2014 Kawasaki Teryx: First Impressions

Rick Sosebee
by Rick Sosebee
Thoughts from the Kawasaki Dealer Show on the new Teryx

We were fortunate enough to join more than 1500 people at the Kawasaki Dealer Show for the unveiling of the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx. Kawasaki redesigned its sport/utility two seater and we like what we see. We’re hoping to get behind the wheel in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a complete review.

The new two-seat Teryx sees many of the same upgrades as its big brother – the Teryx4. In the engine compartment, the Teryx gets a power boost from its upgraded 783cc V-Twin, which gets a claimed 26% more horsepower and 12% more torque. This is a substantial increase considering the Teryx4 only managed an increase of about 7% in horsepower and 10% in torque. Regardless these numbers mean something is happening in the Kawasaki development room and we hope the numbers transfer well to the ground when we get our hands on the steering wheel.

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2014 Kawasaki Teryx Profile

Kawasaki unveiled the 2014 Teryx in front of 1500 dealers, Kawasaki employees and members of the media.

The Teryx will also receive the same FOX Podium shock package that is offered on the Teryx4. These great shocks will be setup for the loss of the extra seats’ weight. Suspension travel will also mirror that of the Teryx4, 8.0 in. up front and 8.3 in. in the rear. We’ve ridden the Teryx4 with these shocks are are confident they will suit the average riders as well as those who choose to push the Teryx to the next level.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx Rear Shock

Adjustable FOX Podium shocks are found on all four corners.

As far as the interior of the machine goes the same color-coordinated seating and paint schemes are offered on the LE models. Two large storage compartments right behind the driver and passenger seating accompany the rear cargo bed. The cargo bed will hold 600 lb according to Kawasaki and is also dump capable for the work days.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx Storage Closed

These storage compartments behind the seats offer 182 liters of total capacity.

Kawasaki also included a two-inch receiver hitch as a standard item and two 12-volt power outlets for charging cellular phone or other electronic items.

VIEW: 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 Review

We couldn’t help but notice just how much the two-seat Teryx looks like the Teryx4. It seems as if the Teryx4 was shed of its rear seats and the cargo boxes added to the floor. Maybe then the ROPS certified cage was added and the dump bed installed. If you look closely you’ll see what we mean.

We expect the new Teryx to be just as comfortable as its four-seat brother – the seats seem to have the same bolt-in frames. It should be very interesting to see how the machine feels on the trail as it already looks like a sportier ride just sitting still.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx Cockpit

We were thrilled to see the comfortable seats from the Teryx4 make their way to the two-seat Teryx.

When you fill a room with dealers, you are bound to get a variety of interesting reactions to a new vehicle and this was no exception. We spoke to several dealers and got some missed reactions to the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx.

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“I just wished these guys would focus on the competition and companies like Polaris,” said one dealer. It should be noted that this dealer sold more units for work than play and felt the sportier Teryx wasn’t what he had hoped for. The unit certainly looks more aggressive, but it can actually haul more weight in the bed than the 2013 Teryx, has the additional storage behind the seats and more work-friendly torque. The bed, however, is a little smaller than its predecessor.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx Bumper

A standard brush guard will help protect the front of end of the Teryx from trail debris.

One other dealer had a completely different reaction, expressing delight in the revised 2014 Teryx. “I feel this will give me a price point and edge for the tighter trails back east. The guys who love the sport segment have been waiting for this as it appeals to a broader crowd over the wide open desert machines we have seen lately.”

It will be interesting to see how consumers react to the new Teryx – the cash registers at Kawasaki dealerships will reveal the answer soon enough. We can’t wait to test it out for ourselves.

Rick Sosebee
Rick Sosebee

Whether he is in Mexico covering the Baja 1000, building ATVs for local racers, or out enjoying the trails, Rick’s passion shows in his stories. Learning to wrench his own machines from his grandfather, Rick also has an undying appreciation for the mechanics of off-road vehicles. Do not let the dirt and mud fool you, though, as Rick also has a deep love for street cars.

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