2024 KAYO S200 YOUTH SXS – FIRST TEST!
2024 KAYO S200 YOUTH SXS
A SxS that’s fun for youth, young and old! By the staff of Dirt Wheels
We might have overstepped our bounds when it came time to test Kayo’s S200 youth side-by-side, designed for ages 10 and up. We assembled a group of age-appropriate adolescents and teens for testing on the mini-track at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California. All of the kids got a turn at the wheel before Dirt Wheels Editor Jeff Henson jumped in for what was supposed to be a brief lap or two. Fifteen or so laps later, our group of youth test riders appeared somewhat annoyed at Henson’s refusal to give up the controls. “Where was this machine when I was a kid?” asked Henson after he finally came in for a break.
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2024 KAYO S200 YOUTH SXS – WHAT IS IT?
The S200 is a youth side-by-side that’s designed to compete with sport-focused machines like the Polaris RZR 200, Massimo GKM 200 and SSR SRU170RS youth side-by-sides. It’s wider than the Polaris at 58.5 inches, has independent suspension front and rear, and is one of the more sporty-looking side-by-sides in the Youth class. If you’re thinking it’s just a glorified go-cart, think again. The S200 has numerous features that make it much more capable, durable and comfortable for extended trail use. And, despite being fairly new to the Kayo powersports lineup, aftermarket companies are already building products for it.
WHAT MOVES IT?
The heart of the S200 is its electric-start, 196cc, air-cooled four-stroke engine strategically placed behind the rear seats for enhanced stability and flat cornering. This powerplant, coupled with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and rear-wheel shaft drive, delivers enough power to navigate corners safely, even with a 200-plus-pound editor at the wheel. It’s a testament to the S200’s performance capabilities.
The engine is open for easy access to maintenance points. The stock air filter can be swapped without tools, although our test unit was equipped with a Fuel Customs intake system, as several aftermarket manufacturers are already developing products for the S200. The engine is carbureted, so jetting changes may be necessary depending on altitude and atmospheric conditions. During our full day of continuous testing, we never had to top off the 3.9-gallon fuel tank.
During our full day of testing, the CVT belt never showed any sign of belt slippage while pushing the 705-pound vehicle around the track. We saw plenty of water and mud during testing, but it wasn’t an issue. The CVT has two ventilation snorkels that rise to the seat-headrest level, keeping the belt system cool and dry in wet conditions. The operating temperature remained within spec, as the S200 has an electric fan and a large remote oil cooler.
IS THE SUSPENSION GOOD?
Dual A-arms and five-way preload-adjustable shocks work remarkably well when absorbing impacts from small jumps, potholes and washboard surfaces. Like the frame, the arms are made of 1.25-inch tube steel with a .095-inch wall thickness. Ball joints can be pressed out and replaced as needed.
The wheel travel is 10 inches up front and 10.5 inches at the rear. But, it’s the wide track of the S200 that’s even more impressive. It’s very stable at speed, even when cornering. We never sensed any hint of the S200 trying to come up on two wheels or getting out of control. Just over 9 inches of ground clearance separates the frame from the ground, and the aftermarket is already developing skid plates for the S200.
HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
One of the first features we were surprised to see was the rack-and-pinion steering. EPS wasn’t missed, as the steering wheel turns easily with quick-ratio steering. We never had to manhandle the wheel to get it to turn. Likewise, terrain feedback through the steering is hardly noticeable. We never had the wheel whip through the grip of our gloves.
Kayo picked a good all-terrain tire that can handle any terrain, but isn’t so aggressive that it bites hard in the corners. Traction is well measured for the smaller engine’s power output. Twenty-two-inch sizing offers additional cushion with good sidewall strength. A 4×110-bolt pattern (typical for Honda) on 10-inch wheels also opens up many aftermarket wheel and tire choices.
The S200 has dual hydraulic disc brakes up front and at the rear. Stopping power is excellent.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
Bucket seats are very comfortable for young riders and adults. The driver’s seat has a six-position adjuster that made our 6-foot editor comfortable, and his 2XL helmet stayed well below the upper cab structure. The gear selector is easy to use and is located in the center console, along with two drink holders. Foot pedals for throttle and braking are well-positioned for comfort and are easy to reach. The steering wheel height is also adjustable but requires a wrench to move it up and down.
Getting in and out of the S200 is simple enough with half-doors that latch at the rear. The lower frame supports keep legs tucked inside the cab. A stretched fabric roof adequately shades the driver and passenger. A similar cover is stretched over the top of the engine compartment to keep small hands away from a hot engine. A digital dash display includes gear selection (D/N/R), fuel level, speedometer, tachometer, trip meter and other functions.
IS IT SAFE?
For its size, it’s a stout vehicle with a six-point cage that’s gusseted for strength. Nothing about it appears cheap and chintzy. Both bucket seats are equipped with four-point harnesses that can be adjusted for small youths and larger adults. One of the best features of this vehicle is the ability for a parent to ride along with their child as they learn how to drive for the first time. The passenger also gets a grab bar, reminding them constantly to keep their hands inside the cab.
Other safety features include an orange whip flag for increased visibility to other vehicle drivers. Functional LED projector headlights with high and low beams and tail/brake lights also increase visibility. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants and gloves when operating any powersports vehicle.
2024 KAYO S200 YOUTH SXS – CONCLUSION
The S200 is a solid performer that will have your kids grinning from ear to ear if they can keep their parents out of the driver’s seat. One day of testing couldn’t predict durability, but the chassis appeared well constructed, and we didn’t suffer any signs of engine or component breakdown during testing. With parental supervision and training, the Kayo S200 is a safe vehicle that youngsters won’t quickly outgrow. And, at $5599, it’s competitively priced, so what’s there not to like?
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