Youth ATV tracks

Youths need constant adventure and they also need a change of scenery once in a while. This is especially true when it comes to ATV tracks. Even adults will tire of the same ATV track after a while, much less a youth with a lot of enthusiasm, drive and need for adrenalin rush. There's nothing like going on different ATV tracks but as we all know, finding the right Youth ATV tracks for your kids can be a little trickier than you'll like.

Most Youth ATV tracks are constructed within or around lush forestation areas which provides families with alternate entertainment. Those who likes ATV riding can go riding while the rest of the non-ATV fans can go do...something else, like camping, bird watching, fishing (if there's a pond nearby) and perhaps even go horse-riding if there's a ranch within the area. Surprisingly, youths like nature more than we would have assumed but maybe that's because of the Youth ATV track.

Before you embark on an adventure to an ATV track, remember to remind your kids that they have to keep to the rules of the ATV track. The rules are often stricter than that of a normal ATV track and it's for a good reason too. One of the most important rules for most Youth ATV tracks is that kids should always stay on the track and resist the temptation to veer off course! This rule is in place for the safety purpose of the kids on the track. Veering off track on a personal adventure can put themselves or other people there in danger. On top of the going off the track could endanger the wildlife around the area too. Now, as we all know, construction of Youth ATV tracks is limited because many people feel that these tracks destroy nature. Destroying parts of the forest or woods around the Youth ATV track could very well spell TROUBLE.

It's easy for youths to get carried away when they're enjoying themselves, so, they need quite a bit of reminding. They need to realize that they are not the only ones using the Youth ATV track and they will need to be considerate at all times. There are many other families who are out there to have a good time as well. As parents, we should always show our kids how to practice common courtesy when on the track.

Like we said, it's easy for kids to get carried away when they're flying around the Youth ATV track - remind them that the ATV track is NOT a race track. In any case, kids should not be allowed to speed on the tracks because they may not be experienced enough to handle the speed or know what to do during an emergency. And besides, they may not be familiar with the ATV track yet, therefore, speeding through the Youth ATV track is not a good idea at all.

Give your kids the basics about using Youth ATV tracks before you bring them there - it's best to do it at home...and not wait until you're there. By the time they're there, they're so excited that everything you say would have flown past their heads, anyway.

See Also : ATV Shop chinese atvs

125cc MiniQuad Startup

My Miniquad with a tuned 125 cc dirtbike engine. Performance exhaust, 26 mm carb, racing ignition etc, about 10 hp! Gå in på : www.fiddy.se

Thanks To : ATV Cheap chinese atvs artic cat atv

The Usefulness of ATV Forums Rising

Want to meet more people and talk to them about riding ATV? Want to find out about new terrains and camps you can sign up for? A forum is a place where people gather around and discuss a particular topic - and in the case of an ATV forum, ATV enthusiasts from all around the world can log in and discuss, share, talk about and contend with each other about riding techniques, ATV models, accessories, riding tips and tricks.

Not yet convinced that ATV forums are useful? Read on.

ATV forums can help you decide on purchase of ATV

If you're new to ATV sport, you may need some advice or recommendations from fellow ATV riders. And what better way to get recommendations and advice than by visiting an online ATV forum? It's free, it's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Most ATV forum members will share their experience and freely dispense with advice on the type of ATV models you should and should NOT buy. Although ATVs are not too expensive these days, they are considered an investment. Therefore, it's good to get advice from people who have done some research and know a little bit more about buying ATVs. So, visit an ATV forum and just post your question there and monitor the response before you purchase one.

Find out new terrains and activities through ATV forums

On top of finding new friends who share your passion for ATVs, you can also get ideas on where to take your family and friends to on your next trip. You might even get ideas on new terrains, camps, trainings and courses too. ATV forum members consists not only of ATV enthusiasts, there are many ATV sellers and professional trainers in there too. They are often privy to such information. So, make your way to ATV forums if you want to find out about new activities and terrains.

Share techniques with other enthusiasts through ATV forums

This is particularly useful for beginner riders. If you're stumped on the proper techniques of riding your ATV or on safety guidelines, visit an ATV forum and other more experienced riders will readily share their knowledge with you.

