Riding off-road motorcycles is a blast and has been the basis for amazing adventures for millions of motorcyclists over the past hundred years. But eventually we all have to slow down…or do we? You've heard it before, "With age comes a cage," but does it have to be a prison-like cage? Kawasaki has just released its all-new 2020 Teryx KRX 1000 sport side-by-side, and with it, the ability to go farther off the beaten path without worrying about tearing an ACL or breaking a collarbone. Not only do side-by-sides offer a relatively safe way for our aging rider demographic to continue to explore the world, but it also opens up the possibility to share the experience with friends and family.

Without a doubt the UTV is not for everyone, but after spending an afternoon driving the new Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 during the 2019 Kawasaki dealer show in Palm Springs, California, we thought it would be prudent to share the experience and our epiphany with our loyal legions of Motorcyclist readers.

First I need to set the precedence by saying I have been riding motorcycles off road for more than 30 years and I love it. It has taken me all across North and South America, from the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the deep South all the way to the high deserts of Nevada and California. It is there in the wild that we are afforded the opportunity to see vistas few people have ever gazed on with their own eyes. It is there where you shut off the engine and soak in the calm of the wilderness, and it is there where many people find their center, recharge their personal energy, and relish in the fact that we are alive and that our world is actually a beautiful place.

2020 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Review

For aging riders or simply those common folk without the skill or desire to climb aboard a bike, the UTV is a means to get them out of the house and into the wild for a ride and experience that heretofore has been the domain of those of us with the ability to ride. As I was navigating rocky hill climbs and creeping down steep descents in the roomy cockpit of the 2020 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, these were the thoughts running through my mind. In fact, it was a lot of fun and as a longtime fan of the Kawasaki brand I was particularly pleased to see that it had produced a sport UTV that was worthy of wearing the Kawasaki logo.

2020 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Handling

Compared to other sport side-by-sides the KRX 1000 looks like a custom off-road buggy thanks to its 31-inch-tall Maxxis Carnivore tires, alloy beadlock wheels, gaping fender wells, radius-style roll cage, and distinctive bodywork that does not extend past the wheels fore or aft in an effort to enhance its rock-crawling potential. By utilizing the diff-lock, putting it in low range, and switching to low power mode, it was mindlessly easy to crawl up intimidating steep and rocky climbs or navigate boulder fields. Many of these obstacles would have been near impossible on a motorcycle, yet there we were, barely spinning a tire, crawling over sections of medicine ball-size boulders without bouncing around inside the cab. This is when I started to imagine regular people safely navigating this type of terrain—they’d have a blast.

The engineers succeeded in their effort thanks in part to the suspension configuration which includes thick double wishbone front A-arms and indestructible-looking four-link arched trailing arms. Every wheel is suspended by fully adjustable Fox 2.5 Podium LSC shocks that soak up the rough roads and provide sporty performance when you are hauling butt. Even though it doesn’t have impressive horsepower figures on paper, the brand-new 999cc parallel-twin engine is more than strong enough to make you giddy as you blast through wild outdoors.

2020 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Engine And Power

Sometimes, less is more. I for one was hoping the new model announcement would reveal a supercharged UTV to go head to head with the high-horsepower Canadian brands but, instead, it turned out to be a multi-purpose, naturally aspirated machine that represents the culmination of more than a half decade of R&D by teams from both the US and Japan. Kawasaki wanted to get the recipe just right before releasing it to the public, and after pouring heart and soul into the KRX it has delivered a UTV that is spot-on. Not everyone needs 200 hp to have a good time, and I believe that is the point here. The 112 horsepower of the KRX 1000 was great for the application.

While talking with the engineers who developed the engine, we found out they utilized the same technology when building the top end as you'll find inside Ninja sportbikes. Basically, the KRX has a five-angle valve job, a ported exhaust, and overbuilt bottom end right from the factory, so if and when you decide to bolt on performance upgrades it has the ability to handle the increased performance. Also, the transmission features big, burly gears while the CVT-style clutch components are massive, with the plan being that it should set new standards in terms of drive belt durability since it is the weak link in the equation for the competition that still uses that same tech.

Who Is The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Built For?

The KRX 1000 should appeal to consumers who are looking for a UTV that is built to last, is comfortable for passengers of all shapes and sizes, and is capable of getting you safely to the farthest corners of your favorite OHV destination. Have you always wanted to tackle the rocky trails of West Virginia, explore the wonders of Moab, ride through the deserts of Death Valley, or maybe see the views from atop the Rocky Mountains? Well, a vehicle like the new Teryx 1000 can get you there in style.

2020 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Driving Experience

You see, the driving experience feels so familiar. The doors open the same way as a car, with armrests and the ability to open from the inside; the automatic transmission is straight-forward as you are not overwhelmed with gadgets and gizmos. The new Kawasaki takes a basic approach that includes on-the-fly four-wheel drive and front differential lock that helps the KRX climb almost any obstacle. There’s a host of optional creature comforts available as well, including windshield, wiper, heater, stereo, and much more. Kawasaki had a mantra while building the KRX: Calm in the cabin.