2014
Kawasaki Teryx 800 SxS Released
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The frame is also significantly reinforced by the 2014 Teryx’s upgraded and certified Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS), which extends all the way out to the edges of the bodywork to maximize cockpit space and help shield the chassis and bodywork from damage. The Teryx’s underbody engine guards offer an added measure of protection by shielding vital components; their smooth surfaces act as a skid plate when grinding over the occasional obstacle becomes necessary.
This impressive chassis package is further enhanced with a wide-track/wide-body design that contributes to superb cornering characteristics. The wide track helps resist body roll during cornering and boosts its ability to cope with rough terrain at speed. Mid-ship engine placement, also new for the Teryx model, helps by centralizing the vehicle’s center of mass to reduce turning inertia and promote easy direction changes.
Easy, low-effort and precise steering are hallmarks of the Teryx’s clever Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. EPS offers additional damping on straights, especially on rough surfaces, as well as reduced steering kickback and bump-steer. The Showa-built system eliminates the traditional power-steering pump found on most of the competition, so steering inputs don’t rob engine power, and it is only active when the engine is running, so there’s also no battery drain. Input from vehicle speed and torque sensors determine the amount of steering assistance – more during slow-speed use, and less as speeds increase, just like a state-of-the-art sports car.
Teryx’s independent suspension was already legendary, but the 2014 Teryx adds to the legacy by incorporating one of the best names in the high-performance suspension business, FOX. Stout steel A-arms at all four corners are mated to all-new, adjustable FOX Podium piggyback reservoir shocks with 8.0” of high-quality travel up front and 8.3” out back, to give the Teryx more trail-taming comfort than ever before.
Kawasaki engineers collaborated with FOX to fit the Teryx with the ultimate high-performance FOX Podium shocks, which are adjustable for spring preload and 24-way compression damping, to tailor the ride to the terrain. As always, Kawasaki and FOX incorporated a dual-mode design ideology so the adjustable FOX Podium coil-over shocks provide everything from cruising comfort with two passengers and a full cargo bed to sport-style bump absorption when driven solo. It’s a difficult combination to get right, but the FOX Podium shocks get the job done by maintaining consistent fade-free damping in all driving conditions.
With the Teryx’s substantially increased performance and improved handling potential, consistent brake performance is also essential, and the Teryx delivers with high-performance hydraulic discs up front using 200mm rotors gripped by dual-piston calipers for exceptional feel and stopping power. The brakes are recessed within the wheels to help keep them away from dirt, rocks, water and debris, while sturdy steel-braided lines help keep pedal feel crisp and progressive.
In back is Kawasaki’s unique sealed internal wet brake, which features internal components that are completely sealed from mud, water, dust and debris. The result is powerful and ultra-reliable braking performance whether descending steep hills or running wide open on fast trails, wet tor dry.
Large 26” Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires offer the type of ride comfort, control and traction you’d expect from a Teryx side x side. Their construction and tread design helps maximize forward traction while optimizing response for aggressive cornering.
The Teryx side x side’s 85.8” wheelbase affords it a surprisingly small turning radius, yet its substantial 11.0” of ground clearance helps keep it from bottoming when cresting an obstacle or ridge, while high approach and departure angles (79 and 65 degrees, respectively), reduce the possibility of smacking the front bumper when approaching a steep slope or scraping the tail when exiting one.
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The 2014 Kawasaki Teryx featues a large 28" by 43" tilting cargo bed that has a 600 lb payload capacity
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Teryx also excels at all sorts of workday tasks, from crew hauling to towing. Its sizable 28” by 43”, tilting cargo bed is 10.4” deep and boasts a new, heavy-duty 600-lb. payload capacity with a flat bottom that is big enough for a large cooler, several spare fuel cans or other large objects. The bed also features the capability to add Kawasaki’s optional new tool snap-mount system that allows for snap-mounting of Kawasaki accessories and/or tools to the bed rails. Four tie-down loops help secure the cargo, and two new water-resistant rear storage compartments offer 182 liters of total capacity – the largest in its class.
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The tailgate can be easily removed
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The Teryx also features a latching tailgate that can be removed without requiring tools, and the tailgate features molded-in drink holders for added convenience. A 2” hitch receiver is standard as the Teryx’s towing capacity is a substantial 1,300 pounds.
Convenience features include two DC power outlets providing up to 120 watts of peak electrical power, while nearly 8 gallons of fuel capacity and improved fuel economy for 2014 offer substantial range, enough for a long day on the trail. There’s also a conveniently located beverage holder for each occupant.
