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Chinese-made ATVs like the TaoTao 110cc ATV have been growing in popularity in the past decade for a good number of reasons. They are affordable and good beginner vehicles for kiddos and youngsters training for more serious riding. This article will go over another one of these economical off-road wheelers.
The TaoTao 110 ATV is a U.S.-manufactured Chinese kid quad by Tao Motor. It features an automatic transmission, a speed limiter, a wireless key fob with an engine shut-off, utility racks, and a California Green Sticker. This mini machine perfectly caters to both beginner and experienced youngsters.
The quad’s rugged steel frame, full suspension, and a wide array of color options make it a massive hit with parents and kids who want to bond over experiencing the outdoors. Plus, it makes it a very viable choice for a fun, safe ride.
Does the Chinese ATV truly live up to its reputation? Read on to find out.
Despite what others may think, TaoTao 110cc ATVs did not inch their way into the off-roading landscape simply because of their low price point. Like any other Chinese-made quads, TaoTao wheelers are feature-rich machines with all the safety features kids would need as they embark on a journey to off-roading and drag racing. Big-name brands provide quality, durability, and a solid platform for practice – and the TaoTao ATV does so, too.
Introduced to the public in the past half-decade, the TaoTao 110cc ATV had a total of five models and approximately 11 trims released in the market, as follows:
All these models boasted an automatic transmission with reverse, full suspension, a multitude of color options, and tons of safety features parents would love.
They had bike-like handlebars that provide the young rider good control of the quad. The rear rack offered an 11-lb (5 Kg) carrying capacity – great for snacks and some protective gear. Full floorboards allowed for sure footing while riding on bumpy or wooded trails.
The Tao Tao 110 ATV is brought to life by a four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 107 cm3, and the bore-stroke ratio is 52.4 x 49.5 mm (2.06 x 1.95 inches) with a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The air-fuel mixture is handled by a 19-mm PZ19 carburetor and 35-mm fully adjustable air filter. Fuel tank capacity is 2.3 Liters/0.60 US gallons.
Recommended fuel is unleaded gasoline with a PON rating of 87+ or RON rating of 91+, while oil would be 15W-40 standard motor oil, like Valvoline VV70506-05 Premium Blue 15W40 Motor Oil (view on Amazon).
Power travels to the wheels via an automatic transmission with neutral and reverse and a centrifugal clutch assembly.
Its foot-operated chain drive has a maximum torque of 6.5 ft-lb (8.8 Nm @ 6,000 RPM) and marketed top speed of 33 mph. It comes with an adjustable speed limiter that slows down the machine by turning the adjustment screw clockwise and increases the top speed by doing the reverse.
The TaoTao 110 is powered by an electronic CDI ignition with an auxiliary pull-start system. An AC-Magneto alternator powers up electronic accessories. The wheeler requires a 12V 4Ah 70-CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) 5L-BS battery with assembled dimensions of 4.49 x 4.21 x 2.76 inches (114 x 107 x 70 mm – L x W x H) – excluding wiring harness and mounting accessories. It requires an NST A7RTC or an NGK CR6HSA spark plug with a 0.024- to 0.028-inch (0.06-0.085 mm) gap.
Tubeless valved 14.5 x 7-6 front and rear tires with textured tread are mounted on steel rims and enable this youth ATV to navigate diverse terrain, making it beginner-friendly. Tire pressure should be 34.47 kPa (0.
35 kg/cm², 5 psi). 68.95 kPa (0.70 kg/cm², 10 psi) should be the maximum pressure when seating the tire beads. When airing down your knobbies, never go below 13.79 kPa (0.14 kg/cm², 2 psi). Replace stock rubber with Kenda Scorpion K290 ATV Tires (view on Amazon) in case of wear and tear.
This four-wheeler is equipped with hand-operated front mechanical drum brakes and foot-operated rear hydraulic disc brakes – unlike the brake setup for most ATVs with hydraulic disc brakes found at the front and mechanically sealed drums placed at the back.
The TaoTao 110cc ATV features 10.8-inch front shock absorbers and 9.6-inch rear shocks without rebound damping. You may find stock front suspension to be too long for the vehicle (and too stiff for young riders despite being on the softest setting). In this case, replace them with shorter shocks for the quad to operate correctly and prevent the shock from slamming or jumping back to its stock position.
While there is nothing documented in the service manual, you can determine the optimal shock length you need with a bit of testing. Do this by placing the front end of your wheeler on a jack stand and removing one of the shocks (keep the wheel in place).
