KAYO JACKAL 300 SPORT QUAD – FIRST RIDE!
Quick revving, smooth shifting, and easy on the wallet!
By Jeff Henson, Additional photography by Tim “Lumpy” Tolleson
The Kayo A300, now branded as the Jackal 300 for the U.S. market, revitalizes the all but forgotten middleweight sport quad category with modern features, sport-focused mechanics, and impressive performance, all at an affordable price despite the back-and-forth tariff exchange between the US and China. We’ve been tracking the Jackal 300’s introduction to North America, as it’s already available in European markets. After testing it at California’s Glen Helen Raceway, we can confidently say it’s more than just another budget offering from China.
We identified areas for improvement, all involving simple fixes, and we’re pleased to see that Kayo is receptive to our feedback and is possibly implementing those changes. However, it’s nothing the aftermarket can’t improve on, and we suspect there will be plenty of hop-up interest in this ATV anyway. The unit we tested is the sole Kayo Jackal 300 in the United States, currently used for import certifications and exclusive testing by Dirt Wheels Magazine.
While it was easy to approach the test with both optimism and skepticism, the Jackal impressed and surpassed some of my performance expectations. I put it through several laps during full-course WORCS practice. In today’s opinion-driven social media landscape, it’s tempting to dismiss a lesser-known Chinese brand without firsthand experience, but don’t overlook this one before trying it out.
HOW’S THE POWER?
The 300cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine delivers strong low- to mid-range torque, linear power delivery, and impressive top-end pull. For novice riders, it’s accessible and predictable. For experienced riders, there’s enough performance to have fun on a track, trail, or even an open dune run. It easily conquered the steep hill climbs that Glen Helen is famous for, but I could tell that the engine has more to offer. Simply removing the airbox lid should let it breathe and perform with an even crisper response, which we’ll explore during our extended round of testing down the road. However, as is, throttle response is already sharp and precise thanks to the EFI system, which also ensures that the A300 starts easily and should run consistently in various temperatures and altitudes. I never experienced any issues with flat power curves or stalling. The exhaust utilizes a large head pipe and short silencer but isn’t overly loud. Thumb throttle tension is comfortably light and manageable.
HOW DOES IT SHIFT?
One of the standout features of this ATV is its five-speed transmission with reverse. Shifts are buttery smooth and quiet, completely void of any notchiness, clunks, or difficult shifts. I could powershift through all five gears with quick clutch pulls and a slight lift of my toe. The clutch lever is light and engages intuitively, making it easy to control in tight spots or when under load. I was also able to adjust the shifter to fit the taller toe on my MX boots. Right from the start, quick shifts while accelerating feel perfect.
The forward gear selection follows a standard pattern: one down to first gear and then four up through the higher gears. Engaging reverse is simple—perhaps too simple. There are no knobs to twist or buttons to press for this action. Instead, a detent in the gearbox, which is a small spring-loaded bump on the shifter, prevents accidental engagement of reverse while the vehicle is moving forward. This safety feature requires you to come to a complete stop before shifting down into first gear, and then down once more into reverse, protecting the transmission from damage. A reverse indicator light, along with a neutral light, is located ahead of the bar clamp to inform when reverse is engaged. It’s important to pay attention to this light, as it’s easy to accidentally shift into reverse when trying to find first gear at a complete stop.
DOES IT HANDLE WELL?
The front end is approximately 48 inches wide, sidewall to sidewall, great for track and trail riding. The rear width is oddly narrower at about 42 inches, which lends to squirrely handling in flat corners. Extending the straight rear axle to match the front width is imperative for more predictable handling – an easy fix that we hope Kayo will implement before introducing the Jackal 300 to US dealerships.
Suspension expert Doug Roll from Roll Design was present during our brief test and noted the similarities in front spindle design to the Yamaha Banshee. Additionally, the front suspension geometry resembles that of the discontinued, yet well-regarded, Yamaha Raptor 250, which used Banshee spindles. Interestingly, Roll is the second aftermarket suspension manufacturer to comment on these resemblances to the Yamaha 250, and he seemed impressed with the overall front suspension design.
Steering action is light and precise, while handling remains tight and responsive. We can’t wait to throw this machine around on tight wooded trails. However, as mentioned before, the narrow rear end limits high-speed stability in fast sweepers or under heavy braking. A wider aftermarket axle would immediately unlock better balance and match the confidence of the front end.
ARE THE SHOCKS ANY GOOD?
The suspension setup on the Jackal 300 features dual front DNM Hornet shocks with preload, compression, and rebound adjustment, as well as a single rear shock attached to a no-link swingarm. On the Glen Helen motocross-style layout with braking bumps, jump landings, and cross-country-style sections, the suspension held up surprisingly well. It’s sprung on the soft side from the factory, but not so soft that it droops into stiffer valving or bottoms easily. It took small to medium-sized jumps without complaint and soaked up square edges and choppy terrain much better than expected, even at speed. Shocks can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of rider weights. At 215 pounds, I had no issues, but smaller and much lighter riders or racers should find the suspension to be ideal.
