Published on June 3rd, 2015 | by Joe
02016 Kawasaki Teryx and Teryx 4 First Look
Kawasaki adds new features and styling for 2016 at a 2014 price.
Story and Photos by: Kawasaki
2016 Teryx 800
People who like their adventures to include mud, trails and the great outdoors, the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx® side x side should be on the top of their shopping list. This incredibly versatile and sporty recreational utility vehicle combines great off-road ability and impressive comfort with legendary Kawasaki durability and quality. And for the 2016 model year, it has received a host of upgrades that will make it more appealing than ever.
New features include a redesigned front face that gives it a more aggressive persona to accompany its off-road toughness. The dashboard layout is new, and tilt steering is standard on all models, plus a thicker, sportier steering wheel for more driver comfort and confidence as well as standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) on all models. Further updates see the Teryx family getting new tool-free adjustment for the driver’s seat as well as new optimized setting for its Fox Podium 2.0 shocks. Add bigger 14” wheels on the Teryx LE model, and four powerful LED headlights on the LE and Camo models, plus a Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty, and the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side x side is an unbeatable package.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE 2016 KAWASAKI TERYX
• NEW Styling including hood, headlights and front bumper
• 783cc V-twin engine with strong mid-range and engine braking
• Stable body design with 50:50 weight distribution for confident handling
• OPTIMIZED Fox Podium 2.0 shock settings
• NEW Tilt steering column with thicker steering wheel
• NEW Tool-less driver’s seat adjustment
• NEW Dash layout with extra accessories switches and storage pocket
• NEW 14” aluminum wheels on the Teryx LE model
• NEW Four LED headlights on Teryx LE and Camo models
• Versatile cargo bed, large storage area behind front seats
• Standard Electric Power Steering on all models
• Standard hard top on Teryx LE and Camo models
• Standard Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty
HAULING & TOWING
The Teryx side x side excels at all sorts of tasks, from hauling family members to towing. Its sizable
27.6 x 43.3” cargo bed is 10.4” deep and boasts a heavy-duty 600 lb payload capacity. The cargo bed has a flat bottom that is big enough to hold a large cooler, several spare fuel cans or other essentials.
The bed also features the ability to add Kawasaki’s optional tool snap-mount system, which allows quick-mounting of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories and/or tools to the bed rails. Four tie-down loops help secure the cargo, and two water-resistant rear storage compartments offer 48 gallons capacity.
The Teryx side x side also features a latching tailgate, which can be removed without tools if greater capacity is required. The tailgate also features molded drink holders for added convenience.
A 2” hitch receiver is standard equipment. This allows the Teryx side x side to tow up to a substantial 1,300 lb once equipped with the optional draw bar.
2016 Teryx4
The Kawasaki Teryx4™ vehicle is the pinnacle of side x side performance and style, especially with its new attention-grabbing front bumper, hood and headlight design. Able to accommodate four full-size adults, the side x side can provide exciting and reliable off-road enjoyment for the whole family.
The 2016 Teryx4 side x side leads the way with performance, power and improved handling thanks to revised settings for its Fox Podium 2.0 shocks, allowing Kawasaki to set the benchmark in its class.
The entire family will be able to enjoy the comfort and smooth ride plus a long list of standard features that will make backwoods excursions more fun than ever. The sporty handling and trail-taming comfort is matched by a durable and powerful V-twin engine, which can drive all four wheels with precision through its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The driver is able to navigate all types of terrain with ease thanks to the cutting-edge standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that provides light, low-effort steering and now includes a thicker steering wheel and tilt steering column for a great fit and sporty feel. Add a Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty and it is easy to see why the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx4 side x side is an unbeatable package.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE 2016 KAWASAKI TERYX4
• NEW Styling including hood, headlights and front bumper
• 783cc V-twin engine with strong mid-range and engine braking
• Stable body design with 49:51 weight distribution for confident handling
• OPTIMIZED Fox Podium 2.0 shock settings
• NEW Tilt steering column, thicker steering wheel
• NEW Tool-less driver’s seat adjustment
• NEW Dash layout with extra accessories switches and storage pocket
• NEW 14” aluminum wheels on the Teryx4 LE model
• NEW Four LED headlights on Teryx4 LE and Camo models
• Versatile cargo bed, large storage area behind front seats
• Standard hard top on Teryx4 LE and Camo models
• Standard Electric Power Steering on all models
• Standard Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty
HAULING & TOWING
The Teryx4 side x sides excels at all sorts of tasks, from hauling family members to towing. Its 17.9 x 47.6”, 250 lb capacity cargo box is 8.7” deep. The cargo bed has a flat bottom that is big enough to hold a large cooler, several spare fuel cans or other essentials.
