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Messages - HighwayPatrolMXU375

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MXU / Re: 2009 MXU 375
« on: October 29, 2020, 12:58:38 PM »
Hey Bratman2.

Thank you for replying to my post.

So far, my research on the Kymco MXU 375 has led me to find out that it is basically a rebranded Arctic Cat 366 with different body panels and headlights. Most of the motor and suspension components seem to be shared between the two machines. When I was inspecting the drive train of the MXU 375, I noticed that the front differential is manufactured by ARCTIC CAT.

This is my first ATV, so I have nothing to compare it against, but based on my personal history of my love affair for practically anything with a combustion engine, this 2009 Kymco is a sturdy unit and it really runs well. I bought it about 3 weeks ago. It is a well used machine and it is not going to win any prizes at a "Show and Shine" event, but mechanically, I am very impressed with how well it operates. The motor is silky smooth, always starts on the first attempt, no funny noises from within the motor, the exhaust system is completely intact and functions properly and there are no issues with the transmission, the transfer case or the differentials. A really solid machine that just appears to need some suspension tweaking to bring it back to it's glory days. And let's face it...... It is an 11 year old Off Road ATV, it should have some bumps and bruises on it.

I am looking forward to working on this machine and hope to hear from more ATV enthusiasts, especially anyone who owns a MXU 375.

Stay safe and ride hard!!!

2
MXU / 2009 MXU 375
« on: October 27, 2020, 04:28:53 PM »
Hi All.

New to the community.

Just purchased a 2009 MXU 375. It's my first ATV. I've been riding motorcycles for over 35 years. I ride a 2006 Suzuki Hayabusa (GSX1300R) and a 2017 Harley Davidson Road King.

So far, my new ride (the MXU 375) seems pretty solid. It was basically "turn-key" as soon as I brought it home. There are three items that I feel need to be addressed;

#1) The speedometer / odometer is readable on the dash display but it is not functioning. The speedometer reads "0", even while in motion and the mileage is "1,732" but it is not advancing. All other functions within the display are working properly. I have disconnected the wiring harness and cleaned the terminals but the speedo / odometer is still unresponsive. Like wise, I disconnected the wiring harness at the Speed Sensor located on the left side of the motor, next to the oil dipstick. Cleaned the terminals, reconnected the wires, but still no response from the speedo / odometer. I ordered a new OEM Speed Sensor hoping that will do the trick. Still awaiting the arrival of the new Speed Sensor. Any other thoughts??? Has anyone ever encountered this issue and what was the remedy?

#2) Upon getting the machine home and taking it out for a "real ride" the way it was intended to be used, I noticed that the suspension was very firm, almost dangerous, as it nearly ejected me as I traversed some off road paths. After my ride, I thoroughly inspected the suspension and discovered that the shock absorbers are frozen (rusted) solid. The coil springs (coil overs)  around the shocks were functional but the actual shaft is rusted solid inside the body of the shock. So, basically, the only "suspension travel" was the tires themselves. And if that wasn't bad enough, it turns out that the rear tires were WAY over inflated (13 psi) and the fronts had less than 2 psi. According to the owners manual, Kymco recommends 4 psi for both front and rear.
Obviously, I am going to be replacing all 4 shocks. Has anyone ever used and/or tried something from the aftermarket as opposed to the OEM shocks? I am basically looking to maintain the OEM handling characteristics of the machine, but I am always open to other thoughts / opinions?

#3) Starting issue. For the most part, the motor turns over easily and fires up on the first attempt without any issues about 80% of the time. However, occasionally, when I depress the starter button, the starter will engage and then it appears to get "stuck". If I keep the button depressed, it will eventually spin the flywheel and the motor will fire up. Or, I can release the start button and press it again and the starter will spin freely and start the engine. It doesn't happen often, there is no rhyme or reason. Sometimes it gets "stuck" when the engine is cold, and sometimes it happens when the engine is at normal operating temperature. It always starts, but it occasionally is a little fussy. Any thoughts? Is this a sign that my starter motor is starting to show its age? Could the ignition timing be "off" a little bit? The motor runs great, the idle is rock steady and the throttle response is very impressive. Also, I  checked all of my connections (battery wires, starter wires, all harnesses) and everything is good. The Cyclepedia Service Manual indicates that the ignition timing is not adjustable, so I am at a bit of a loss as to what might be causing this occasional issue. Like I said, it always starts, but sometimes it seems to get "stuck".

And finally, not really an issue or a problem, but I was wondering if anyone has ever mounted tires other than OEM size on the OEM rims. The OEM size is 24 x 8 - 12 and 24 x 10 - 12 (front / rear). There does not seem to be much room within the fender / footrest area to upgrade to a larger size tire without modifying the suspension. Again, I am looking to maintain the OEM handling characteristics and the OEM rims, but just wondering if anyone has experimented with slightly larger tires. What, if any, effect has this had on the machine?

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read my lengthy post. I look forward to being a part of the Kymco community, especially the MXU 375 group. I will keep you updated on my experiences with my machine. I will also try and post some pictures of my repairs, maintenance and mods / upgrades.

Oh yeah, one more thing...... Any advice on a winch? I definitely want to add a winch after I sort out the suspension issues.

Stay safe and ride hard.

JC

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