Next, see if bump steer exists by cycling the wheel up and down through the range (this is the paramount issue that needs addressing). If it does, select shocks that allow the wheel to travel up and down without turning left or right spontaneously.
The quad’s overall dimensions are 45.7 × 28 × 33.3 inches (1,160 x 711 x 845 mm – L x W x H). Conversely, carton dimensions are 45.5 x 27.2 x 24 inches (1,155 x 690 x 610 mm – L x W x H). The vehicle wheelbase is 31.5 inches (800 mm), while its seat height is 24.4 inches (620 mm). Gross weight is between 205 and 225 lbs (93-102 Kg), depending on the ATV model. The maximum loading capacity is 132 lbs (60 Kg).
The TaoTao 110cc comprises a tubular steel frame and plastic body material (in Pink Camo, Yellow Camo, Green Camo, Black, Burgundy Red, blue, Red Spider, Black Spider, Pink Spider, and Blue Spider).
All models feature modern aesthetics and an 11-lb-capacity rear utility rack.
The fuel tank is under the driver’s seat. The front brake and throttle levers, speed limiter, parking brake button, and lanyard are on the right handlebar, while the main and start/stop switches are on the left.
The list price of a TaoTao 110 ATV ranges from $799 to $1,099, depending on the seller, trim, and whether the quad is delivered fully assembled. This amount generally does not include shipping fees, liftgate service, and product warranty – although other reseller sites like TX Powersports already include shipping expenses in the four-wheeler’s resale price.
Buyers can even get more savings by purchasing more than one unit. Layaway and finance plans are also available for consumers who cannot pay the full cost of the wheeler upfront.
Based on most (if not all) Chinese ATV forums, the main complaint about the Tao Tao 110 ATV has to do with no spark, starting, or idling issues.
And TaoTao owners could not agree more. Like full-sized ATVs, starting problems with kiddie quads typically indicate plugged fuel lines or a dirty carburetor.
It is not necessarily a standard problem for Chinese wheelers. But for buyers of secondhand units, this is something to be expected, especially if the vehicle has had multiple previous owners.
Since the TaoTao ATV has a fully automatic transmission, you can skip checking on the choke position. However, compression and voltage tests, spark plug inspection, and CDI box/wiring diagram checks are still required.
Part of what you need to inspect should be ensuring that exciter coils are producing a lot more volts and black/white kill wires are earthed with the correct switches. Rule out a potentially defective trigger coil or CDI box by swapping either one out with a working unit.
In some cases, the stator cover may need to be removed to see if there is a wire cut in half. Repairing this usually gets your quad’s spark back and takes care of starting issues.
Other times, a simple gasket replacement or fuel change does the trick.
Owners often forget that the TaoTao 110cc ATV is a bit picky with fuel and ethanol-added variants (with sulfuric content) lead to a clogged carb and an adverse reaction with TaoTao 110cc ATV parts having brass and aluminum components. A fuel stabilizer helps mitigate damaging effects. But the right type of fuel always works best.
Note that this is one of the potential causes for the engine to bog up or die intermittently.The TaoTao 110cc ATV top speed is 33 mph (53.1 km/h) and could be lowered further, depending on how young the rider is. This speed perfectly fits youngsters and first-timers. But for those who find the quad’s top-end lacking, here are some things to try to help increase it:
Many experienced owners advise upgrading to a higher fuel rating in moderation so as not to blow up the engine right away. Going one to two fuel-grade points each time is fine – for example, going from 85 to 87 instead of jumping straight into a PON rating of 91. Additionally, researching the fuel composition is also recommended, as some higher-grade variants may have additives that are harmful to your ATV.
These components comprise a more unorthodox approach but are guaranteed to increase your TaoTao 110’s top speed.
The fan makes for forced induction, while the alcohol injection for more combustion. When put together, more airflow and combustion mean more power.
Porting the head, having a good cold air intake, and taking the exhaust system out are also sure-fire ways to wake up your quad’s powerplant. The biggest challenge with these is that you may not find many aftermarket parts to accomplish this job since 110cc ATVs were designed initially for kids or younger riders.
Taking off useless or unnecessary parts from your 4×4 reduces aerodynamic drag and helps improve top speed. Not so much so on a straightaway, but this will be evident when going uphill. Pair that with new shocks for better bump absorption, and you are certain to go faster off-road. Complete the setup with new tires and wheels (these also improve your vehicle’s handling characteristics), new clutching, a larger carburetor, and different gearing – and you are all set.
