Kazuma ATV Specs and Review

Kazuma ATVs became a hit with North American consumers due to their affordable price tag, cloned engine, and safety features. While these factors are crowd-pleasers, they do not guarantee brand loyalty. More than getting bang for their buck, customers want a highly-reliable machine – especially when the vehicle is going to be used by their kids. Did the Kazuma ATV meet this expectation with flying colors? Read on to discover.

The Kazuma ATV is an off-brand Chinese-made youth ATV introduced in the U.S. market in 2003. Boasting safety ignition keys and cutouts, a speed governor, an electric start system, and a full suspension, the Kazuma youth ATVs are excellent off-road vehicles for kids.

For many, this no-nonsense four-wheeler is the ideal machine to teach kids how and when to switch gears without an actual clutch to pull in. But for some concerned parents, its safety features are not enough to give them peace of mind as they allow their youngsters to gain confidence on the trails. With these contrasting views, this guide can only attempt to enlighten you on this briefly-celebrated off-road vehicle.

A Promising Quad

Kazuma ATVs entered the U.S. all-terrain vehicle scene in 2003 when it established its offshore base in Bryan, Texas. As to when the quad became a household name is somewhat obscure. But what is clear is that it created a buzz in 2012 (it was also around this time that Chinese ATVs were all the rave due to their low price point and vehicle components cloned from industry leaders like Yamaha and Honda).

Trims

The product line’s primary focus was on youth ATVs – with engine displacements ranging from 50 to 250 cm3. Out of the lot, Kazuma ATV 250-cc vehicles had the most models, followed by Kazuma 110 ATVs and 150-cc quads. During its lifetime, Kazuma ATV Inc. was able to manufacture a total of eight models and 16 trims covering the abovementioned displacement range, as follows:

Models/Displacement	Kazuma 50cc ATV (2)	Kazuma 90cc ATV (2)	Kazuma 100cc ATV (2)	Kazuma 110cc ATV (3)	Kazuma 150cc ATV (3)	Kazuma 250cc ATV (4)
Cougar	X	X	X	X	X	✔
Gator	X	X	X	X	X	✔
Dingo	X	X	X	X	✔	✔
Falcon	X	✔	X	✔	✔	✔
Lacoste	X	X	✔	✔	✔	X
Panda	X	✔	✔	✔	X	X
Wombat	✔	X	X	X	X	X
Meerkat	✔	X	X	X	X	X

Depending on your Kazuma model of choice, the vehicle’s chassis may or may not have a semi-naked design and a full floorboard. Front and rear racks are reminiscent of earlier versions of the Polaris Sportsman’s utility racks. The front bumper has a signature honeycomb grille that looks very much like that of the Mahindra off-road vehicles. The Falcon models, in particular, resemble a miniature version of the Yamaha Raptor. Front brush guards could be full or scarce, as in the case of the Panda models. Kazuma 50cc ATVs have circular or rectangular headlights, while the rest have dual low-beam lights located on the front fenders of the quad.

Before the manufacturer ceased production of its all-terrain vehicles, it produced two more (adult-sized) ATVs – the Jaguar 500cc and the Mammoth 800cc. Enthusiasts speculate that had these mid-sized and side-by-side machines been given enough time and R&D allocation, they would have evolved into inexpensive, quality alternatives to big-name-brand ATVs that would surely entice budget-conscious customers.

Kazuma ATV Specs & Features (Kazuma Falcon 110cc Model)

• Engine: A four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine brings the four-wheeler to life. It has a bore-stroke ratio of 47 x 47.8 mm (1.85 x 1.88 inches) and an engine displacement of 106 cm3 (6.47 in3), delivered by a PZ19/PZ20 carburetor. The fuel tank capacity is 1.2 US gallons/4.5 liters and a wet-sump lubrication system. The quad requires regular gasoline with a minimum PON rating of 87+ (although unleaded with no molybdenum or additives is preferred). Maximum torque is 6.7 Nm @ 6,000 RPM, while maximum power output is 6.8 hp (5 kW) @ 8,000 RPM.
• Lubrication: Oil capacity is 0.686 US quarts/650 ml of SAE 20W-50 engine oil or its equivalent. For best results, use any API-certified SJ engine oil that meets JASO T903 MA standards. Note that the need for oil changes may increase, depending on the oil variant used.
• Drivetrain: The Kazuma ATV has a three-speed semi-automatic transmission (inclusive of reverse). A gear selector (with a 3-2-1-N-R gearshift pattern) controls wheel spin. The ignition, engine cutout, turn signal, and hooter switches are on the right handlebar.
• Ignition: The four-wheeler has a DC-CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) electric start system and uses an NGK D8EA spark plug with a gap of 0.024-0.028 inches (0.6-0.7 mm) that can interchange with an NGK C7HSA. Located under the seat is a 12V 135-CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) battery with assembled dimensions of 5.94 x 3.7 x 3.46 inches (151 x 94 x 88 mm – L x W x H) for the 12V auxiliary outlet and electronic accessories. Current 7A-BS battery (view on Amazon) formats will work with your Kazuma ATV.
• Tires & Brakes: The stamped steel wheels have 19 x 7-8 front and rear tires. Recommended tire pressure for all tires is 7.2 psi (50 kPa/0.51 kg-f/cm2). Tire grooves that are less than 3 mm (0.12 inches) require replacement. Mechanical drum brakes seal the front and rear brakes and activate by a rear brake lever.
• Suspension: Dual A-arms front suspension with shocks and rear swingarm with mono shocks lend to the four-wheeler’s handling. Front and rear shocks are both adjustable, but the latter does not have rebound damping.
• Dimensions: The Kazuma ATV’s overall dimensions are 59.4 x 35.8 x 41.5 inches (1,510 x 910 x 1,055 mm – L x W x H). These measurements were further reduced for its 2007 model – a narrower 33-inch width and 34-inch height. The wheelbase is 41.5 inches (1,055 mm), sadly taking away from the quad’s stability. The vehicle’s curb weight is 229.3 lbs (104 Kg). The maximum payload capacity is 176 lbs (80 Kg) – a combination of operator, passenger, cargo, accessories, and trailer tongue weight (if applicable).
• Exterior: The 4×4 has a steel frame and plastic body material in black, camo, yellow, green, blue, and red. The four-wheeler has basic features, such as front and rear fenders, brush guard, handgrips, floorboards, and front and rear utility racks. Aftermarket Kazuma ATV parts like Rage Powersports Black Front Mesh ATV Rack Basket (view on Amazon) would allow your child to store essentials at the rear of the quad during long trail rides.

