Spartanburg, S.C. - Kymco USA's line-up of 16 off-road vehicles for 2012 includes an expanded selection of fuel-injected models, a batch of new 450cc models and a four-model family of the tough UXV side-by-side vehicle.
In the fall issue of Dirt Toys Magazine, we wrote about our test drive of the UXV side-by-sides so watch for that. In the meantime, here is the information Kymco sent us on its 2012 ATVs and side-by-sides.
ATVs
The ATV line-up for 2012 features machines ranging in size from 90cc to 500cc. New for 2012 are the Maxxer 450i IRS 4x4, MXU 450i IRS 4x4, MXU 450i IRS 4x4 LE, MXU 500i IRS 4x4 and MXU 500i IRS 4x4 LE-the last two of which join the carbed MXU 500 IRS 4x4 as the OEM's largest-sized offerings.
The Maxxer 450i IRS 4x4 (MSRP: $6,599) is considered a "sport-utility" machine, which represents a growing segment of the ATV market. Powered by a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 443cc SOHC four-stroke four-valve engine producing 33 hp and placed in a pipe-under-bone frame, the shaft-driven model features push-button 2WD/4WD traction, a CVT transmission featuring H-L-N-R, independent dual A-arm suspension (with a sway bar in the rear) offering seven inches of travel, five-position adjustable oil damped shocks with dual rate springs on all four corners that lift the vehicle to 10.2 inches of ground clearance, dual 202 mm hydraulic front disc brakes mated to a 202 mm rear hydraulic single disc and aluminum wheels shod with 23x8-12 tires in front and 23x10-12 treads in the rear.
Available in red, black or white versions, the 590-pound machine offers an optional rear rack, dual front and taillights, a multi-function digital display, standard 12v accessory outlet and 2-inch receiver hitch rated at 1,050-lbs.
Both the MXU 450i IRS 4x4 ($5,899) and MXU 450i IRS 4x4 LE ($6,699) are motivated by the same 33 hp engine as is in the Maxxer 450, feature the same transmission and drive system and stop via the same brake set-up. However, suspension on the 608-pound machines comes in the form of independent dual A-arms mated to five-position adjustable oil-damped shocks without the dual rate springs of the Maxxer, rolling stock features steel wheels shod with 24x8-12 front and 24x10-12 rear tires, braking comes from dual 202 mm hydraulic front discs and a 202 mm rear hydraulic single disc and utility prowess comes in the form of a 12v power source, standard front rack capable of holding 75 lbs., a rear rack capable of holding 150 lbs., a 1,050-lb two-inch receiver hitch and a winch mounting plate.
The LE version of the MXU 450 adds alloy wheels and useful 3,000-lb. winch, as well as a Kolpin rear cargo box, hand guards with mirrors and utility grips (items you couldn't buy separately for anywhere near the same price of this machine).
The MXU 450i IRS 4x4 is available in green, red or black; the MXU 450i IRS 4x4 LE comes in Metallic Silver.
KYMCO's three models of MXU 500-the carbed MXU 500 IRS 4x4 ($5,499), MXU 500i IRS 4x4 ($6,999) and MXU 500i IRS 4x4 LE ($7,799)-are powered by a 498cc four-stroke, four-valve liquid-cooled engine producing 36 hp. Power is transferred through shaft drive and a CVT automatic transmission featuring H-L-N-R-P and on-demand push-button diff-lock 2WD/4WD, an independent dual A-arm suspension offering 7.5 inches of travel and featuring a sway bar in the rear that is connected to five-position adjustable oil damped shocks with dual rate springs and dual 190 mm hydraulic front discs brakes. Steel wheels wrapped in 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear tires plant the 661-pound machine to the ground.
A front rack capable of holding 100 lbs., rear rack capable of holding 200 lbs., two-inch receiver hitch rated at 1,050 lbs. and 12v power outlet assist utility endeavors. As on the 450 LE, the 500 LE comes with alloy wheels, a 3,000-lb. winch, and Kolpin rear cargo box, hand guards with mirrors and utility grips.
A great option for budget-minded consumers, the carbed MXU 500 IRS 4x4, available in red or green is priced an incredible $1,500 less than its two fuel-injected counterparts.
"We added fuel-injection models, but made a very conscious decision to keep the carbureted models in the line-up," Kymco USA president and CEO Eric Bondy said. "And, as a result, we dropped the price on the carbureted models significantly. We did that for a couple of reasons: while we obviously wanted to bring all of the technology we could to those people who are performance oriented, we still have a group of customers that's very value-oriented, with price making up a big part of their buying decision. So, by lowering the price of the carbed models, we think we're still really able to satisfy that customer segment."
The MXU 500i IRS 4x4 is offered in green, red or black; the MXU 500i IRS 4x4 LE in Metallic Silver.
UXVs
Kymco USA offers a four-model line of 500cc UXVs for 2012.
All four models feature the same 36 hp engine as is in the MXU 500 ATVs. Power is transferred to the terrain via shaft drive, a CVT automatic transmission featuring H-L-N-R-P and on-demand push-button diff-lock 2WD/4WD. Offering up ground clearance of 12.2 inches, suspension duties come from five-position adjustable oil damped shocks, independent dual A-arms offering 7.5 inches of travel fore and aft and 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear wheels. Then, when it comes time to reel the 1,157-lb. vehicles down from speed, dual 202mm hydraulic front discs and a 200mm rear hydraulic single disc handle the duty. A handbrake plants the machines safely.
Looking for utility capability? All four units can be had with an optional front rack and come standard with an 8.45-gallon fuel tank, manually tilting rear bed able to handle 420 lbs. of cargo, a two-inch receiver hitch able to safely tow 1,200 lbs. and storage under the front hood, under the seat and in a locking glove box. On-board electricity is augmented by a 12-Volt accessory outlet.
When it comes time to view the vehicle's output, check out the digital dash displaying fuel, speedometer, odometer, trip meter, drive indicator and clock, as well as high beam indicator, neutral/reverse light and high temperature light.
So where do the differences between the four UXV models come in?
The introductory model, the carbed UXV 500 IRS 4x4 ($7,699, available in green and red), now retails for $1,100 less than its fuel-injected sibling UXV 500i IRS 4x4 ($8,799, available in green, red, orange and black).
Offering more bang for the buck, the fuel-injected UXV 500i IRS 4x4 SE ($9,329, available in Cobalt Blue) comes standard with alloy wheels, a hard top, half windshield and winch mounting plate, and the fuel-injected UXV 500i IRS 4x4 LE ($10,199, available in Metallic Silver) features alloy wheels, a 3,000-lb. winch, windshield and full soft enclosure.
The remaining six models in KYMCO USA's off-road vehicle line include the carbureted and returning Maxxer 375 IRS 4x4 ($5,749), MXU 375 IRS 4x4 ($5,399), MXU 300 Shaft Drive ($3,799), MXU 150 ($2,999), Mongoose 300 ($3,749), and Mongoose 90 R ($2,399).