Connecting with other ATV enthusiasts in ATV forums

It's important to connect with people who share your passion but it's not always possible because the number of ATV riders in the world is still very small. Sure, there are more and more people who are getting into ATV riding but it's not always possible (or convenient) for you to meet up with friends who share your interest. With the borderlessness of the Internet, you can connect with other ATV riders all around the world. You don't need to know them, see them or have tea with them - just log into an ATV forum and chat with them there. making friends with other ATV riders can help you improve your skills too.

See Also : ATV Cheap ATV Shop kids atvs atv comparison

Chinese ATVs Are Junk - Or Are They?

Many people have a certain conception that all products that come from China are cheap junk put together by a one-armed peasant. Okay, maybe not the one-armed peasant thing, but the rest holds true in most Americans' minds. So you may be asking is it true...does China put out only crappy products? The answer is of course not.

Just because you have had cheap remote or something made of plastic with the logo "made in China" stamped on it, doesn't mean that all products that come out of China are junk. You would be surprised to find out how much of your own stuff was actually made in China for companies like GE, Panasonic, and others. Everything imaginable comes from China these days.

The big difference is what place in China made the product. If you are an ATV fanatic or just simply enjoy riding one from time to time, you may have come across a too good to be true deal that was an ATV for under $1000, sometimes way under. You see things like this all the time if you do a Google search for ATVs. People are selling ATVs for $399. How is this? To turn a reasonable profit on each unit after advertising, they must have only paid $50 for each unit. This is because they are buying the cheapest stuff possible from government owned factories. These factories hire unskilled labor and can really make a lot of mistakes.

Not all factories in China are like this. There are many that are privately owned and hire highly skilled laborers to assemble the products. These factories have very good quality control, and will fix things when problems arise. Not only that, but they are usually close in cost to the government owned factories. Sure they cost more, but for the extra quality that you receive, it is well worth it.

What are the benefits and setbacks of buying online vs. buying in a local dealership? Most name brand ATVs are sold in dealerships only. You hardly ever see Polaris, Honda, Yamaha, or other name brands being sold new online unless they are being sold by someone that simply bought one and is trying to sell it for one reason or another. They are not dealerships. This is because before the internet, the ATV companies set up dealer territories. Dealers could not sell to customers outside their territory, especially someone else's territory. The cost for a name brand ATV ranges anywhere from $3000 to $11000, not including the helmet and any accessories you may purchase. Chinese-made models cost between $400 and $3000. They are considerably cheaper and can be a great deal if you choose wisely.

It seems that the only websites that are selling online are ones that sell Chinese product. The product is always cheaper than any name brand and usually has something like free shipping included. This is a huge benefit to buying online. Not only that, but sales tax is only charged if you live in the same state that the shipping warehouse is located in. The sales tax savings may not last forever, because the government is watching a lot of tax dollars go out the window, but due to a couple of court cases that said charging tax on items that were sold from another state was against the interstate commerce ruling, it is still cheaper to buy things online. So enjoy if you are a buying or selling on the internet.

Be careful which product you buy online. If the seller does not offer a 90 day or longer warranty on the ATV then you may be about to get taken to the cleaners.

Most online dealers will ship the product about 80-90% assembled. This is to reduce shipping costs. If you don't understand how to assemble the remaining product then you will want to take it or have it shipped directly to a professional for assembly. Don't assume that because you know how to change your oil, you will be able to assemble an ATV out of the crate, unless you have very good instructions.

The repairs are just like any other piece of machinery. Most Chinese models are copied versions of name brand ATVs, so you can even buy Yamaha parts, for example, to repair your ATV.

So if you choose to buy an ATV online, pick a good dealer. They can provide you with the quality you are looking for.

Thanks To : ATV Shop maxxis atv tires

The ATVA 2007 Extreme Dirt Track Nationals Schedule is Out

According to the ATVA (ATV Association), the new schedule for the 2007 Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals has been set! So, all ATV freaks out there, listen up. it's time to mark the dates down on your calendar if you want to either try out or cheer the competitors on. The 2007 season will kick off with Twin Creeks on June 9, 2007 . Twin Creeks is located in Greenbrier Arkansas .

