Having the opportunity to test the Maxxer 375 at the famed Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina was indeed a treat. The vineyard brought great sights and a beautiful day came to greet the riders, which reminded me that this atmosphere and scenario perfectly meets that of Kymco's intended target. Before we ever began our test ride, Kymco reprasentatives stressed to us that this machine was designed for those less experienced riders or those new to the sport. So removing my experience with faster more advanced professional equipment, I set aside time to not only get accustomed to the Maxxer but also to realize that what this quad offers is possibly what a new rider would seek.
Our focus while testing the Maxxer 375 would be in how this machine would perform for the beginner. Our testing showed that the suspension is very basic and could use a few adjustments to be properly setup to give the new rider confidence, but overall we were impressed. Steering the Maxxer 375 could be a bit twitchy at times as it had a little bumpsteer but for the most part it was easily manageable. Slightly adjusting the front-end toe might go a long way in helping to lighten the steering and vanish unwanted bumpsteer.
The Kymco Maxxer 375 puts out a good amount of power to haul around the average trail rider without strain. The engine in this workhorse is willing to play hard, but with the right knowledge and skills, even more performance could be unlocked from it as the rider improves. Having the understanding that importing these machines to the States has its own challenges, I found that an emission control issue caused problems when trying to crank the Maxxer. A small change to the carburetors primary jet could have this new machine starting with even less hassle. This simple change could also possibly wake the unit up to an even greater potential. Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the 375's powerplant. And with the ability to kick in the on command 4-wheel drive system to tackle rougher terrains, this sporty Kymco is able to attack about anything in its path.
As I stand back and reflect on the overall performance of the Kymco Maxxer 375, I feel that it has tons of potential at being a great machine for the beginner or for those seeking to build more experience. It has great visual appeal and could potentially meet the needs via power, handling and ease of use for those new to riding trails. With the knowledge to fine tune the suspension, front-end tow and the ability to pin point the proper jetting, the Maxxer would be the perfect trail machine for those ready to kick off a new form of recreation.
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Great new age looks and easy to manage overall performance. |
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Slow to start and uneasy steering. |
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Loads of potential with only minor adjustments required. |
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