2010 Kawasaki Mule and Teryx Lineup Unveiled

The Mule 610 4×4 XC adds a little fun to Kawasaki’s work-first platform.

Thanks to the burly new tires, Kawasaki says the Mule has much better traction, ground clearance has been increased by 1.4 inches to 8.1 inches and the track has been widened by 1.3 inches. To accommodate that new capability, new 1.1 inch longer front and 1.5 inch longer rear suspension should help the Mule climb over larger obstacles than ever, while standard skid plates protect vital systems.

26-inch Maxxis Bighorn radial tires give the Mule a lot more off-road bite.

To help make room for the new tires, the front bumper has been moved forward about 1.2 inches, and while they were at it the Mule team added sporty new graphics. Also, Kawasaki says a new and more comfortable seat covered in a more pliable material has been added, as well as a smaller-diameter sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Kawasaki Teryx.

In keeping with the original Mule 610 4×4, the new XC model shares the reliable and economical drivetrain. A proven 401cc fan-cooled overhead-valve engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds power to all four wheels as needed. The Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse gear, provided the brake pedal is applied.

Bump absorption comes courtesy of MacPherson strut front suspension, while the rack-and-pinion steering helps get you around any obstacles. An upgraded braking system brings the whole package to a halt.

Despite its more fun appearance, the XC is still a working machine. A new special black texture paint applied to its 400-pound capacity tilting bed allows for greater durability, and an 1,100-pound towing capacity that means you can bring just about whatever you need along for the ride. Other features include dual cup holders, a roomy glove box, and the front hood pops open to reveal more than 12 gallons-worth of storage. Popular accessories include an enclosed cab, snow plow, winch, and soft or hard tops, available through Kawasaki dealers.

2010 Kawasaki Teryx Lineup

It’s only been two years, but the Kawsaki Teryx has already proven itself to be a force in the sporty side-by-side market. For 2009, the Teryx received digital fuel injection and a host of other upgrades—and now for 2010, the evolution continues.

Kawasaki continues to evolve the sporty Teryx 750.

An aggressive new front end features a hinged, forward-tilting hood, offering front suspension and cooling system access and for easier maintenance. Kawasaki also made upgrades to the big V-Twin’s cooling system, designed to enhance long-term reliability. As well, a sturdier tilting bed out back provides improved durability.

The Teryx LE models standard with a rigid sun top, half windscreen, retractable dual cup holder and automotive style paint.

We’ve spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the Teryx and the 749cc 90-degree 8-valve V-Twin is a fantastic powerplant. It’s got very snappy throttle response (much improved thanks to fuel injection), and its 90-degree configuration gives it incredible balance. There’s not much to complain about with this engine.

For 2010, Kawasaki says upgrades to the engine’s cooling system add even more reliability. The radiator’s cooling fan (which switches on automatically when needed) is now larger and moves a greater volume of air, while a larger-diameter hose allows greater coolant flow, to help keep the engine cool when the going gets slow and rough. Also, the coolant catch tank has been moved to the front of the machine, where it’s easily accessible under the new tilt front end. While you’re under there, Kawasaki claims it’s easier to inspect and clean the Teryx’s gas-charged preload-adjustable shocks and dual, long A-arm front suspension setup.

Another change for 2010 is the addition of an ignition cutout, which will not allow the Teryx to be ridden away when the parking brake is engaged. That new braking system protection complements the Teryx’s CVT Belt Protection System, which automatically retards ignition timing if the system detects engine operation at high rpm for more than two seconds while the rear wheels are motionless (i.e., the belt is slipping), and warns the rider via a flashing belt warning lamp on the dash.

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