This if followed by Round Two of the ATVA 2007 Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals at Taylorville , Illinois while Round Three will be held on July 7, 2007 in Danville , VA. If you stay around Ashtabula , OH , mark July 21-22, 2007 down on your calendar and make sure you make it for Round Four there. As the temperature drops, the heat turns up with Round Five on August 4, 2007 in Ava, MO and Elizabeth City, NC will host Round Sixe if ATVA 2007 Extreme Dirt Track Nationals on August 25, 2007.

The final two rounds of the ATVA 2007 Extreme Dirt Track Nationals will be held on September 8, 2007 in Franklin , PA and the final round will be held in Paducah , KY.

If you're game for it, here's a final look on how the schedule for ATVA 2007 Extreme Dirt Track Nationals look like.

Round 1, June 9

Greenbrier, AR

Round 2, June 23

Taylorville , IL

Round 3, July 7

Danville, VA

Round 4, July 21-22

Ashtabula, OH

Round 5, August 4

Ava, MO

Round 6, August 25

Elizabeth City , NC

Round 7, September 8

Franklin, PA

Round 8, September 22

Paducah, KY

It'll be loads of fun to get all your friends and family together to see the ATV pros in action. For new ATV riders, there's nothing more inspiring than seeing your favorite ATV rider in action. You might even pick up an autograph or two when you make your way to the ATVA Extreme Dirt Track Nationals 2007. So, what's your take?

See you there!

Friends Link : ATV Shop ATV Cheap kazuma atv

Vintage Harley Davidson Moped at a kiosk at the airport in Taiwan....

The Scooter Maven finds a vintage Harley Moped.... I see all sorts of cool things in my travels, I just saw this at the airport and I felt it was worth talking about. The only other museum where I had seen some Harley mopeds and Ducati mopeds was in Hollywood, Florida at www.SSTAM.com and they are awesome. This one seem to have a new paint job, but it was in amazing condition. I wonder if most people realize how rare and special they are... Only about 2000 of these mopeds in the world now that's cool. Areyou driving a Diamo? CFMOTO? TNG? Linhai? Malaguti Italy? Does your local shop not know what these names mean? Well then visit one of our dealers and have them give us a call. We are the only scooter parts distributor in the USA that is solely dealer direct and we are happy to send any potential online inquiries to stocking stores. So any consumers looking for Daelim parts will have to go to a store with an MRP account or have their store buy from another dealer that has an account with us. We also sell top name scooter brands like SN, Duro, Innova, Kenda, Bridgestone, Gates, Powerlink, Manuals http Stocking Dealer locator www.martinracingdealer.com MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG (CMSI), select models of CF Moto, Daelim Motors Korea ( parts should appear on website by mid July) Malaguti of Italy (www.Malaguti.com) Keeway Southeast (Keeway, Vento, QJ, Andretti, Yamati models), CPI Taiwan, Powersports Factory Brands PSF, Diamo, Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers), as ...

Thanks To : ATV Shop ATV Cheap maxxis atv tires

Polaris ATV's

Polaris ATVs are considered as the worlds toughest ATVs currently available. These hardy machines are built to go through conditions that many other ATVs and 4 wheelers may find challenging. The technology that was first adapted from Polaris’s snowmobiles makes this ATV a well tested ATV.

You will find that there are different types of ATVS that can be used for various different jobs. The Polaris ATV can be used for the extreme aspect of ATV racing in addition to being used for doing jobs like towing other vehicles.

At the moment the most popular type of Polaris is that of the sportsman. This ATV has be ability of going through terrains like muddy ground and snow covered ground. Due to this fact many people like using Polaris ATVs as their choice of All Terrain Vehicles.

When you decide to choose a Polaris you can be assured that you are using only the best type of technology that there is. This technology makes Polaris dependable and sturdy. With over 30 years of perfecting snowmobiles behind them, the Polaris ATVs can perform a variety of tasks.