WHAT ABOUT BRAKES, TIRES & CONTROLS?
There are no rattles or vibrations present. However, one minor annoyance is the placement of the ignition key, which is mounted low in front of the knee area and can be inadvertently bumped and shut off during aggressive riding, which I did. Relocating the key near the handlebars would be a simple adjustment that racers would appreciate.
The Jackal’s hydraulic disc brakes—dual discs up front and a single disc in the rear—offer more than adequate stopping power for the engine’s output and the ATV’s weight, especially when descending Glen Helen’s steep and long downhills. Brake feel is linear front and rear, and the levers offer solid feedback without being grabby. The rear brake pedal is easy to modulate with a boot.
The stock CST tires are a strong match for the cross-country-style terrain we tested. With 21×7- 10 fronts and 20×11- 9 rears, they provide ample traction on hardpack, light sand, and loose soil. The tread is aggressive enough to bite into corners and climb obstacles without spinning excessively. Mounted on steel wheels, they’re not the lightest combo but offer durability for trail riders and racers alike. Aftermarket aluminum wheels would reduce unsprung weight and lightly boost performance.
The seat is roomy and plush, with a height of 31.1 inches that accommodates both shorter and taller riders. The fat-style handlebars are tall and can be rotated for personal fit. At 6 feet in height, I found both the seated and standing positions comfortable.
HOW HEAVY IS IT?
The A300’s dry weight is 375 pounds (168kg), which is light enough for quick handling but hefty enough to feel stable. The ground clearance is tall enough to clear rocks in the XC portions of the racecourse without issue. The footpegs are large and grippy, well-placed, and accompanied by heel guards. The Jackal 300 comes standard with light-duty nerf bars, which we would upgrade for track-style racing.
One minor drawback is the fuel tank’s 1.46-gallon capacity. This is sufficient for shorter moto-style riding or local trails, but a larger tank would be beneficial for extended loops or endurance events. There is plenty of room for aftermarket developers to create a higher-capacity tank with nearly double the volume.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE?
Kayo hasn’t set a definite price as of yet, but they tell us it will be under $5,000 now that the US and China have decided to work together on tariff percentages. That’s a bargain no matter how you look at it. Honda’s TRX250X is $5,399 and doesn’t offer EFI or liquid cooling, and comes with a rear drum brake and shaft drive. That puts the Jackal 300 in a unique position—it’s the only new sport quad offering modern tech and real performance at this price point. The only other similar option is the Denago 250, which has less displacement and hasn’t been widely tested or reviewed (but you can expect a review from us soon).
WHAT ABOUT PARTS?
Parts availability is expected to be strong, as Kayo machines are being distributed across North America through a growing dealer network with several warehouses stocking parts nationwide. Aftermarket interest is growing, with builders already exploring axle, exhaust, and suspension upgrades to unlock more of the A300’s performance.
PROS
- Solid power
- Real sport quad features
- Smooth shifting 5-speed transmission with reverse
- Excellent front-end handling characteristics
- Race-grade sport tires
CONS
- It needs a wider rear axle to match the front suspension.
- Easy to bump the key and shut down the engine with the knee
- Fuel tank on the small side
FINAL WORD
The Kayo Jackal 300 delivers where it matters most: fun, performance, and value. It’s well-engineered, handles like a true sport quad, and brings back a segment that has been ignored for too long. For teenage riders stepping up from smaller machines, returning enthusiasts priced out of modern 450s, or racers seeking a budget-friendly option with real adjustability, the Jackal 300 offers something more than compromise. It’s not perfect, but with just a few aftermarket tweaks, the Jackal has the bones of a serious competitor—and it proves that affordable sport ATV fun is far from dead. The Kayo Jackal 300 is legit!
KAYO JACKAL 300 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type: Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 4-stroke
Displacement: 300cc
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Bore & Stroke:78mm x 61.2mm
Horsepower: 25.88
Fuel System: EFI
Transmission: Manual clutch, 5-speed w/ reverse
Final Drive: 530H chain / 13T-47T Sprockets
Chain Adjust: Cam style
Starting: Electric
Ignition: CDI
Front suspension: Dual A-arm/preload-adjustable shocks
Rear suspension: Swingarm/adjustable shock
Front Braking: Dual hydraulic disc
Rear Braking: Single hydraulic disc
Front Wheel/Tire: Steel/AT20x7-10
Rear Wheel/Tire: Steel/AT19x10-9
L/W/H: 65.35/45.47/40.55 in.
Wheelbase: 44.88 in.
Seat Height: 31.1 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.52 in.
Dry Weight: 374.78 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 1.46 gal.
MSRP: Under $5,000
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