Kazuma 4×4 Cost

Because Kazuma ATV Inc. is no longer active, looking up the list price of Kazuma ATVs online can be challenging. There is also no information on either Nada Guides or Kelley Blue Book sites. Several auction sites and eBay posts list the resale value of the quad at $1,500. However, these posts are rare.

It’s safe to assume that the 500-cc Jaguar and the 800-cc Mammoth are the most expensive of the lot, followed by Kazuma ATV 250-cc quads. While secondhand Kazuma ATVs are scarce, aftermarket parts are in abundance. The price may range from $3 to over $150, depending on the vehicle component for sale. Popular sites to visit are eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress. You can also score great finds in forums, but parts’ availability is always on a “first come, first serve” basis.

2007 CPSC Warning

In 2007, the Kazuma Meerkat 50cc was called out by CPSC due to multiple safety defects, the absence of front brakes and a parking brake, and the ability to start the ATV in gear. During this time, CSPC failed to reach a quorum, preventing it from issuing a product recall memorandum. The warning issued by the said regulating body and the manufacturer’s consequent response caused quite a stir, as both parties raised valid points. The company president swore to make the necessary changes to the youth ATV for post-2007 models after pointing out that most (if not all) of CPSC’s warnings are for ATVs exceeding 70 cm3.

Known Issues

Inferior Build

Owners who have complained about the quad question the integrity of its build. With only four to six months into owning the youth ATV, the quad seemed to be falling apart. Some of the things observed by unhappy customers are as follows:

• Fuel tank liner came apart
• Seats started to delaminate
• Brakes are not even sturdy (they are made of particleboard, which turns to sludge when they get wet)
• Finding neutral is close to impossible
• Dilapidated plastics
• Restricted access to the air filter

Low-Grade Rubber Hoses

Since Kazuma ATVs available today would all be pre-loved units expect to do some patching and replacing of rubber hoses in your quad. Unlike established name brands, Kazuma used flimsy rubber that easily deteriorates and tears.

Narrow Wheelbase

One of the main flaws of this kiddie four-wheeler is its narrow wheelbase. Paired with a primitive suspension and rear brake system, the wheelbase adds to the vehicle’s propensity to tip over when riding at higher speeds. Spaces can fix the problem, which drastically improves the quad’s stability by adding about three inches. However, this may not play out well with parents who would rather spend their money on protective gear.

Offshore Parts Supplier

Part of the downsides of owning a Kazuma ATV is that the vehicle currently has no parts supplier in the U.S. All parts you order will ship from China, making the waiting game tedious. HTE plastics are very difficult (if not impossible) to match up. Not to mention that you cannot physically inspect the part you are purchasing or ask for further details about it.

Underpowered Vehicle

Teens and adult riders feel that the 100-cc quads are generally lacking torque. But to be fair, the vehicle was never intended for hauling heavy loads, nor was it meant to have a massive power output. Because the vehicle is for young kids who are first-time riders, its capabilities will naturally be more suited to riding on groomed trails.

Use of a Manual Choke

The ATV manufacturer does not recommend the use of the manual choke unless in colder climates. However, this is quite the reverse in real-life situations. According to Kazuma ATV owners, the vehicle is so cold-blooded that they ironically have to use the choke even on warm days. 150-cc models and up have an automatic choke, which works better than the manual one. Hence, opting for higher-displacement trims may be a wiser decision to make if you live up north.

About Kazuma

Kazuma ATV Inc. (or Kazuma Pacific Inc.) is a Chinese manufacturer based in the U.S. The company is one of the ATV firms known for creating affordable all-terrain vehicles and is the maker of Kazuma ATVs. Kazuma ATV Inc. targeted parents and youth off-roaders with its lower-displacement 4x4s, which allowed kids and young adults to build confidence when on the road. During its lifetime, the Chinese company offered a wide array of trims and models that has appealed to American households and budget-conscious consumers.

Conclusion – Kazuma ATV Review

Like all other Chinese-made quads, Kazuma ATVs still have room for improvement. What started as a promising entry into the ATV landscape was cut short – and we can only speculate the reason behind it. Perhaps, more than the shortcomings with its features and build, what made the Kazuma ATV lineup unsuccessful was its lack of originality – clearly evident in its off-road vehicles’ design and styling. Without a distinct characteristic, the four-wheeler was lost amid the clamor of consumers and the need to keep up with bigger competition.

On the bright side, Kazuma ATVs that are still in the market today have proven to stand the test of time and criticism. Despite the presence of its naysayers, the four-wheeler was able to gain a loyal following. The evolution of the youth ATV would have been a sight to see and experience in the middle of present-day standards. But because the manufacturer has long retired, it is now up to skilled mechanics and expert enthusiasts to bring the best out of this value kiddie quad.