Kawasaki Curved ROPS Taking Shape
Back in December we found a patent application from Kawasaki for a curved ROPS. It featured some fairly crude illustrations that offered up a general idea how it might look and function in real life, but in truth it was so spherical it looked almost comical. That has all changed as Kawasaki has submitted another application with much more realistic renderings of the curved ROPS.
While the updated illustrations still show a UTV with a ROPS that curves front-to-back and side-to-side, it no longer looks out of place. In fact, it’s a pretty slick-looking design.
The new curved ROPS in the patent application appears to extend quite a bit behind the seats. Since there is nothing in particular to protect in that area, we’re guessing that design is intended to make it easier to flip the UTV should it roll over. It may also add some structural integrity to the curved ROPS, but it’s hard to say for certain.
The ROPS illustrations look to be for a vehicle that is on the sporty side of things. The shocks appear to be longer than those found on the Teryx and they feature what looks like a piggyback reservoir. Interestingly, the engine is positioned far in the rear of the chassis. The current Kawasaki Teryx setup features a more centralized engine, so this engine position is much more Mule than Teryx.
All this leaves us to wonder if Kawasaki is planning something completely different. Whether this is a totally redesigned Teryx or perhaps even a pure sport UTV, it has definitely piqued our interest. Hopefully we won’t have wait too long to find out.
If you’d like to see the patent application for yourself, just follow this link.
I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.
More by Lucas Cooney