For instance the Polaris can drive through the wet and soggy conditions of muddy ground and swamps. You can also drive your Polaris ATVs through snow filled roads and terrain. At this moment in time the Sportsman ATV is the favorite type of ATV in the Polaris market. The Sportsman has a 4 x 4 suspension so that it just barrels over the many obstacles that it encounters.

As the Polaris has been called the toughest ATV in the world you can easily tow anything that is in the 1,225 range. You can also carry 270 pounds of stuff on the rear rack of the Polaris ATVs. The other great feature that many people like about Polaris ATVs is that there are different models that you can browse through and they all have the strength and durability to master anything that the environment throws at them.

One of the best features of the Polaris ATVs is that the four wheel drive system that is included with this ATV will transfer the power from the back wheels to the front wheels if the back wheels continue to spin uselessly for some time. There is also an on demand all wheel drive that many of the Polaris ATVs have. This feature lets you engage and disengage the all wheel drive as you want.

Owning a Polaris ATVs can take you into new dimensions of ATV driving. Therefore without waiting any longer to possess an ATV you should see about buying any one of the Polaris ATVs that are on the market. This is definitely one of the best ATV buys that you can make.

Friends Link : ATV Cheap kazuma atv atv price kid atv

How to Buy a Youth ATV

When you're buying an ATV for youths, there are many more things to be taken into consideration, unlike purchasing an ATV for an adult. Youths should not ride on a grown-up ATV! It used to be a tad difficult to buy ATV for youths but many ATV manufacturers have now come up with ATV models with engine specs and features that are suitable for youths.

Before buying an ATV for a youth, take the following into consideration:-

o Safety Features - Youths do not have the same kind of flexibility, strength, maturity, endurance, skill and quick reaction as most adults do. And when you team that up with a powerful ATV, it's like asking for trouble. On top of the list of priorities is ATV safety features. The more safety features there are on the Youth ATV, the better the ATV is...but of course, the more safety features there are, the more comfortable you as the parent becomes. Youth ATV's are a growth industry so be safe and have fun!

o Engine - If you're not sure if the ATV is suitable for a youth, you should first make enquiries with the youth atv sales person. Most sales persons would willingly help explain the engine specs to you and assist in your bid to purchase an ATV for a youth but if you can't find anyone to answer your questions, mark down the model of the youth ATV and then ask around in online forums and message boards such as http://www.atvoutdoors.net and others out in atv land. Most ATV enthusiasts are helpful in answering your questions.

o Reliability - Reliability of a Youth ATV depends very much on the reliability and professionalism of the vendor or retailer. The better the reputation, the higher your chances of purchasing an ATV that is suitable for a youth.

o Replacement parts for the youth ATV - Youth ATVs will need to be maintained, repaired or modified from time to time. Just like we need to visit the dentist once in a while, the youth ATV parts may need replacements too in the future. So, make sure you get an ATV with easy-to-find ATV parts and a distributor that answers the phone.

o And there's just one more thing to do before you make your final decision on which youth ATV to buy and that is to make sure that you compare prices among youth ATV retailers as much and many as you can before making up your mind.

Happy ATV hunting!

Jackel Motorsports
http://www.jackel.com

Friends Link : ATV Shop ATV Cheap plague symptoms Cargo Basket - Mu buyer kids atvs

Understanding your ATV Battery

One of the most hard to understand part of your ATV is probably the battery. Some batteries lasts longer than others and some just 'dies' as and when it likes (which can be a nuisance). However, if you buy a branded battery with good warranty period, you should face none of these problems. Maintenance and knowledge is very important in maximizing the lifespan of the ATV battery.

Why does an ATV battery just die and then come back to life?

It's quite puzzling, isn't it? How can an ATV battery just die and come to life at its own will? It's annoying and can become quite a problem as well. Your ATV battery works pretty much the same way your car battery works. If your car battery went dead for some reason unknown to you, try coming back later and cranking it up again. Chances are, the battery will come to life again. This is applicable to your ATV battery as well.

How does the ATV battery really work?

