Kawasaki just released the new Teryx KRX sport UTV. They’re the latest to jump into the sport UTV market after Honda took the plunge last year. The KRX is an all-new machine and an all-new platform, but the big question is, how can Kawasaki stand out in the ever so crowded high performance UTV market?
Let’s see what makes the KRX tick.
The KRX uses a 999cc 4-stroke twin parallel DOHC engine which is right in line with the RZR 1000, Talon 1000, and the YXZ 1000. When it comes to horsepower, the picture isn’t so clear. They’re not advertising the horsepower, but rumor is that it comes in at 112 HP. No big surprise there either.
That power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission with a centrifugal clutch which is pretty standard at this point. That means they have a lot of room to tweak the KRX’s power curve. If they get their clutch weights and shift ratios just right, it should pack some punchy power and enjoy high top speeds as well. And if they don’t get it right, may I direct your attention to SuperATV’s Clutch Kits.
They advertise 76 lb-ft of torque which outpaces the RZR XP 1000’s 73 lb-ft of torque by a hair, but with a 1896 lb curb weight (about 400 pounds more than the RZR 1K’s curb weight) you’re not going to have the most nimble UTV in the world. This machine is BIG. Which isn’t a problem when you take a look at the killer suspension supporting it.
The suspension is where this thing really shines—you can’t get the KRX’s combination of ground clearance, width, wheel travel, and wheel base for that price point anywhere else.
It’s got 14.4 inches of ground clearance and it’s 68 inches wide. That alone makes it a more than capable sport machine. With 18.6 inches of front wheel travel and 21.2 inches in the rear, it’ll take on most any obstacle with above average stability and performance. It’s even got 4-link trailing arms like the Talon R to help minimize bump steer.
Finally, there’s the 99 inch wheelbase. This is where the KRX’s preferred riding terrain starts to become clear. The wheelbase is long enough that the front edge 31” Maxxis Carnivores (mounted on beadlock wheels) extend past the front of the machine. That means the front wheels will make contact with a solid wall before the grill, AKA a rock crawler’s ideal setup.
In fact, when you put it all together—the wheel travel, the width, the wheelbase, 31” tires with aggressive lugs, beadlock wheels, the emphasis on torque over horsepower, the heavy curb weight—this thing is made for rocks straight from the factory.
What this UTV does right (besides the killer suspension) is in the details. Kawasaki has thought of the little things that make the KRX a complete package from the factory. The seats are comfortable and adjustable and afford the driver good site lines. The doors are complete with a lower panel and a handle on the outside. The skid plate covers the floorboard under your feet. The A-arms and trailing arms are high clearance. It has a glove box and multiple storage compartments including some storage space behind the seats. And there are a whopping FIVE (5) cupholders. Three for the driver and two for the passenger, maybe? No matter how you split it, you’ll end up with more cup holders than hands.
It’s overkill in a way we can get behind.
The Kawasaki KRX 1000 looks like a RZR and a Talon hit it off and got married, and we’re loving it. It’s not breaking any molds but it still looks good. It has a imposing stance thanks to its 99 by 68-inch footprint and 31-inch tires. It’s just hulking. To take the family metaphor too far, it could pass for the RZR’s big brother.
In a world with computer-controlled suspension and differentials, skyrocketing horsepower, and eight thousand variations of the same machine (I’m looking at you X3), the KRX is refreshingly simple. It’s a solid machine that’s well built. It comes with all the standard upgrades you definitely want and none that you don’t. It’s Kawasaki putting all the best stuff in the box and not holding anything back for some future KRX SPX-Treme Turbo R Mud Edition.
That is to say, there’s no gimmick. It’s all braaap and no yap. They just made a good machine, and that’s awesome. Check out the release video below.
10 Comments
Great summary and review on the KRX! I’ve noticed a lot of people getting hung up on numbers such as horsepower, but when you really consider everything the KRX offers in one package – it really is an incredible machine and a great starting platform for those who love to modify. We are looking forward to seeing all of the aftermaket KRX parts Super ATV will be coming out with!
Thank you for the support! You aren’t wrong, the KRX is one bad machine! And you already know we’ve got some parts in the works! Currently working on some suspension parts, stay tuned!
Sxs blog – phrase copy much there bud?
Hey Josie, can you explain what you’re talking about in your comment? I’m not sure what you mean by sxs blog phrase copy. Thanks for tuning in!
What about a 4 seater model?
I just bought a KRX last week and I must say that so far, it is As Advertised. This thing is a beast, and I’m still easing my way through the 20 hr break in period. I can way to let thing loose. There are too many little things to mention about this sxs but to name a few stock features; steel skid plates from front to back, CVT temperature gauge, perfect set up for routine maintenance. You don’t have to remove anything to check or change oil/filter. Air intakes are mounted way up high, easy to remove front grill to spray off radiator, Hi/Low power modes, I could go on and on. You better have a truck and trailer to haul this thing because it’s big and heavy but this is one smooth off-road vehicle that drives like a car. I absolutely love it!
Hey Chris, that’s great to hear! We sure have enjoyed our rides in it too. Be sure to check us out online or give us a call if you find yourself in need of some parts or accessories. Our KRX offering list just keeps growing. Thanks for the support!
KRX 1000 IS WICKED!!! My buddies and i crawl alot and let me tell you there is so much i can do in the KRX 1000 that most of my buddies had to spend thousands of dollars on there hondas and yamahas just to keep up with me. I am actually selling my other SxS’s and will be purchasing another KRX 1000, or two lol. I am also looking into the turbo kit that is available for these bad boys.
Hey Mason, we’re glad to hear how well the KRX is working for you. It’s a tough ride. We’re definitely having a good time pushing ours to the limits. We appreciate the support!
That’s great! We’re always working on new products for these machines so be sure to stay tuned. Feel free to take a look at what we have so far on our website: https://www.superatv.com/shop/kawasaki/teryx-krx-1000 or you can also give us a call at 855-743-3240 for help placing an order. Thanks for the support!