Tao Motor – the maker of TaoTao 110cc ATV – is a subsidiary of Taotao Vehicles Company Ltd. It is a premier Chinese motorsports vehicle manufacturer that produces all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, go-karts, scooters, and electric vehicles.
This firm has earned itself a reputation for producing quality ATVs at family-affordable prices and has several warehouses in Indiana, Georgia, California, and Canada. Tao Motor has followed through with its commitment – to provide families a means to revel in the outdoors on value motorsports vehicles. Today, Tao Motor continues to develop and expand its product line and services.
TaoTao 110cc ATV reviews are largely positive, and that is what is great about this vehicle. Given its price point, it surprisingly delivers on quality, features, and capabilities. It has a sleek, sporty design, is beginner-friendly yet versatile, and is one of the few youth ATVs that can boast of a California Green Sticker.
It rides great on trails, tracks, and dunes.
Installation and repair are not as difficult as counterparts – thanks to its huge community and aftermarket support. It is an off-road vehicle youngsters can learn from without hurting their wallets so much.
So, the question remains – does this Chinese ATV live up to its reputation? I would say yes – it does!
Not Starting (Machine turns over but will not start)
Another way to check if its fuel related is to spray a little starting fluid on the air filter and see if it pops off from that. If it starts with the starting fluid, and runs for as long as the starting fluid is around then that would mean it is a fuel related issue. Also check to make sure there is no blockage on your air intake to keep the air/fuel mixture correct and keep the machine from flooding out.
To test the CDI with an ohm meter. If you don’t have an ohm meter you can just use trial and error with this part. Order the CDI box and replace to see if your spark returns. If the CDI doesn’t seem to be the issue, the next easiest part to replace would be the ignition coil. This part can also be check with an ohm meter. Check the web or call a local service center for how to properly check this. The third component would be the stator. This is the hardest of the three to replace but again can be tested with an ohm meter. I would recommend checking with your local service center on how to complete this test. Lastly it could be a kill switch remaining open causing the machine to not spark. You can eliminate all of the kill switches by removing the black/white wire from the clip that plugs into the CDI box. If you get spark after this one of your kill switches is bad.
If this does not work your best bet is to just replace them. When traveling on an ATV, you often have to overcome water obstacles. ATV drownings happen quite often, and the consequences of these drownings can sometimes be very deplorable—from electronic failure to engine water hammer.
The fate of a drowned person can befall everyone, from a beginner to a professional, and absolutely no one is immune from emergencies. Sometimes a harmless 3x3 puddle can turn out to be up to one and a half meters deep, or the ice on the reservoir turns out to be not the thickness that we expected, the situations are different. That's why it's always better to go on a trip, fishing or hunting with a partner, it is he who will help you retrieve the vehicle that has gone under water and tow it home. And, of course, it’s not worth taking risks in vain, if there is an opportunity to go around a water obstacle, believe me, it’s better to do it.
Water ingress into the CVT is not so bad, the ATV temporarily stops moving, but removing water from the CVT is a simple procedure and then after running on neutral, the remaining water will evaporate and movement can be resumed. But the ingress of water into the engine of an ATV is much more unpleasant.
But all this can be avoided if all measures to restore the ATV after drowning are carried out competently and in the shortest possible time.
After the ATV is out of the water, the first step is to disconnect the battery, thereby de-energizing the electrical circuit and protecting expensive electronics from short circuits.
Never attempt to start the ATV, as this could lead to irreversible damage and costly repairs.
It is advisable to deliver the ATV to the garage by tow and carry out the necessary set of measures as soon as possible:
1. Unscrew the air filter cover, drain the water, wipe the body dry from the inside, dry the filter, soak it with oil and put it back;
2. Thoroughly flush the carburetor with clean gasoline or flushing fluids and blow out the passages;
3. Completely drain the gasoline from the gas tank and rinse with clean gasoline, change the gasoline filter;
4. Unscrew the exhaust pipe, drain the water, clean and dry if necessary;
5.
Disconnect all electrical wiring connectors and spill them with silicone grease, it is also necessary to do with the dashboard;
6. Drain the water from the variator, be sure to unscrew the variator cover, you may have to rinse and clean the plates, and also dry the belt;
7. Check the presence of water in the engine. We take out the oil dipstick and evaluate the condition of the oil: when water enters the engine, the oil reacts with water, and the so-called “emulsion” is formed, on the oil dipstick it looks something like this:
8. If an emulsion is found in the engine, immediately drain the oil and wash the engine, for this you need to stock up on 10 liters of the most common motor mineral water M 8. We unscrew, dry or change the candle, as well as the oil filter;
9. Fill in M 8 oil, connect the battery and turn the starter a couple of times without a spark plug;
10. Next, install the spark plugs and start the engine for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the ATV and drain the oil.
