While driving on the trails at Hatfield McCoys, we took advantage of the on-demand four-wheel drive. As with most SxS models, we found the Kawasaki is much more predictable in 4WD.
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The 4WD helps pull you around corners when cornering hard |
With four-wheel drive engaged, it helped pull the machine through the corner rather than it pushing, which is the case with nearly all SxS vehicles.
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The electronic power steering helped soak up kick back in the steering wheel from tree roots or ruts while reducing the amount of effort it takes to steer |
New for 2014, Kawasaki has added electronic power steering (EPS) to all three of the Kawasaki Teryx 800 configurations. The EPS not only makes the steering more effortless, but it also protects the drivers from being on the receiving end of any steering kickback. We really like the EPS feature on the Kawasaki Teryx 800, it helped smooth out the rocky trails at Hatfield McCoy’s and we felt very confident of the steering even at high speeds!
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FOX podium X shocks have both spring preload & compression adjustment |
Along with the EPS, Kawasaki chose to use sport tuned FOX podium X shocks. FOX worked along side Kawasaki for two years to develop the shocks for the Kawasaki Teryx, and we could not be happier with their results. The FOX podium X shocks are spring preload adjustable with 24-way compression damping. We played around with the suspension and we found it easy to fine-tune the suspension for the type of riding we did each day on the rocky trails.
Helping tie in the premium FOX suspension, Kawasaki updated the Teryx with an all-new chassis with integrated ROPS rollcage. The double-X frame design brings together the boxed sections of the cab with cross members thus creating a stronger and more ridged design with better durability and reduced flex. One of the cross members resembles a rear passenger handhold that is located behind the seats. This was added for better strength, but it also can be used as good mounting points if you choose to add four point seat harnesses.
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Our two day drive would take us on the Pocahontas, Indian Ridge and Pinnacle Creek Trails & we would be driving in the Autumn leaves & an early snow! |
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Two large 24 gallon storage units are located behind the seats |
The 2014 Kawasaki Teryx 800 is only one inch longer that its predecessor, but Kawasaki was able to design the new Teryx with two large 24-gallon storage compartments that are located behind the front seats. These water resistant compartments come in handy for anything you may need to take along with you on your ride. We used the storage compartments for our camera bag and a cooler of drinks and snacks for the trail. The storage compartments can be opened without tilting the bed; this was designed so that you don’t have to dump the bed to gain access to the compartments.
Kawasaki also designed the plastic shroud that protects the storage compartments to be removable without tools so that shorter drivers can reach the bottom of the compartments easier. There are also several areas for tie down straps in middle of the two storage compartments that can be used o tie down a smaller cooler for easy access by reaching between the seats.
