Are you in the market for a new ATV? The timing couldn’t be better to introduce you to the most powerful ATV from KYMCO. Moreover, the MXU 700I is the one that has the most to offer. So, what more could you ask for?
Our Test Model:
InfoQuad got its hands on the KYMCO MXU 700I for a brief test ride. Let us tell you how excited and intrigued we were to get our hands on this vehicle. Seeing it in person is even more impressive, as it commands attention with its imposing presence. We were eager to see what it had under the hood.
Where does it fit in?
It’s clear that the KYMCO MXU 700I falls into the same category as the Yamaha Grizzly 700, the Suzuki King Quad 750, and the Arctic Cat Alterra 700, to name a few. Therefore, you can expect these ATVs to be relatively high-performing trail vehicles that can also handle everyday tasks.
So, how does our test vehicle compare to these already established market contenders?
A Detailed Look:
It’s imperative for us to introduce you to it and provide you with a list of its technical specifications. From there, you’ll be able to form a good opinion of its impressive feature set.
A Highly Responsive Engine
The heart of the KYMCO MXU 700I is a 695-cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 44.4 HP. It’s the most powerful ATV ever produced by a Taiwanese manufacturer. The engine produces ample power, and its startup is smooth thanks to electronic fuel injection.
Every time we pressed the accelerator, it responded instantly with surprising confidence. It accelerates smoothly with a simple press of the throttle, and we easily exceed 95 km/h in our test conditions. It probably has more speed in it, but that’s about all we could get in our test environment.
Its power range is quite broad, to the point where we occasionally wondered if it had a ceiling, given how generously it delivers power. It’s reassuring because we know it will respond whenever we need an extra boost of power, whether for sheer enjoyment or work.
This type of engine will suit a vast majority of enthusiasts. While not the most powerful on the market, it offers plenty of torque to handle everything you’d expect from an ATV in this category. Additionally, I didn’t experience any unpleasant vibrations at high RPMs, as I have with some similar ATVs from competing manufacturers.
A CVT Transmission, Nothing Surprising!
A CVT transmission is not surprising for this type of vehicle, as you would agree. The CVT transmission on the MXU 700I includes High, Low, Reverse, Neutral, and Park, and shifting gears are trouble-free. There was one instance where we had difficulty engaging it in low gear, and it came out of gear shortly after pressing the accelerator. That must have been an isolated incident because, for the rest of our test, it smoothly transitioned from one range to another without any issues.
Regarding reverse specifically, the absence of a speed limiter when in reverse is a very nice feature. With the KYMCO MXU 700I, you can reverse as quickly as you feel comfortable, and you should have no issues if you need to reverse over an obstacle.
A Well-Balanced ATV
We feel that the designers of this chassis, in an attempt to increase suspension travel, narrowed the front section of the frame and lengthened the triangular arms. This resulted in positioning the engine further back, allowing for a more even weight distribution.
We loved the almost perfect balance of this vehicle. It provides the necessary weight for excellent rear wheel traction in 2 × 4 mode and a slightly lighter front end for easy steering.
Responsive Suspension
The 2023 KYMCO MXU 700I is equipped with dual A-arms in the front and independent rear suspension with 7.4 inches of travel at the rear and 6.9 inches at the front. Independent rear suspension is a significant advantage for this type of vehicle, and to complement it, KYMCO has added a rear sway bar. This greatly helps keep the machine planted in turns and minimizes roll.
The suspension performed well on the majority of terrains we encountered. It instills confidence and makes this ATV very predictable, regardless of the riding surface.
Switching from 2 × 4 to 4 × 4 on the Fly
Switching to a 4-wheel drive can be done easily while on the move. There’s no need to stop the vehicle to make this transfer. This is a definite advantage when you’ve misjudged an obstacle and need to quickly increase your traction.
However, engaging the differential lock must be done at a complete stop. The rest of the controls are thoughtfully arranged, and the digital display/speedometer is easy to read.
Ample Storage Space
The KYMCO MXU 700I offers three storage compartments. They are handy for carrying a small toolkit, a tow strap, or any other items you might need with you.
The first one is located between the handlebars and the rider’s seat. It has a felt finish on its walls, which I hadn’t seen before. This touch allows you to store valuable items without them constantly getting banged up against hard surfaces, as is usually the case. Unfortunately, this compartment is not lockable, much to our disappointment.
The second small compartment is located on the right front fender. It’s not very spacious, but it can be locked with the ignition key.
The third one is on the left fender, and a rubber net help secure what’s stored inside.
Cargo Space
Our test vehicle is a demo quad loaned by KYMCO Canada. We were informed that it had a deficiency in the front luggage rack. The one on our vehicle is made of steel, but the production models have thermoplastic racks, both at the front and rear. Honestly, I prefer thermoplastic racks by far for their durable finish that lasts for many years.
A Noteworthy Parking Brake
On the left handlebar, you’ll find a parking brake to, obviously, engage the brakes when the vehicle is parked. My opinion on this is mixed. Firstly, I find it well designed, and that’s not what bothers me. It’s the audible signal that sounds a few seconds after we’ve parked the vehicle, even with the engine running, that annoys me a bit.
We often come to a stop to admire the scenery or have a brief chat with our riding companions. As a suggestion, I would prefer this audible signal to sound only when the engine is turned off as a reminder, in future models.
Securing the Vehicle During Extended Stops
This vehicle offers the option to lock the steering using the ignition key. Additionally, a selector can be set to “OFF” to completely shut down the vehicle’s electrical system.
However, my concern arises from where these protection systems are located. They are situated inside the front fenders, and we must contort our arm over the tire to reach them. Since we often use our ATVs in muddy conditions, they will become soiled and likely filled with dirt, making them difficult to access. I’ll let you be the judge, but in my opinion, they will rarely be used for the aforementioned reason.
Towing Capability for Tough Jobs
The towing capacity of the KYMCO MXU 700I is 1,029 lbs. While I consider this more than sufficient, it’s 300 lbs lower compared to the Yamaha Grizzly 700 and the Suzuki King Quad 750.
Comprehensive Basic Equipment
Our test vehicle is well-equipped overall. I love the handguards, which are invaluable when navigating through dense woods. Furthermore, the MXU 700I is equipped with a front winch to extract this 800 lb quad from a tricky situation.
In conclusion, our overall impression is that KYMCO is on the right track and has filled an important gap in its lineup with the MXU 700i. It is undoubtedly considered a serious player in the utility ATV segment. Beyond its utility, it makes for enjoyable rides. So, as mentioned in the introduction, what more could you ask for?