The cycle sometimes has to be repeated up to 6-7 times, until the traces of oil completely disappear. As a rule, the first drained oil contains the largest amount of emulsion and looks something like this:
11. As the wash cycles go through, the oil will return to its normal color, after that, replace the M 8 oil with the one you use constantly, it would be good to temporarily upgrade oils to please a flooded engine;
12. Change the oil in the front and rear gearboxes, you may have to change the oil in the gearboxes twice. After the first change, give a small load on the gearboxes, hanging the back and front of the ATV in turn, then change the oil again;
13. Syringe the ATV's suspension and all parts that are equipped with grease guns;
14. Dry the seat, thoroughly inspect all components of the ATV and eliminate any traces of moisture found.
Upon arrival home, it does not hurt to conduct a complete audit of the ATV (electrics, connectors and contacts, fuel system), especially if it drowned not in clean water, but in a dirty swamp.
Normally, after following the above procedures correctly, the engine starts, but if it still fails to start, then the problem is deeper and it is better to evacuate the ATV to the workshop for a complete revision. Long and unsuccessful attempts to start the engine without understanding the cause of failure can lead to subsequent costly repairs!
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Choosing protection for the ATV
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It often seems like an insurmountable task for beginners to tune and adjust the carburetor of an ATV, but in fact, it is far from being the case.
Using our instructions, you can easily set up a carburetor with your own hands.
Due to improper carburetor settings, problems such as: failures during acceleration, jerks while driving, uncertain start of the engine, poor acceleration dynamics, overheating, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, formation of deposits in the combustion chamber.
So what exactly are we going to tune?
Idling adjustment
Mixture quality adjustment (special screw on carburetor).
Adjusting the quality of the mix (by moving the needle position)
Attention! The adjustment is carried out under the condition of a warm engine and a clean carburetor.
First, make sure there is no condensation in the carburetor. First, you need to drain the gasoline from the float chamber, for this you need to close the fuel valve and not completely unscrew screw No. 1, after the gasoline has drained from the float chamber, tighten screw No. 1.
Let's look at photos of candles with various deposits and defects.
A 100% indicator of a correctly adjusted combustible mixture is carbon deposits on a candle.
Consider the location of the screws for adjusting the quality of the mixture and idle speed of carburetors of different models.
#1 Float chamber plug; No. 2 Mixture quality screw;
#3 Idle adjustment screw.
1 - quality adjustment screw at idle; 2 - fuel inlet fitting; 3 - fitting through which you can sleep fuel from the float chamber; 4 - screw-plug of the float chamber.
1 - ventilation tube; 2 - idle speed adjustment screw; 3 - screw for adjusting the composition of the air-fuel mixture.
ATV carburetor speed and mixture adjustment.
1. Start and warm up the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
2. Adjust the idle screw to set the idle speed to normal. Completely, until it stops, tighten the fuel mixture screw, the engine should stall. If this does not happen, check the tightness of the air supply system from the air filter.
3. Loosen the fuel mixture screw 1 turn. (Turning the screw clockwise, we enrich the mixture, unscrewing it counterclockwise, we lean).
4. Start the engine and, by adjusting the idle screw, set the speed slightly higher than usual
5. Slowly unscrew the fuel mixture screw until the engine reaches maximum speed (we unscrew the screw no more than 2 turns, but depending range may fluctuate due to engine wear and other faults).
6. Re-adjust the idle screw to set the idle speed to normal.
7. Press the throttle trigger several times, check if the idle speed is stable.
Adjustment of the mixture quality with a needle.
Probably you have heard more than once about adjusting the quality of the mixture on the carburetor by manipulating the needle. I note that these are extreme measures, for the initial adjustment, use the mixture quality screw, and only if you do not get the desired result, unscrew the mount and remove the needle. What does she represent? This is the main element that regulates the amount of gasoline supplied to the combustion chamber. Connected directly to the throttle handle through a cable. When you turn the knob, the needle rises higher, opening up a channel for fuel, thereby delivering more mixture, which increases power, which translates into speed.
You will see 5 grooves on the needle at the attachment point. Initially, the retaining ring fixes it in the central position, this is the best option. But sometimes it is not possible to achieve the required quality of the mixture. Then we will need the remaining grooves, 2 on top and 2 on the bottom, this suggests that we can adjust the dose gradually.
