March 2006 ATV-I Editorial - A Visit to Kymco

left: The MXU 300 and its big brother, the soon-to-be-released MXU 500

Ever taken a hairpin turn on a Dodge Viper and then tried to maneuver the same turn at the same speed in a Ford F350? Personally, I haven’t done precisely that, but I think I came pretty close. Picture the balmy “winter” morning in Southern Taiwan during KYMCO’s January 2006 press trip for US and Canadian journalists. It’s our day at the test track and I am the lucky rider who gets to be the first to try out the brand new MXU 500, a 4WD beast of a machine that has yet to enter mass production and make its entry into the US market (the anticipated date of availability is July 2006). I hop on that saddle and take off. The power is impressive, the steering is good, all in all a comfortable, robust and very solid ride, particularly when you consider this is KYMCO’s first venture into larger displacement, 4WD ATVs. I reach the turn around point in the test track and boldly decide to do a donut. Now, before jumping ahead of my story, I do want to insert a little footnote here that looking back on my ATV riding history, I don’t think I’ve ridden anything over a 300cc ATV. Ever. But I know HOW to ride and assume that the extra 200 ccs will be nothing. Surely I can handle it. Looking back, I realize that as I made my way to the halfway point of my attempted circle I had ignored an elemental concept of physics... center of gravity. Sliding my rear end over and redistributing my weight simply was not enough to keep this tiger on all fours. Fortunately for me, the sturdy 500 survived the impact and I was able to get right back on and moving (a bit less courageously, of course)!

My damaged pride aside, the new MXU 500 clearly stands out as the king of the KYMCO ATV line, thus far. 4WD mode is easily achieved by the simple push of a button. The unit also features CVT automatic transmission, easy to read gauges, large floorboards and front and rear disc brakes. The 500 boasts a 10-inch average ground clearance (compared to the 8.25 inch average of the MXU 300). As with all KYMCO 4-stroke ATVs, the 500 is C.A.R.B. certified with a USFS-Approved spark arrestor, and offers a one-year factory warranty.

The next unit I rode was the MXU 300, which was introduced in September of 2005. Though ostensibly dwarfed by the MXU 500, the 300 is actually a very solid, 2WD machine with a great utility look and feel. It also offers an excellent price point, retailing at $3749. It features stock front and rear equipment racks and a front brush guard. I did hear some of the consumer magazine guys complain about the rear rack being uncomfortably close to the seat, but my guess would be the discomfort was only apparent in handling like a racing unit — not the intended purpose of the MXU 300.

left: The New Mongoose 300

Finally, I gave the new Mongoose 300 a shot. If there’s one word to describe this nimble ATV, “fun” would be it. The Mongoose 300 has a sleek look, it’s easy to handle and it offers a good amount of power to make for a great ride. With an MSRP of $3649.00, this is a sure bet for those customers seeking a more sporty ride.

So what do these newly released (or soon to be released) models mean for KYMCO as a company? The introduction of a larger displacement, 4-Wheel Drive unit is symbolic in many ways, as it marks a crucial turn for KYMCO USA by offering the potential to become an even more serious player in the US ATV market. KYMCO’s current and prospective dealers will now have a true full line of ATVs to offer their customers, which is a huge move for a company that has already taken significant steps in making the name known to both dealers and end-users in the US market. Already, KYMCO has about 550 active dealers in the US, with about 400 carrying ATV models. For a company that didn’t offer a single ATV until 2002, this growth undoubtedly reflects positively on KYMCO.

left: Crankshaft assembly - KYMCO factory, Kaohsiung

Of course, the idea of being a leader is nothing new for this company. KYMCO Taiwan produces about 800,000 units for the domestic market and is number one in market share for scooters. Once the decision was made to expand production to ATV models, KYMCO’s research and development team clearly stepped up to the plate. In 2005 alone, the company invested close to $44 million in R&D, a number that’s been growing for the past three years. Their efforts have obviously paid off, as KYMCO now builds 10 different models of ATVs and plans to continue to add to the line, based on market trends and dealer feedback.

right: Fresh Paint at the KYMCO factory

In touring the KYMCO factory in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, it is evident KYMCO seems to be a company capable of building whatever they decide to. The manufacturing in-house is extensive, including everything from carburetors to frames, with separate divisions for painting, testing, installing and final assembly.

So, while you’re getting your floor space ready for the different models of KYMCO ATVs, don’t forget to make room for the new 4WD MXU 500. If you are not currently carrying the KYMCO line of ATVs, you can check out all they have to offer at www.kymcousa.com. A very sincere thanks to everyone at KYMCO for providing the opportunity to see just how far the company has come (and inspire thought on how far it can go) in the ATV world.