Relatively unknown, Kymco is having a concerted effort to climb the ATV league tables in the UK. Alex Heath had the opportunity to put the company's newest quad bike to the test on a mixed farm.
Founded in 1963, the Kwang Yang Motor Company also known as Kymco, initially manufactured parts for Honda, in what was called a technology transfer. A series of scooters and motorcycles were made under licence for the Japanese company, which had a significant interest in Kymco, but relinquished its share in 2003 when Kymco started to have global ambitions of its own.
The Taiwanese company has since grown to become one of the leading powersports brands, manufacturing everything from mobility scooters to UTVs. Still manufacturing parts for a variety of companies in several different industries, it supplies the range extender for BMW's i3 car, the engine for some of BMW's motorbikes and several products for Kawasaki, including its 300cc quad bike.
The company's product portfolio is steadily growing, offering quadbikes in most engine size categories now, including brand new 700cc and 300cc quads unveiled at the recent EICMA bike show in Milan.
Kymco had been imported into the UK through a company called Masco, however, the importing company went bankrupt at the end of 2017. Kymco has since decided that the UK market has potential and has set up a subsidiary company selling its machines. It is actively looking to add to its 15 ATV dealerships across the country, which will be stocking its latest quad bike in the 500cc sector.
Driving impression: MXU 550i
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As the manufacturer's portfolio continues to grow, the company sees the agricultural market as a key one to target, with one of its latest offerings being the 501cc quad. We got hands on with it, to see if it would stand up to the rigours of farm work.
The first thing you notice with the quad is its physical size. Its big and imposing, featuring the longest wheel base for a bike of this size on the market. While its long chassis makes it slightly cumbersome, it makes up for it in stability. Going across steep banks is uneventful with the bike refusing to cock its leg. It is also notably wider than most, spreading its 350kg bulk over a wide area.
Adding to its stability kudos, the quad features dual A-arm suspension both front and rear, affording a comfortable ride. The seat is also sumptuous, providing good posterior support for a whole day in the saddle. Deep and wide foot wells provide plenty of purchase for even the chunkiest of wellies, again assuring the rider of its surefootedness.
The biggest disappointment with this bike though is its lack lustre performance. It would appear that ride comfort comes at the cost of power, with the 501cc engine only mustering 34hp, but feeling underwhelming at that. If used for pottering about, or where power becomes dangerous on slippery banks, it will be fine however it takes a lot of coaxing to accelerate at any rate.
The continuously variable transmission is smooth and for the most part responsive. As soon as the throttle is touched, you can feel the ‘box wanting to get on, however it does not have the same willingness being imparted from the engine. Stick it in ‘low box' and the torque is impressive, and it is very capable at climbing up steep gradients, even on dewy grass, albeit the tyres occasionally gave slip. Unlike a lot of CVTs on quads, which whine at speed, the MXU is serene, not even acknowledging the strain it is being put under, which is comforting to the rider.
FG Verdict
Kymco MXU 550i
| Engine | 501cc, fuel injection, 4 stroke |
| Power | 34hp |
| Dry weight | 329kg |
| Wheelbase | 1297mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16.5 l |
| Suspension | Dual A-arm front and rear |
| Brakes | Disc front and rear |