The bed has the ability to add Kawasaki’s optional tool snap-mount system, which allows quick-mounting of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories and/or tools to the bed rails. Four tie-down loops also help secure the cargo.
The Teryx4 side x side also features a latching tailgate, which can be removed without requiring tools for greater capacity. The tailgate also features molded drink holders for added convenience.
A 2” hitch receiver is standard equipment. This allows the Teryx4 side x side to tow up to a substantial 1,300 lb once equipped with the optional draw bar.
Common Features
POWERTRAIN
The character-filled, purpose-built 90-degree V-twin engine is revered for its exhaust note, stump-pulling torque and amazing flexibility. The 783cc engine generates its power and torque where you need it most – in the low- and mid-range powerband, making short work of scrambling up hills, slogging through mud or crawling over rocks. The Teryx side x sides also deliver great fuel efficiency, providing ample range between fuel stops.
Transferring all that torque to the ground is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a centrifugal clutch assembly, and a three-mode electronically selectable four-wheel drive system that allows access to either 2WD (light steering, great handling), 4WD or 4WD + Front Differential Lock. The latter helps to provide optimum traction by simply rotating a dash-mounted switch.
The CVT is known for its quick response and direct engine “feel” in sportier riding situations, and its unique engine braking ability can increase driver confidence on descents, while turning and in rough conditions.
So whether it’s climbing a rocky trail, crossing a stream or just hauling down a wide-open track with three friends, the Teryx side x sides have the ideal drivetrain mode to handle it.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
Easy, low-effort and precise steering are hallmarks of the Teryx side x side’s standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
The Showa-built system eliminates the traditional power-steering pump found on most of the competition, so steering inputs don’t rob engine power, and it is only active when the engine is running, so there’s minimal battery drain. Input from vehicle speed and torque sensors determine the amount of steering assistance – more during slow-speed use, and less as speeds increase, just like a state-of-the-art sports car. EPS offers additional damping, especially on rough surfaces, resulting in reduced steering kickback and bump-steer.
CHASSIS
The durable Double-X frame construction of the Teryx side x sides takes technical terrain in its stride. The rigid, square tube chassis effectively combats flex to help provide superior handling over rough ground.
This stout frame was designed using detailed computer analysis and plenty of off-road testing to create the Double-X design. It features two X-shaped crossmembers bridging the frame’s box structures from corner-to-corner for maximum strength and optimum durability.
The extremely tight 16.7ft turning radius makes maneuvering in close quarters a cinch – a real benefit over some of the competition that can be forced to make multi-point turns in the same amount of space.
The frame is also reinforced by the Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS), which extends all the way out to the edges of the bodywork to maximize cockpit space and help shield the chassis and bodywork.
The Teryx side x sides have underbody engine guards that offer an added measure of protection by shielding vital components; their smooth reinforced surfaces act as a skid plate when it might be necessary to grind over the occasional obstacle.
This impressive chassis package is further enhanced with a wide-track/wide-body design, which contributes to superb handling characteristics. The wide track helps resist body roll during cornering and boosts its ability to navigate rough terrain. Mid-engine placement also helps by centralizing the vehicle’s center of mass, which reduces the turning inertia and promotes fluid direction changes.
