My first Kawasaki Teryx4 LE was a 2013 model. I wanted a four-place side-by-side, but I was uncomfortable with the length of many of the four-place UTVs available. The T-4 has a mid-engine design, making it shorter (125.39 inches) than other rear-engine products. The Polaris four-seat model is 150.2 inches and the Can Am is 162 inches. I have a 22-foot trailer, which makes it possible to fit both my T-4 and a two-seat RZR XP 1000.

Being shorter, it has a smaller turning radius (17.7 feet) than the longer models, making it much easier to navigate turns on the trail. These longer UTVs don’t put turning radius information on their spec sheets.

I had my Kawasaki for eight years and after putting 4,500 miles on it, I found it to be very dependable. I am not hard on belts because I change gear ranges according to the terrain, so other than tires and routine maintenance, it was no trouble to own.

The color was school bus yellow. I remember the first time I took it out, my riding buddies told me that I needed to attach a flip-out stop sign. It was for that reason that I called it “The Bus.”

The 750 cubic-centimeter engine is nothing to brag about against the big 1,000 cc machines, but the engine is mated well with the transmission, giving it great low-end torque. That coupled with the ability to lock the front differential kept me from being stranded in the backcountry. Well, that and a little common sense.

The market for used machines has been good this year, so I decided to trade it in on another bus. The new one is Candy Lime Green, but I still call it “The Bus.”

I learned that the “S” in the name is not for sport. The “S” stands for changes made to the suspension. I did learn that it has a “Sport” steering wheel, so that says something.

The a-arms are longer, allowing for the addition of 10 millimeters to the shocks. That adds 2 inches to the width of the S model. They are also arched to enhance ground clearance. The Teryx4 suspension is designed to be like the Kawasaki KRX 1000.

The new suspension makes for a longer wheel base and more ground clearance. It also allows for bigger tires. The stock machine has 27-inch Big Horn radials, but it will comfortably handle 30-inch tires.

Photo supplied, Lynn Blamires

Here are the things I like about the new Kawasaki:

• It has a larger engine — 783cc V-Twin cylinder with great low-end torque.
• The engine braking is a plus that is missing on other UTVs.
• The differential lock allows all four wheels to pull at the same time.
• Electronic power steering with a smaller, beefy, sport steering wheel.
• It has a digital readout for speed and two trip meters.
• 14-inch painted aluminum wheels are an upgrade from the 12-inch.
• A three-year warranty is included. The industry standard is six months.
• Long travel suspension — 10.7 inches in the front and 10 in the back.
• New suspension makes for good stability and a better ride.
• Candy Lime Green in automotive paint.
• Four bright LED headlights that can all shine at once.
• It comes with a roof.
• Getting in and out of the Teryx4 is easier than other machines.
• A good price point at $17,799.

On the other side of the coin, these are things I am not happy about:

• The 62.6-inch width will not fit through 60-inch gates.
• The instrument cluster is in the middle of the cab, not in front of the driver.
• The angle of the gas pedal is too sharp. I fixed a block of wood on the floor to raise my heel to a comfortable level. It is not a problem I have with other UTVs.
• The cup holders are too small for a 30-ounce insulated mug.
• The front seats are more comfortable than the back seats.

The mid-engine design develops heat in the cab, being between the driver and the passenger. I wondered why I didn’t have that problem until I realized that I don’t ride with a windshield, so heat doesn’t build up in the cab.

After eight years of experience with “The Bus,” I am glad to have a more improved model. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and consider the Kawasaki Teryx4 S LE. I got mine at Young Power Sports in Ogden.

Lynn R. Blamires can be reached at quadmanone@gmail.com.

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