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2014 Kawasaki Teryx Review

2014 Kawasaki Teryx Review

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

Kawasaki recently introduced the world to the all-new 2014 Kawasaki Teryx. While the hood may look familiar, this is a completely new Teryx. The most notable change is the longer wheelbase which is almost 10 inches longer than the 2013 Kawasaki Teryx. While the wheelbase adds stability Kawasaki engineers kept the overall length of the new Teryx real close to the previous year’s model.

The 2014 Teryx shares the same basic frame as the Kawasaki Teryx 4, but instead of four seats and a small bed, the new Teryx has two seats, a larger 28″ x 43″ tilt bed (600 lbs capacity) and also sealed storage boxes behind the seats. I look at the overall changes and see adventure type riding.  It is still able to do work, but probably a little less practical with the smaller bed than the previous model years.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

Under the covers, Kawasaki boosted the power in the v-twin engine with larger displacement (749cc to 783cc), a higher compression ratio (9.3:1 to 10.7:1), increased crank mass, revised cam profiles and a larger diameter exhaust collector. And the good news is, even with more power and torque, the 2014 Teryx has 20% improved fuel economy! The new Teryx also has an upgraded centrifugal clutch, refined transmission ratios and stronger drive train components.

Hatfield McCoy Trail System

The new Teryx rides on a equally balanced chassis that splits the weight distribution 50:50 front to rear. The proven double-X frame design is the same as used in the Teryx4 and provides for more strength and rigidity. The new ROPS cage ties into the double-X frame to make the whole more rigid and strong as well.

For suspension, Kawasaki teamed with FOX to help smooth out the rough trails with their Podium Shocks.  These shocks come with adjustable compression damping and spring preload, plus the piggyback reservoirs help keep the oil cool and more resistant to fading.

New on all models is electronic power steering or EPS. The Teryx EPS is designed to reduce kickback  in rough conditions and provide a light touch at slower speeds.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

To prove out the new 2014 Teryx, Kawasaki invited editors out to a two-day destination ride on theHatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia. Our epic adventure took us on a ride through coal country and I got to do this while in the driver’s seat of a candy lime colored 2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE. The LE differs from other models with just a few extras – LED headlights, steel brush guard, aluminum wheels, plastic roof, automotive quality paint, color-matched suspension and shock springs, and three-tone seat covers.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System gets its name from the region in southern West Virginia where much of the world famous Hatfield-McCoy feuding took place and where several of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails are now located.  Our first day’s ride took us from Pineville to Bramwell, two towns that have enjoyed economic revitalization by embracing the off-road community. On day two, we reversed direction and added a few other trails on the trip back from Bramwell to Princeton. During our two days on the trail we covered parts of the Indian RidgePinnacle CreekPocahontas trail systems.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

What makes many of these trails unique is they were created just for off-roading.  Unlike many other trails I have ridden, the Hatfield-McCoy trails use the terrain to create really fun trails with lots of hill climbs, turns and roller coaster maneuvers. It is a great concept and the people involved with the creation and maintenance of these trails do a great job. And the trail connectors enable you to get from one trail system to another for awesome multi-day adventure rides like we experienced.

After spending two days and more than 100 miles in the driver’s seat of the new Teryx, I can truly say that Kawasaki has done a great job in taking this machine to the next level. The 2014 Teryx is very well suited for the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system.  The 10 inch longer chassis really helps the ride quality and stability in rough terrain.  Electronic Power Steering (EPS) works well in all situations. We drove over rocks, logs and potholes at slow and fast speeds and I never felt like the steering effort was off. We drove the new Teryx hard for two days and didn’t treat the machines with much respect and didn’t have a single issue with any machine. The new Teryx feels very solid and the engine, drive train and clutch are stout and proven.  And now it is also backed by a 3-three limited warranty.  Let the Good Times Roll.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx2014 Kawasaki Teryx2014 Kawasaki Teryx2014 Kawasaki Teryx

Likes:

  • Longer wheelbase improves stability and ride
  • Centrifugal clutch – no belt slip is awesome for rock crawling
  • Electronic power steering (EPS)
  • Adjustable FOX shocks
  • Sealed storage boxes are great for camera gear!
  • Increased power – horsepower up 26 percent and torque up 12 percent
  • 3 Year Limited Warranty
  • Comfortable seating position with great visibility
  • Stout chassis and bulletproof drive train
  • Doors are easy to use, look good and work well
  • 20% improved fuel economy

Dislikes:

  • No turf mode for rear differential
  • Engine noise level at mid to high speed
  • Cannot fit a larger tire in the rear without rubbing on c-pillar tubing

Would like to see added:

  • Coolant temperature and Voltage readout on gauge display
  • Unlocking rear differential separate from 2WD/4WD selector (would help decrease turning radius in tight situations)
  • More suspension travel – Longer arms without increasing track width by narrowing frame around differentials
  • More power. The 783cc v-twin has more power than before and was plenty for the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, but an 850cc or higher would be nice for open desert or dunes.

Special LE model upgrades include:

  • High Intensity LED Headlights
  • Tubular Steel Brush Guard
  • Lightweight Cast Aluminum Wheels
  • Handy Cab Roof/Sun Top
  • Premium Candy-colored Lime Green Bodywork with Automotive Quality Paint
  • Shock Springs and Suspension Arms are Color Matched to the Bodywork
  • 3-tone High-Backed Bucket Seat Covers

More Photos:

2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE

2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE Seats2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE LED Lights

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