Large 26” Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires offer the type of ride comfort, control and traction you would expect from a Teryx side x side. Their construction and tread design helps maximize forward traction, while optimizing driver feedback for cornering.
The Teryx side x sides have an 85.6” wheelbase, contributing to its tight turning radius and overall agility. The vehicle also offers a substantial 11.2” of ground clearance, helping to prevent it from high centering when cresting a ridge or obstacle. The high approach and departure angles (79- and 65-degrees, respectively) also reduce the possibility of fouling the front bumper when approaching a steep slope, or scraping the tail when exiting.
SUSPENSION & BRAKING
The independent suspension on the Teryx side x sides incorporate one of the best names in the high-performance suspension business: FOX. This means that stout steel A-arms at all four corners are mated to adjustable FOX Podium 2.0 remote reservoir coilover shocks that offer 8” of plush travel up front and 8.3” out back, giving the Teryx4 side x side plenty of trail-taming comfort. And new settings for the Fox shocks mean the vehicle has even more composure at high and low speeds.
Kawasaki engineers collaborated with FOX to fit the Teryx side x sides with the ultimate high-performance FOX Podium 2.0 shocks, which are adjustable for spring preload and 24-way compression damping, to tailor the ride to the terrain or the rider’s preference.
Kawasaki and FOX incorporated a dual-mode design ideology so the adjustable FOX Podium 2.0 coilover shocks provide everything from cruising comfort with passengers and a full cargo bed, to sport-style bump absorption when driven solo. It’s a difficult combination to get right, but the FOX Podium 2.0 shocks get the job done by maintaining consistent, progressive and fade-free damping in all driving conditions.
With the performance and handling potential of the Teryx side x sides, consistent brake performance is essential, and the Teryxx side x sides deliver with high-performance hydraulic discs up front. These use 200mm rotors gripped by dual-piston calipers for exceptional feel and stopping power. The brakes are recessed within the wheels to help keep them free from dirt, rocks, water and debris, while sturdy steel-braided brake lines help keep the pedal feeling crisp and progressive.
At the rear, Kawasaki employs its unique sealed internal wet brake, which feature internal components that are completely sealed from mud, water, dust and debris. The result is powerful and ultra-reliable braking performance whether descending hills or running on trails, wet or dry.
CONVENIENCE
Convenience features on the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side x sides include three DC power outlets (two up front and one in the rear in the Teryx4) providing up to 120 watts of peak electrical power. Almost eight gallons of fuel capacity and impressive fuel economy mean the Teryx4 has substantial range, enough for a long day on the trail. There’s also a handy cab roof (sun top) to maximize comfort (standard on the Teryx LE and Camo models), plus a conveniently located beverage holder for each occupant.
New this year is a restyled dashboard layout that incorporates four accessory switches, allowing Teryx side x side owners to operate their chosen Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, such as a winch, auxiliary LED lighting, etc. The dashboard is also able to accommodate the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories audio system to provide music or news throughout the day. A number of convenient storage pockets were also incorporated into the new dash design to increase its utility.
STYLING
The bold new styling of the Teryx side x sides perfectly match its performance. It includes a new hood and scratch-resistant front bumper. Along with its angular fenders, the Teryx side x sides have a look that says “sporty” and “functional” at the same time. To prove the point, the aggressive-looking hinged hood opens for ease of maintenance and is finished in automotive-quality paint.
New lightweight polished 14” cast aluminum wheels on the Teryx LE models could garner a fair share of attention at any custom car show, but it doesn’t stop there. The Teryx LEs also feature a strong tubular-steel front brush guard, while both the Teryx LE and Teryx Camo models now receive four new high-intensity LED headlamps that are engineered to keep the path illuminated long after sunset.
Textured paint on the brush guards and ROPS cage help keep the Teryx LE side x sides looking sharp for a good long time.
INTERIOR AMENITIES
All four occupants will enjoy riding in the Teryx side x sides during a long day, because it’s one of the most comfortable vehicle in its class.