If you're anywhere as old as I am, you've probably forgotten what your science teacher taught you. Here's a short recap. On your ATV battery, you'll see the + and - sign. When you connect a wire between the positive and negative points of your ATV battery and submerge the end points into a solution, there will be a chemical reaction. The result of the chemical reaction is what powers your ATV.

Does an ATV battery have a shelf life?

It bothers you to know that when an ATV battery has been sitting at the top of the shelves for a couple of years, doesn't it? Is it some sort of perishable product that cannot perform properly after it's been left idle for some time? No, it doesn't. as long as there is no chemical reaction, the ATV battery is just as good as new.

Is there a max to my ATV battery?

Yes, there is. The maximum voltage that your ATV battery can produce is set by the manufacturer. The current that can run through the battery per second depends on the ATV battery's capacity. Therefore, it's important to choose the right battery for your ATV. Using the wrong battery, there could be a lot of overheating and wastage of power.

Check with user manual before you buy your ATV battery

If you're not sure the kind of ATV battery you should purchase, we would encourage you to either check the user manual for any indication, log into manufacturer's website (if they have a website or if the information is available there) or call their customer service to find out more about the kind of ATV battery you should be purchasing. Batteries are very specific components of the ATV, hence, if you use the wrong one with wrong voltage and power, it could cause quite considerable and unnecessary damage to your ATV. Why take the risk?

Recommend : ATV Cheap atv price

LRD Suzuki Z400 Fuel Injected Full Exhaust

Our Pro 4 Series Full Exhaust system on the 2009 Suzuki LTZ400

Tags : ATV Cheap ATV Shop kid atv atv comparison kazuma atv

4x4 Cars For Sale - The Buying Tips

The performance of a 4x4 car is simply unmatched that once you get hold of one, it is likely that you will never revert back to driving the normal RWD or FWD cars. They are very safe and reliable as the perfect companion if you are the adventurous type of individual who loves to explore countryside and unknown terrains where may have to get through unexpected challenges scubas muddy grounds or hilly areas

4x4 cars are perfect if you live in areas where the terrains are highly challenging. Just imaging climbing up a snowy hill with a regular car either with a FWD (front wheel drive or a RWD (rear wheel drive). But with a 4x4 car, this can be achieved easily and effortlessly. If you are curious to know just how powerful these cars are, just tune in to watch the World Rally Championship where dozens of cars compete in 15 rallies across different ground conditions-from the muddy paths, snowy, ice and gravel. Now you can get a good idea if just how great these cars are in getting you across the different terrains. If these sound exceptionally exciting for you, you may want to know a few things more about this miraculous engineering work before you start searching for 4X4cars for sale.

Here are some tips to help you decide the best choice for you among the various 4X4 cars for sale.

Manual Locking Hub

Manual locking hub 4x4 cars come with a small piece of equipment that must be manually turned before the car is shifted into a 4x4 mode. This is the oldest kind of technology in making 4x4 cars and may not be the right choice if you plan on using the car to drive through snowy grounds. Imagine what would happen when you are out in the snowy region in freezing cold weather and the equipment gets stuck and won't budge when you desperately need to get into a 4x4 mode. Therefore if you need to buy a 4x4 car for sale that comes with this type of manual locking hub,

please check the functioning many times over to make sure it works fine before you pay.

Automatic Locking Hub

These types of 4x4 drives has the ability to engage the change into a 4x4 dome automatically but you need to stop the car before you can make the transition The car has to be stopped to engage and then back a little to disengage. If you get stuck in a muddy path when using this car, and it is impossible to move forward or backwards to disengage, then thus car isn't; suitable for the occasion at all. You need to complete the necessary distance to disengage the hub.

Shift on the Fly

This is the best kind of 4x4car. You simply need to push a button and the car will be engaged into a 4x4 drive mode even when it is still in motion. However, you need to slow down a little before you do this to avoid any problems to their performance of the car due to the sudden change, Different models have different requirement for the speed to use when engaging or disengaging so be sure to check it out.

