Growing line-up includes new models with plenty of power

Taiwan-based Kymco has manufactured motorcycles and similar products since 1964, and the business expanded rapidly when it became an overseas manufacturing hub for leading ATV manufacturer, Honda. The company is best known for supplying smaller, leisure ATVs, but that is changing as new models are added to the line-up with features and build quality to compete with leading brands. A wholly-owned UK subsidiary has been set up, employing knowledgeable and experienced staff, and guaranteeing prompt parts availability from UK-held stock.

Established UK dealers have quickly recognised the potential of the Kymco line-up, and growing numbers are offering the range alongside major brands. First deliveries of the new, larger models recently arrived in the UK, and Farmers Guide tried them during an extended test on a large Suffolk farming estate.

Useful line-up

There are five models from 90–700cc. The entry Mongoose 90, 89cc model, and the MXU 150 with a 149cc engine are popular options for the leisure market, but the slightly larger MXU 300 T3B, MXU 550i T3B EPS and flagship MXU 700i ABS EPS T3B all have specifications suitable for agricultural use, and were trialled during the week-long test.

MXU 300

For many years, ATVs with 300cc engines made up most of the unit sales for all brands but, as with other agricultural machinery, the market has demanded extra capability and more power and manufacturers have obliged. Kymco is believed to be the only manufacturer currently offering a 300cc model, and dealers say it is extremely popular for general mobility, light load carrying and pulling small trailers on smallholdings and within equestrian businesses.

The 300cc 2wd weighs 330kg unladen and is very manoeuvrable. It has a solid rear axle with no differential, so there is some tyre scrub during tight turns – but ridden properly, this causes no problems. The steering is light, and the machine handles hard surfaces and mild off-road situations with ease. The physical size of the MXU 300 is a good match for the power, and we tried the machine at high speeds on rough farm tracks and on uneven ground. The swing arm rear suspension and independent front wishbones are an ideal combination for this size machine, and the ride is firm but comfortable. Although larger models with 4wd are likely to be chosen for more demanding environments, we tried the 300 2wd in the woods too, where it coped well with high vegetation, uneven ground and typical woodland debris. Fallen branches were successfully negotiated by driving across at an angle to ensure the rear wheels maintained traction.

The suspension manages well with loads on the front and rear racks, and a large but empty trailer was pulled easily on soft ground.

The MXU 300 2wd is a simple and practical option for those who don’t require 4wd. It is particularly popular with equestrian users.

MXU 550

The MXU 550 is brand new to the line-up, and the test machine was one of the very first in the UK. It replaced the popular MXU 465, which had a smaller 443cc power unit.

The MXU 550 is exceptionally easy to ride. Electric power steering reduces the effort needed to keep the wheels in the required direction on rutted tracks, and reduces kick-back when driving over tricky obstructions such as tree stumps and branches. The engine is smooth but has plenty of power, and the stepless transmission always selects a suitable ratio for the speed and load.

The independent suspension and large, well padded seat ensure a comfortable ride.

Changing from 2wd to 4wd is by pushing a thumb-operated button, and this can be done on the move without releasing the handlebar grip. A twist switch surrounding the 4wd button locks the front differential. The differential can be locked when 4wd is already engaged, or locking it when in 2wd will also select 4wd.

Useful storage includes a large, sealed compartment between the seat and the handlebar, and a smaller lockable compartment in the front fender which is ideal for a mobile phone.

Part of the test involved pulling a large trailer along a soft, sandy and deep rutted track, and even with resistance created by the trailer grounding at times, the MXU 550 coped well.

Without a load, and just with the rider on board, there is lots of power and acceleration is brisk. Manoeuvrability is excellent and this is a superb ATV to ride.

MXU 700

Kymco’s ATV flagship is also new. It has a similar length wheelbase to the MXU 550 but weighs approximately 30kg more, and it feels bigger and more capable.

Many features are like the MXU 550, including most controls. The transmission shift lever has Low, High, Neutral, Reverse and Park positions and moves smoothly between the gears. The only time changes are difficult is when there is pressure on the mechanical gears; then a small  tweak of the throttle is needed to allow free movement.

