While Kawasaki has had a presence in the side x side game in the form of agricultural products in the form of the Mule range for some time, there has been a gaping hole in the lineup on this side of the world when it came to Kawasaki’s place in the performance segment of the market. That all changes next year with the introduction of the KRX1000 Teryx.
Joining the Teryx 800 and Teryx 800 FI 4X4 EPS, the new KRX1000 Teryx is set to be the premium off-road offering from the big green shed.
Powered by a compact 999cc parallel-twin, Kawasaki’s entry into the class features the ability to put the power down either as 2WD or 4WD on the fly. The front differential is also lockable for those situations when you need all the help you can to get unstuck.
Claimed torque is 104Nm at 7,000rpm, while the transmission is a CVT unit meaning extra simplicity for the driver.
Kawasaki has also included two rider modes with a low power mode for milder throttle response, or full power for responsive high-speed performance. Which mode the Teryx is in along with all the usual idiot lights are presented to the driver via a clear and easy to read LCD dashboard.
As with all high-performance UTVs, there’s no point in having a good driveline without suspension that can take the hits. Kawasaki has made sure their Teryx is up to the task by providing it with class-leading long-travel FOX 2.5 Podium LSC shocks with adjustable preload and 24-way compression damping. Double wishbone front suspension provides an impressive 482mm of travel up front while the four-link trailing-arm suspension delivers 533mm in the rear.
Rolling stock comes in the form of aluminium wheels with beadlocks wrapped in aggressive 31-inch MAXXIS Carnivore off-road tyres.
Kawasaki New Zealand expects the KRX1000 to land on our shores early next year with pricing yet to officially be set for the NZ market.
Just Look at the thing! You've got to admit it looks pretty rad.