See Also : ATV Cheap chinese atvs iPhone 4.0 Software - WPMU LW 1

Buying An ATV Trailer

Okay, you've bought the ATV, now it's time to get it home. Unfortunately, you can't ride your ATV down the street, so you're going to have to purchase an ATV trailer to get it there, and to your fun destinations.

Buying an ATV trailer takes some homework, and there are some things that will need to be done before you decide on and purchase any particular trailer. One of the first things to do is make sure your vehicle is able to pull the extra weight of a trailer with one, two or three ATV's loaded onto it. Then, you'll need to attach a trailer hitch to your vehicle. Learning how to pull, turn and drive your trailer in various terrains and surfaces is a good idea as well.

Most people can purchase an ATV trailer at the lot where ATV's and campers and other outdoor vehicles are sold, or you may opt to find a trailer yard in your community. Make sure that any trailer you purchase, whether new or used, works correctly and has good tires. Make sure also that wheel bearings are in good working order and check them at least once a year to make sure they stay that way.

Next comes the ATV trailer lights. You may need someone to help you determine that they're working, as one person needs to be in the vehicle while the other watches the lights to make sure brake and turn signals and sidelights are working. Don't rely on hand signals when pulling anything behind your vehicle.

When pulling anything, especially ATV's, make sure your load is tied down. Many people use lashings that stretch or loosen during transportation, which makes for a dangerous situation waiting to happen. Purchase adequate tie-downs for the weight of your ATV and lash to the ATV trailer using a ratchet-style tie-down if possible. These types of tie-downs come with different weight bearing capacities. Better to get something stronger than you need than something that won't hold your load down.

Don't assume that tightening your straps is all you need to do between Point A and Point B. Many loads shift during transportation, and factors such as speed and wind may loosen your straps while driving. When you stop to fill up for gas, check your straps and tighten if necessary.

Did you remember to check everything? No, there's one more item to consider and that's your ATV trailer brakes. Check to make sure the hydraulic fluid reservoir is full and make sure the trailer brakes are working before you ever take your load out onto the open highways.

Enjoying your machines is easy when owners make sure that accessories and tools used for ATV's are well maintained and in good working order, and your ATV trailer is an important extension of your machines. Make sure you think, 'Safety First' before you take your ATV trailer out onto the road, and you'll ensure yourself a safe trip to your destination.

Thanks To : ATV Shop maxxis atv tires chinese atvs artic cat atv

Honda ATV Parts

ATV owners are always on the look out for good quality ATV parts. This also applies to Honda ATV owners. Luckily there are authorized dealers who can provide you with high quality Honda ATV parts. These parts will be able to fit your Honda ATV without much trouble providing that you supply the dealer with the right ATV specifications for your Honda ATV.

With these details you should be able to get good quality yet very affordable Honda parts. Now you will need to investigate various resources to find Honda dealers and parts dealers located near you. There are various methods that you can use to find good quality Honda ATV parts and Honda dealers.

The classifieds are one such resource that you can look into for good Honda ATV parts. You will not be able to judge from the description that will be given if the ATV parts that you are choosing are ideal for you. On the other hand these classifieds also give you the physical location of where you can buy your Honda ATV parts and the going prices for these items.

You can also use the web sites that are on the internet to find high quality Honda ATV parts - both new and used. There will be different parts and accessories that are needed for the utility and sports range of Honda ATVs. You can look on these web pages to see if the prices of these Honda ATV parts are affordable.

With a little patience you will soon narrow your search so that you a have a list of Honda ATV parts and dealers who can supply you with these items as quickly as possible. You will need to find out what can be done if any of the Honda ATV parts that you have bought are faulty or defective during the installation process.

These questions must be asked before you actually buy any parts from these various dealers. Having finally settled all of these matters you can think about installing your new Honda ATV parts. Once the parts are in your Honda and it seems to be back in prime working condition then you can give your ATV a test drive.

As you work your Honda ATV through its paces try and judge if each of the Honda ATV parts that you installed are going to work out fine or if you will need to do any fine tuning of these parts. Once you have the green light for your Honda ATV's performance then you can have loads of fun once more.

