8-12
Rear wheel: 25 x 10-12
Length: 2208mm
Width: 1211mm
Wheelbase: 1305mm
Dry weight: 298kgs
Fuel tank capacity: 20ltrs
Colours: White, Red
Contact: 01507 52290,
www.quadzillaquads.com
12
QUAD Magazine February 2009 www.quad.tv
For ultimate vision
Removable tear-off trim to stop water running behind tear offs
Mask for extra face protection and reduced external fogging
Anti-fog, anti-stick, anti-scratch, impact resistant and UV protection lens
Silicone lined strap and ultra comfort face foam
T: 01483 811844
E: [email protected]
W: www.ripnroll.co.uk
T: 0845 450 1448
E: [email protected]
W: www.racefx.co.uk
www.quad.tv February 2009 QUAD Magazine
13