I've been doing a bit of research and it looks to me like the Arctic Cat Alterra 300 and the Kawasaki Brute Force 300 use the exact same engine and drive train as the Kymco MXU 270. Is this true?

I've narrowed my search down to these new machines:

Arctic Cat Alterra 300 ($4299)
Kawasaki BRUTE FORCE 300 ($4299)
Honda FourTrax Recon 250 ($4099)
Suzuki Ozark 250 ($4599)
Kymco MXU 270 ($3899)

Any thoughts or comments? Is there one that is a lot better than the rest?

 

I would see which dealer that I liked the most. But I would flip a coin, or just go with the Kymco, because money is money. Or if you were willing to spend $4,599 see if you can upgrade to the 443 cc Kymco for that money. I know folks with the 500 Cat with that motor, claim it's very strong. IMHO, bigger is almost always better. Also all 5 that you mentioned are well made, don't confuse Kymco with "Chinese", it's made in Tiawan, top notch.

 

Those appear to be retail prices, dealers will sell for less than retail most of the time. But yes, spend a little more and you can get the 450 as Hydrex said. The 300 class machines don't have 4x4 either, the 450 does.

 

I know Artic cat does use a lot of kymco power plants, would not be surprised if Kawasaki did also. Speaking from experience I can tell you Kymco makes quality stuff!
I have owned, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and now a Kymco. I have had good luck with all of them but then again I do take care of my stuff.....however the Kymco has been my favorite by far. I have the side x side, owned it for 1yr and 10 months, 700 plus miles and no issues at all,,, great machine, well made. Construction is far better than any Polaris I have seen, quality welds and fitment. By all means do get 4wd...you will be sorry later if you don't and besides 2wd machines do not sell very well.

 

Why do people on here always assume that the person posting wants something totally different to what they ask about? We sell Honda 250s and they are OK but are Honda's idea of a bargain basement machine, so no harmonic balancer which makes them vibrate and a cheapo slide carb which makes for a rough idle. We have just taken in an Ozark part exchange, which had been abused by it's previous owner who must have never serviced it all the time they had it, no brakes, exhaust blowing, diff shot due to no oil in it, etc. However, having got brakes, exhaust, and serviced it "the boss" has claimed it for his personal bike, he likes it much more than the Honda 250s. I have no experience with Kymcos, or the "badge engineered" ones from Kawasaki or Arctic Cat.

 

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the advice and comments.

Yes, Kawasaki and Arctic Cat use the exact same engine and drive-train as the Kymco MXU 270. Only the trim is different.

I've pretty much decided on either the Arctic Cat Alterra 300 or the Kymco MXU 270. I like the Kawasaki Brute Force 300 too but I'm not fond of the dealership. Funny how Arctic Cat and Kawasaki call their utvs "300" when it's the same 270 cc engine as the Kymco.

I don't need 4wd. This is for my wife (69 years old) to putt-putt around the neighborhood -- paved streets mostly and a couple of pretty well maintained gravel roads. She won't be doing any off-roading. Also the 270 cc engine will be plenty of power for her 120 lb frame.

 

My local dealer sells both Arctic Cat and Kawasaki. There is a Kymco dealer a little farther away. Yamaha used to also make a 300cc quad(also using the same engine I believe) but it was discontinued a few years ago. You might not necessarily need to buy a new one unless you really just want the peace of mind of buying a new machine. All of these models have been out for a few years now and I'm sure there are some nice used ones available. Many buy them as entry level machines for new riders and then trade them in later when they decide they want something with more power and 4x4. You might be able to find one in like new condition for far less than brand new price. Something else to consider as well.

 

Just purchased a new Arctic Cat Alterra 300. Pick it up next Monday.

Thanks for all the responses -- good info.