Related : ATV Cheap ATV Shop atv comparison

Review of KYMCO's 2008 ATV, UTV Lineup

Anyone doubting KYMCO's committment to the off-road powersports market only needs to peruse the company's fast-growing lineup.

KYMCO has steadily refined its all-terrain products and broadened its offerings with each model year. The Taiwanese company's recent efforts included the so-so MXU 500 utility quad for 2007 and revamped 2008 Mongoose 250 and 300 sport quads.

This time around, KYMCO is getting even bolder, and has arrived at the table with the highly anticipated UXV 500 UTV and all-new MXU 375 utility ATV.

We recently traveled to the backyard of the company's US division, scenic South Carolina, to ride KYMCO's full line of 2008 products, and also spent some time behind the wheel of its first-ever UTV. At this point, one thing is for sure: KYMCO is taking notes and making serious strides to match its American and Japanese competitors in style, performance and product offerings.

Setting The Table
The setting was Carolina Adventure World, a still growing privately-owned off-road riding area with more than 100 miles of trails, a mud bog and three motocross tracks. We've ridden there before while visiting for Polaris and Kawasaki intros, and, just like KYMCO, the facility keeps getting better as it continues to mature.

Temperatures could have been a bit more spring-like, but skies were clear, the grass was green and conditions were ripe for some mud-splattered off-roading.

UXV Is UTV
Yamaha, Polaris, Arctic Cat and Kawasaki have their big-selling recreational side-by-side players in place. Honda's more work-minded Big Red is on the way soon, and Can-Am recently announced plans for what we expect to be a very athletic (RZR beating?) UTV. There had also been speculation KYMCO was readying its own entrant into the exploding category. Those rumors were confirmed after the company took the wraps off its new UXV 500 at the EICMA powersports show in Milan, Italy, last fall.

Then we got to see it for ourselves. Going off appearance alone, it seems the company had the Rhino, Teryx and Prowler firmly in its sights. Its traditional UTV design suggests a machine meant to split the difference between work and fun, just like the most successful players in the segment.

The spec sheet lists a 500cc four-stroke engine, independent suspension, locking front differential and a large tilting cargo bed capable of hauling 420 pounds - the main ingredients we call for when making a UTV.
Pricing had not been finalized at press time and a few minor specifications on the prototypes were still subject to change before final production.

Behind The Wheel
Time was limited, but we got the chance to experience KYMCO's UTV from the driver and passenger seats, as well as through thick mud, over steep hills and fording it through deep water.

We didn't get the chance to haul any cargo around, but our ride time gave us the much-appreciated chance to peek under the hood and rack up some miles with the UXV.

Lateral stability (i.e. rolling over) has been a thorn in the side of several UTVs. To this end, KYMCO decided to up the ante with a wide, stable platform that measures 59 inches wide. For comparison's sake, the Prowler is 61.3 inches wide and the Rhino measures 54.5 inches across.

The extra girth translated to flat, predictable handling that's more reassuring than some of the narrower competitors in high-speed corners. It made winding through the riding park's tight woods trails somewhat more challenging, though, and will also make it tricky to shoehorn the UXV into the back of a pickup truck.

Like the new Teryx, EFI wasn't included - obvious cost-cutting to help KYMCO compete on price and rush its model to the market. Without any need for the dash-mounted choke, our warmed-up UXV fired up quickly.

Stepping into the throttle, the liquid-cooled 500cc DOHC four-stroke felt moderately taxed by the 1,157-pound (dry) weight, but the power was enough to surmount steep hills and power the big guy through some impressive mud holes.
A little vibration was present, but engine refinement is in line with the bulk of the sport utility segment. The exhaust note sounds more agricultural than sporty, another common trait shared with nearly every other side-by-side.

It's all business inside the cabin with frills kept to a minimum. A center-mounted gauge cluster displays all the usual information, and the shifter is mounted on the center console between the seats. Shift action was spotty, as reverse gear didn't always engage when the lever was moved to "R." Hopefully this can be cleared up before final production.

Seating accommodations are right on the money with enough side bolstering to keep the riders in place. Foot room and dash positioning is also on target - definitely better than a few of its competitors.