Working in limited space in the forest the MXU 700 proved very manoeuvrable, but even with the power steering it felt heavier than the MXU 550. The engine has a long 85mm piston stroke, and there is plenty of torque. This helps when climbing steep slopes or driving over objects such as tree stumps, as the engine revs can be kept low – allowing precise and controlled movements. For reversing trailers into tight spaces the ability to apply power gradually is also an advantage, making it easier to judge clearances while moving at very low speeds. Although we tried the low range when riding off-road, the engine has so much power and torque that high range was suitable for most situations. However, when riding downhill – particularly when carrying loads or towing a trailer, low range provides more effective engine braking and is  a safer option.

Pulling the trailer on the  muddy, rutted track the MXU 700 performed well. The extra torque over the MXU 550 was obvious, and at similar travel speeds the engine operated at lower revs.

The MXU 700 is the only Kymco ATV designed to carry a passenger. A substantial padded back rest is attached at the back, and the seat is divided in two by a raised section for the passenger to sit on at the rear. However, the raised section means that the driver must sit further forward even when a passenger isn’t carried, and for taller users this restricts the leg room and is less comfortable. The rear seat section can be quickly attached and removed, and most riders will prefer riding without it – especially when tackling challenging terrain.

The MXU 700 has plenty of torque and pulled the trailer across soft sand and along muddy tracks with ease.

Well built

The build quality and finish are very good. The controls are sturdy and large enough to operate wearing gloves and have a functional ‘feel’. The three machines share a similar parking brake arrangement, set by a large over-centre lever on the handlebar. This works well, but the Kymco has an unusual safety feature which means that the electric start won’t operate unless the handbrake is released, and the front brake lever is applied.

The test machines all had  different style seats, which were comfortable and supportive. The MXU 700 comes standard with seating for a passenger. All models have substantial footrests and plenty of protection for the rider’s feet.

The load carriers are rugged enough for typical farm loads, but the MXU550 and MXU700 front racks tilt forward, so anything carried must be well secured. Out of the three machines, only the MXU 300 has front-end protection in the form of a substantial nudge bar. The other two models have nothing forward of the headlights, which could be a disadvantage for working where front impacts are a high risk, such as forestry applications or busy farmyards.

Servicing and daily checks

All the Kymco ATVs have glass sight engine oil gauges, allowing users to see at a glance if the level is correct. This is a big advantage as it encourages frequent checks.

All three ATVs have large air cleaners. The smaller MXU 300 had a round foam element adjacent to the battery – below the seat. The MXU 550 also had a round foam element and the MXU 700 has a large square sponge. All can be easily checked and cleaned.

The fuel tanks have large screw caps for easy filling, and the 300cc machine just has a fuel level warning light whereas the newer models have the level shown as graphs on the front LCD displays.

On all three models; daily checks and routine maintenance are easily carried out. The MXU 550 (pictured), and the flagship MXU 700 both have large storage compartments between the seat and the handlebars, and a smaller locking compartment within the front fender.

Verdict

Kymco is a relatively new name in the agricultural ATV market, but its new models have a generous specification, perform well and have plenty of useful features. All three machines we tested came with a powerful winch, and practical steering locks under the front fender are included on all models. For general use, it is hard to argue against the MXU 550, but where extra lugging power is needed then the flagship MXU 700 is a better proposition.

Dealer view

MKM Agriculture Ltd represents several major ATV and UTV brands from two depots in Bedfordshire and Suffolk, and the company took on the Kymco franchise earlier this year. “The ATVs are very well made,” commented Suffolk depot sales manager Keith Collins. “With the addition of the new, more powerful models they are an additional option for those needing an ATV for farm or forestry applications, and the smaller MXU 300 has been especially popular with equestrian users.

“Having the MXU 150 in the range is also an advantage, as it’s a great entry machine for younger riders, with a good specification. Kymco ATVs are good quality so they aren’t cheap, but prices are competitive compared to other major brands.”

MKM Agriculture Ltd Suffolk depot sales manager Keith Collins (left) with Kymco UK marketing manager, Thomas Bradford.