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KYMCO
UXV500 LE – SUSPENSION |
The UXV 500 LE uses the same fully independent
suspension as the standard model and is sometimes
overmatched by its 1,157-pound dry weight. The
shocks offer a respectable 7.5 inches of travel,
front and rear, which is slightly better than
the competitive Rhino 450. On smooth terrain,
the ride is soft and comfortable. However, in
rougher terrain and during aggressive cornering,
it’s less impressive. Thankfully the five-way
preload adjustable shocks, owners can add a
little more spring tension to improve the ride
for chores or sportier drivers.
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Both
the Front & the Rear Suspension on
the 2010 KYMCO UXV500 LE offer seven &
a half inches of travel which is more
than its competitor, the Rhino 450 &
offers 12.2 inches of ground clearance
to get you over the rough stuff. They
can also be adjusted via the five-way
preload settings on the shocks themselves
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With a claimed 12.2-inch ground clearance,
the KYMCO will surprise you with its ability
to avoid hard hits. Even with its tall ground
clearance, the KYMCO remains stable —
thanks to its 59-inch width and 31.8-inch seat
height — and it’s very predictable.
One part to catch our attention was the cab’s
side rails (rear fenders). A couple of times
during our test, the front wheels cleared an
obstacle, but by the time the rear wheels reached
the same spot, the machine’s midsection
got hung up. It could be attributed to its 75.2-inch
wheelbase or driver error (not enough momentum).
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KYMCO
UXV500 LE – WORKER? |
For starters, the UXV 500 LE is rated to pull
a 1,212-pound load. A 2-inch receiver hitch
will accept the same hitch assembly from a full-size
truck and comes standard. The new KYMCO-branded
3,000-pound winch — manufactured in Taiwan
for KYMCO — is added bonus for chores.
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Jerrod
Kelley demonstrates the ability for the
KYMCO UXV500 LE to handle a workload to
get typical property-owner jobs done easily |
The Kolpin-made Utility Gear Rail System is
tough (7-gauge extruded, anodized aluminum)
and versatile (accessories and brackets are
available at KYMCO dealers). We like the single
fuel pack because it can be used for fueling
chain saws and other gas-powered tools or as
emergency fuel source. However, unlike other
designs, this one saves bed space and can be
customized for your personal needs (read: gun
boot, fin grips, etc.).
It’s important to save that cargo space
because the bed is rated to tote up to 420 pounds.
Twin hand levers (on each side of the bed) assist
with lifting the bed and dual gas-assisted struts
control the dumping technique. The tailgate,
which opens and lies flat, uses two easy-to-use
latches to secure your loads. A cool cargo mat
sits on the bottom of the bed to protect it
from damage.
| KYMCO
UXV500 LE - OVERALL IMPRESSION |
This is perhaps KYMCO’s most impressive
machine and package to date. Could it offer
a bit more power? Yes! But we’ll take
its refined look and improved capabilities over
the extra ponies. It’s a value-added and
sophisticated design that should help grow both
KYMCO’s brand and earn it a bit more respect.
We hope this is a prelude of better things to
come, including a larger bore UTV with EFI!
Even so, the UXV 500 LE is very capable off-road
and fun to operate. Any time you can enter the
market for less than $10,000 and not have to
invest in extra parts, you’ve got to be
pleased.
