The steering was light, even with the large 26"
Maxxis tires the Teryx was equipped with. Not
only was I able to experience it first hand, but
just watching others rip up the landscape was
showing me a lot about the Teryx that I was feeling
while operating it.
I finally gave up the controls to my ATV rider
who had limited experience with a RUV. He started
getting a feel for the Teryx and was soon getting
a few quick words from me about us not taking
it back to Kawasaki in a rolled condition! It
actually took me showing him a few pictures
for him to see my angst! I guess in the end
it was a good reflection on the Teryx’s
chassis as it soaked up everything he was willing
to throw at it.
Hitting holes and ruts sideways had the unit
hoping off the ground but quickly planting it
self as the roost flew and off it went. For
not having much experience, my operator was
proving to give me quite a show and it was easily
apparent that the Teryx was a well balanced
machine and capable of more obstacles safer
then other models I have had the pleasure of
driving.
With other SideXSide Models, driver comfort sometimes
seems like it was left out of the equation. You
either feel like your driving a bus, or have no
option to adjust the steering wheel. The Teryx
positioning was perfect for me for both aggressive
operation as well as normal driving conditions.
The seat was comfortable and high enough that
entering and exiting were simple even for an old
guy like my self.
The gauges were easily seen from the driver’s
seat and the gear selectors and 4WD levers were
reached with ease while strapped in. The one
area that my operator noticed immediately is
that he had trouble keeping his feet planted
on the gas and brake as rough terrain was encountered.
The floor board area is a bit slick and should
be addressed.
Now the real thrill at this intro was the chance
to watch a few of the guys who came in from
out west. They have a lot of miles in a UTV
behind them and watching them blaze down a fire
road at full speed and it really showcased the
stock suspension on the Teryx. I was waiting
for one to end up on a roll back but time and
time again the machine sucked it up and was
ready for more. If durability is a concern,
it appears the Teryx should be able to handle
more then anything an average driver would put
it through.
There are several versions of the new Teryx
available from plain Jane to Kawasaki’s
LE models that boast a ton of optional add on
components. The model we had the pleasure of
driving looked pretty sharp with its aluminum
wheels and Maxxis tires. My choice would be
the all camo model and I would be set!
As this was my first experience with this line,
I left feeling pretty good about it. It fills
the void between a work and sport model quite
well and would fit in on the farm or blazing
down a trail for an afternoon leisurely ride.
After owning a model for years that is based
solely towards work, having a model that would
offer more sport oriented fun is a huge positive
and would open up a new world to explore as
the UTV/RUV market continues to expand.
www.kawasaki.com
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