Its roomy interior gives the driver and passengers plenty of hip, shoulder and legroom. Three-tone high-backed bucket seats feature high-quality cushioning and cold-resistant seat material for all-day plushness. The adjustable seats eliminate the need for a headrest and feature wraparound ergonomics to hold driver and passengers firmly in place.
A new feature is the driver’s seat can now be adjusted without the use of tools, allowing different sized drivers to comfortably get behind the wheel. And when the going gets rough, automotive-style three-point seatbelts offer a high degree of security, keeping the driver and passengers in place. Shock-absorbing comfort mounts and an anti-cinch feature on the seatbelts also help prevent over-tightening when the belts lock during sudden deceleration (or when the tilt sensor is activated).
Unlike some of its competitors, the Teryx side x sides feature premium factory-designed secure latching, automotive-style doors that are easy to use, look good and offer a high level of mud protection.
The instrumentation includes a multi-function electronic display that provides an array of useful information: speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and hour meter, clock and dual trip meters. There are also indicator lights for the 2WD/4WD, front differential, parking brake, water temp and a fuel injection warning plus a reverse indicator – everything you need to know at a glance.
ONE TERYX AND TERYX4, THREE MODELS FOR EACH
Both the two and four-seat 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side x sides are available in three different levels of specification. All pack the same combination of powerful, reliable engine, selectable all-wheel drive traction, durable, tough chassis, sporty suspension and all-round versatility and fun.
The first model is the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx EPS side x side, which is equipped with the advanced Electric Power Steering (EPS) to help the driver maneuver at low speed and reduce terrain kickback as the speed increases. The Teryx EPS model is available in Bright White, which looks great on the aggressive lines of this sporty vehicle.
The 2016 Teryx LE model incorporates everything on the EPS model, including its Electric Power Steering. It adds new lightweight 14” cast aluminum wheels for extra style. These are fitted with some of the largest tires available in the side x side category and provide outstanding rough terrain performance, obstacle clearance and cornering confidence.
In addition, the Teryx LE model receives four powerful LED headlights and a hard sun top to protect the occupants from the hot sun or falling rain. These vehicles can be purchased in a choice of Candy Lime Green paint, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone or Candy Persimmon Red.
Finally, there is the 2016 Teryx and Teryx4 Camo models, which is equipped with standard EPS, four powerful LED headlights and a hard sun top. As its name suggests, the Camo model is finished in the authentic Realtree Xtra Green Camo pattern that makes it ideal for hunters, photographers, backwoodsmen or anybody who wants to maintain a low profile while off-road.
KAWASAKI STRONG 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
When you consider all the features of the 2016 Teryx side x sides, it’s clear there is no competition for its outstanding excellence. Yet Kawasaki did not stop with simply building the most capable, comfortable and durable side x side in the world; they backed it up with the Kawasaki STRONG 3-Year Limited Warranty!
It’s well known that the premium engineering on the Teryx side x sides make it a long-lasting and dependable product. That peace of mind is further enhanced by factory-backed support for a full three years on every 2016 Teryx side x side!
Strength. Power. Comfort. Convenience. Hauling and towing ability. Reliability. The Teryx family has been at the pinnacle of off-road fun and function since its inception, and the 2016 model ushers in a new era of Kawasaki side x side performance, reliability and comfort!
ACCESSORIES
A large selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is available through authorized Kawasaki dealers across the country. As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages side x side users to drive responsibly and to respect the environment.
All Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are developed in conjunction with the vehicle to ensure a perfect fit and functionality. They include items such as a snowplow and several WARN winches. There is a fabric cab enclosure, fabric, plastic and aluminum roofs as well as full-length fabric doors. There is a cargo box system that secures to the cargo bed using special clamps. Teryx side x side owners can also purchase an audio system, auxiliary lighting, tow hitch balls, a full and half windshield as well as gun cases and a mounting system. To protect Teryx vehicles off-road, there is a full complement of underbody guards and skid plates from front to rear, as well as light guards, a rear bumper, fender flares and more.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.