We are happy to see what seems to be a bit of a resurgence of quads and even with a bunch of demos for us to review. The fine individuals from Linex Sandton had this Kymco MXU450 along on a ride that we attended the other day and we figured that it was a perfect opportunity to get our mitts onto the thing…
But, we also thought that we’d go one further and tell you a little bit about the Kymco brand as a whole…
KYMCO, a global powersport group with a presence in over 100 countries celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. Their products include scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and utility vehicles. KYMCO has sold more than 10 million scooters, motorcycles, e-bikes, side-by-sides and ATVs in 100 countries, with an annual sales revenue exceeding USD 1 billion. Years ago, we went across to Taiwan to see the factory. Guys, this is a serious manufacturer in anyone’s language…
Right, so that gives you an idea. Locally the brand is imported by one of SA’s giants, Bidvest, the same folks who are responsible for the Yamaha and Indian Motorcycle brands. Parts and back-up should be no problem. Linex Sandton is one of their Kymco dealerships.
The Quad:
Kymco seems to have ticked all the boxes. The fuel injected machine is automatic with high, low, reverse gears, 4wd and diff lock options. Independent suspension is fitted all round and disc brakes bring things to a halt. Carry racks front and rear are always useful on a quad like this. A broad seat makes for a comfortable ride and big 24” Kenda Pathfinders offer ground clearance and traction, the floorboards are well shaped to keep your feet in place and protected from the elements. A neat digital display keeps you posted on speed, time, fuel and gear selection. A sturdy looking front bumper offers some protection and the underside and drive shafts are all protected by a polycarbonate Protector. Out back, you’ll find a hitch receiver for a towbar. Up front, there’s also a mounting plate for a winch. Nice touch!
We took it out onto our local trails, and the guys had a blast. One comment came to the fore after our teenage tester had taken it for a lap or two:
“Dad! This one feels so much better than many of the other quads I’ve ridden.” When we pressed him for details, he commented on the overall quality feel of things like the switches and better suspension and handling.
The 450 is powered by a four-stroke engine with a single overhead cam, four valves, liquid cooling, and fuel injection. Getting the power out is a belt driven or CVT-style transmission. It’s a common system for most utility quads thanks to the ease of use. With a left front fender-mounted shift lever you select Low, High, Reverse or Neutral. Simply press the rear brake pedal and slip the shift lever through the drive modes. Mounted on the bars you will find the 2WD and 4WD selector switch. A quick push in activates the servo for 4WD. Add in a little engine braking and the MXU450i is also a stable platform for steep descents.The suspension on the MXU450i is four-wheel independent A-arms that allow around seven inches of wheel travel.
“It’s fun, comfortable, powerful enough and easy to ride. The gears engage very smoothly between Hi, Low and reverse and there’s very little belt lag when you punch the throttle. I had no issues climbing the hills and things we have out here, it’s not mad powerful, but it is a lot of fun to ride. I tried out the 4wd system and had no hassles climbing the steeper slopes and things.”
“Ground clearance is good, I didn’t smack any rocks crossing the stream, and on that note, she did not splutter or hesitate in the deeper water. Steering is light, even during slower manoeuvres and the suspension feels good. No untoward body roll and the quad felt stable and soft everywhere that I went.”
Final word:
The MXU450 is an easy to ride 4WD utility quad that is also perfect for the fun stuff. Faster riders might look for more out and out performance, but it’s a great fit for most who want to get into the sport of recreational trail riding, or for that extra grafter on the farm. Fit and finish is excellent and it delivers a quality ride.
R149950.00
1 year warranty.
Engine: 443cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke, 4-valve
Transmission: CVT Automatic H-L-N-R; Shaft Drive
Driveline: On-Demand 2WD/4WD with Engine Braking
Front Suspension: Independent Dual A-Arm/7″
Rear Suspension: Independent Dual A-Arm/7″
Front Brakes: Hydraulic Dual Disc
Rear Brake: Hydraulic Disc
Front Tyres: 24 x 8-12
Rear Tyres: 24 x 10-12
Length/Width/Height: 212.3 x 110.2 x 120cm
Wet Weight: 275KG’s
Wheelbase: 121 cm
Ground Clearance: 27cm
