By Jon Crowley
This 2014 Kawasaki Teryx was our fifth Teryx project at UTVGuide.net, and it became one of the most capable and versatile builds we had completed. The goal was to create a true adventure UTV that could carry camping gear into the backcountry while still being prepared for demanding rock-crawling trails such as the Rubicon and Moab.
The redesigned two-seat Teryx was an excellent platform for that mission. As detailed in our 2014 Kawasaki Teryx review, Kawasaki stretched the chassis for better stability and ride quality while retaining a compact overall footprint. Instead of the rear seats found in the Teryx4, the two-seat model provided a large tilting cargo bed and two sealed storage compartments behind the seats.
That combination made the Teryx especially useful for adventure riding. The protected compartments could hold tools, recovery equipment, spare parts and camera gear, leaving the bed available for an ice chest, camping supplies and other bulky cargo.
Why We Chose the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx
The 2014 model represented a major redesign for Kawasaki’s two-seat recreational UTV. Engine displacement increased from 749cc to 783cc, providing stronger low- and midrange power for climbing hills, working through technical terrain and turning larger tires.
The drivetrain was another reason we liked the platform. Kawasaki’s continuously variable transmission uses a centrifugal clutch between the engine and CVT. On the trail, the system engaged smoothly and kept the belt firmly loaded, even after we installed 30-inch tires and began tackling demanding rock obstacles.
The selectable drivetrain allowed us to switch between 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with front differential lock. We could leave the front differential unlocked for easier steering on normal trails, then engage the locker when maximum traction was needed. Kawasaki’s engine-braking system also provided useful control during steep descents.
For more background on this generation and the models that came before it, see our complete history of the Kawasaki Teryx and Teryx4.
Building the Teryx for Rock Crawling and Adventure
We sent the nearly stock Teryx to SDR Motorsports for the main phase of the project. SDR fabricated a custom roll cage, roof and front bumper that gave the machine additional protection along with a much more aggressive appearance.
The suspension received an HCR Racing long-travel kit. In addition to widening the Teryx, the suspension increased wheel travel and helped the machine remain more composed in rough terrain. The additional ride height and suspension capability also made it easier to work through large boulders without constantly dragging the chassis.
Factory UTV UHMW skid plates and rock sliders protected the underside and rocker areas. That protection was essential on trails where the Teryx frequently slid across ledges or landed on rocks that could damage an unprotected floor, frame rail or drivetrain component.
We mounted 30-inch STI Roctane XD tires on STI HD5 beadlock wheels. The larger tires increased ground clearance and provided a tough tread and sidewall package for rocky terrain. Beadlock wheels allowed us to reduce tire pressure for additional traction while helping keep the tire beads securely seated.
Recovery, Safety and Trail Equipment
A rock-crawling build needs more than tires and suspension. We installed a Warn winch fitted with a Custom Splice synthetic line and billet fairlead for vehicle recovery. PRP seats and harnesses improved occupant support, while an Axia Alloys panoramic mirror and fire-extinguisher mount added practical trail equipment.
A DragonFire Racing quick-release steering wheel completed the driving controls. We also installed a Rugged Radios communication system so we could stay in contact with other vehicles during group rides.
For navigation, the Teryx carried a Lowrance GPS. That was particularly useful during longer trips where the machine was being used as an adventure vehicle rather than simply spending the day on a familiar local trail.
Engine, Exhaust and Audio Upgrades
The 783cc V-twin was fitted with a Muzzys Performance dual exhaust and a Dynojet Power Commander V using a VForceJohn tune. The objective was to improve response and complement the exhaust while retaining the tractable low-speed power needed for technical driving.
An SSV Works audio system provided music on long trail rides and in camp. Rigid Industries LED lighting expanded nighttime visibility, while green A-Series accent and rock lights illuminated the suspension and terrain surrounding the vehicle.
Proving the Teryx on the Trail
The finished Teryx was not built to sit in a display booth. We drove it at Johnson Valley, Prairie City SVRA, Moab and across the Rubicon Trail on multiple trips.
Its combination of wheelbase, selectable front differential lock, engine braking and low-speed V-twin torque worked extremely well in the rocks. The HCR long-travel suspension and 30-inch Roctane XD tires added clearance and articulation, while the Factory UTV protection allowed us to slide across obstacles without worrying about every impact underneath the vehicle.
At the 2014 Rally on the Rocks in Moab, we drove trails that included Hell’s Revenge, Cliff Hanger, Moab Rim, Poison Spider, Golden Spike and Behind the Rocks. Those routes provided everything from steep slickrock climbs to ledges, off-camber sections and technical descents.
The Rubicon demonstrated the other side of the build. In addition to crawling through obstacles such as Big Sluice, the large bed and protected storage compartments allowed the Teryx to carry tools, spare parts and camping equipment. That versatility was especially valuable during our camping trip on the Rubicon Trail.
2014 Kawasaki Teryx Build Gallery
2014 Kawasaki Teryx Build Parts
- Roll cage, bumper and roof: SDR Motorsports
- Long-travel suspension: HCR Racing
- Vehicle wrap: Diamond Wrap Factory
- UHMW skid plate and rock sliders: Factory UTV
- Winch: Warn
- Synthetic winch line and billet fairlead: Custom Splice
- Dual exhaust: Muzzys Performance
- Fuel controller and tuning: Dynojet Power Commander V with VForceJohn tune
- Audio system: SSV Works
- Panoramic mirror and fire-extinguisher mount: Axia Alloys
- Communications: Rugged Radios
- Wheels and tires: STI Tire & Wheel
- Quick-release steering wheel: DragonFire Racing
- Seats and harnesses: PRP Seats
- LED and accent lighting: Rigid Industries
Final Takeaways
This build demonstrated why the redesigned two-seat Teryx was such a strong adventure platform. Its cargo bed and sealed storage compartments made it more practical than a narrowly focused sport UTV, while the V-twin drivetrain, selectable differential lock and engine braking gave it excellent low-speed trail manners.
The suspension, tires, underbody protection and recovery equipment transformed that versatile foundation into a legitimate rock crawler. It could spend the day navigating difficult obstacles and still carry enough equipment for a multi-day backcountry trip.
See the complete 2014 Kawasaki Teryx adventure build for additional trip photos, individual modifications and earlier stages of the project.