Top speed is estimated at 45 mph - ideal for a vehicle of this size and purpose.

Suspension is a dual A-arm design that provides 7.5 inches of travel at both ends and 12.2 inches of ground clearance. The transmission includes high and low ranges, and also includes a differential lock. Stopping action comes from two discs in the front and a single disc brake in the rear.

The tilting cargo bed is large enough to handle full-size loads up to 420 pounds, and the tailgate has a simple latching system just like the Rhino's.
Our brief ride revealed a competent work vehicle that should have plenty of playtime capability. Pricing is still not finalized, but we expect it to undercut the competition by some measure. Time will tell. The UXV 500 4x4 will be available in red, green, gray and camo, with a 1-year factory warranty.
MXU 375

Our Carolina adventure also included time on prototypes for KYMCO's newest utility quad - the MXU 375.

After being underwhelmed by the company's last utility entrant, the MXU 500, we were pleasantly surprised by a competent package this time around. However, just like the 500, the MXU 375's sketchy front-end handling traits are a disappointment for aggressive trail riding.

Styling and build quality are solid, with competitive features and smart design that prove this company is fully in the running with its North American and Japanese competitors. Even with the chassis' occasionally unsettled front end, it remains a no-excuses mid-displacement utility quad.

While company officials won't confirm it, the new MXU's engine is shared with Arctic Cat's new 366 4x4 utility, and the base platform for the two models are eerily similar. We think the KYMCO version is the better looking twin. Its engine, a 366cc four-stroke, is adequately potent and smooth, a perfect match for its intended purpose.

As mentioned, handling was a mixed bag, and different machines on-hand had different configurations. The front-end handling is just as unstable as it is on the Arctic Cat variant over undulating ground - too much body roll, and steering that is easily thrown off-kilter.

The performance of the carbureted and fan-cooled engine is much better - smooth, with a refined exhaust note and torquey power delivery.

A few features on our test mules, like turn signals and hazard flashers, won't be making it to the final U.S. version and company engineers are still tweaking the final braking setup.

The main stats will see production unchanged - dual A-arm front and rear suspension (7 inches of travel), a CVT with high and low gears, and disc braking in front and out back.

When it comes to work credentials, the little MXU can strap 225 pounds to its racks, and tow 1,050 pounds in its wake.

This new 375 will make a solid competitor in the entry-level class, with a great engine leading the way. Like a few other manufacturers whose products share similar handling traits, KYMCO needs to focus its efforts on building vehicles that keep their composure around corners and uneven terrain. Its competent engine and attractive styling suggest a utility quad that has some sporty genes in its DNA. That's not really the case, but it's not far off the mark.

A Fresh Goose

Our previous evaluation of the new-and-improved Mongoose 300 at last fall's ATV Trials event showed a meaningful roster of changes that massaged the company's entry-level CVT sport quad into something more desirable than the original.

KYMCO added a (much-needed) sturdier chain and a larger carburetor, stretched the wheelbase with a longer swingarm, widened the track by a whopping five inches and softened up the overly-stiff front end with progressive rate springs.

In our latest test, the 'Goose tore through the tight trails of Carolina Adventure World with eagerness and balance. The CVT provided surprisingly snappy throttle response - more aggressive than expected. Listening to riders, taking notes and constantly evolving has served the company and its products well.

Power from the liquid-cooled 270cc engine could still be stronger, especially at the top end, but powertrain vibration wasn't an issue, so it's happy being pushed hard. Body roll is kept in check and the progressive rate springs produce a ride that's much more comfortable than the '07 model. The changes are especially noticeable over harsh trails.

A CVT tranny in a sport quad is still fairly uncommon, but was well-suited to the tight, winding trails we rode. Spunky performance, solid handling and a affordable sub-$3,800 price make this entry-level quad a smart choice for sport riders looking for the ease of a CVT.

While we didn't get the opportunity to ride it, the updates made to the '08 Mongoose 300 were also applied to the 250.

This pair of Mongooses (Mongeese?) is now up there with the best machines in the class.

Tags : ATV Shop ATV Cheap kid atv artic cat atv kids atvs