— Testing a long distance do-it-all machine —
We agree with the notion that less is more sometimes, but there are other times when we appreciate over-the-top builds, the ones that not only look great but are also designed to perform at a higher level than the stock machine could ever imagine. The potential to build out a Teryx4, making it bigger and better in every way, is apparent. As you can see, the Kawasaki Teryx4 featured on these pages is one of those machines and excited to be that way.
It was the teams at Mega Motorsports LLC and Kawasaki that got together to see how they could customize a Teryx4 to be the ultimate desert vehicle. As we said, the Teryx4, in stock trim, isn’t exactly a vehicle that we would recommend as a desert runner, but there are aftermarket companies that make purpose-built components for this Kawasaki that give it the chance to become a very capable vehicle in the wide open, whoop-filled desert terrain. So, with a bit of an idea about what they wanted the vehicle to be, Mega Motorsports went to work to create this ultimate, desert-ready Teryx4.
THE BUILD
As you can imagine, the stock Teryx4 that served as the basis for this build was completely stripped down to the frame. The goal was to leave the stock frame and powertrain structure intact, but that was pretty much it.
Starting from the inside, the clutching was changed on this machine to accommodate the increase in weight that the new cage, spare tires, interior features and lighting would add to the vehicle. A Trinity Racing exhaust would not only add a bit of power to the stock V-twin engine, but it would also give this Teryx4 a bit of a bump in the burly sound department.
Next up was suspension. The stock components on the Teryx4 are known to be tough in any situation, whether battling long rock gardens or traversing deep water crossings. With this in mind, the team wanted to go with a tried-and-true aftermarket suspension product that increased the performance of the Teryx4 while also staying true to the durability of the stock components. HCR Racing front and rear boxed a-arms, paired with King Off Road Racing Shocks, would provide this durability and performance with a +6 suspension kit. The King shocks offer superior damping and suspension control, especially when you factor in that these 2.0 coil-over shocks include compression adjustment via the rotary dial clickers on the remote reservoirs. Completing the setup on the outside of the suspension is a combination of 14-inch Method Race wheels with 30-inch Gladiator ATR all-terrain tires. Running at around 14 psi, we found that this entire setup offers a plush ride and plenty of traction in the desert terrain. Sometimes the ride was a bit too plush, actually, but compared to a stock Teryx4, this HCR/King combination is definitely a winning combo. Not only can you climb over obstacles easier with this setup, it also offers better slow-speed and high-speed bump absorption.
PLUSH INTERIOR
Mega wanted this Teryx4’s interior to be comfortable, functional, and, above all else, safe for all four passengers. To ensure this would happen, the full-factory Kawasaki doors were retained and extended slightly upward with very clean and functional door extensions. Sparco composite seats and six-point harnesses were used to keep everyone snug in the vehicle. Talk about trick, race-ready seat harnesses. These Sparco units have a single quick-release mechanism that makes exiting the harness an easy affair.
Mega’s fab shop used specialty metals to build out a cage that is highly durable, complete with gusseting that you would find in all-out race cars. The cage molds smoothly into the rear frame of the Teryx4 and features the capability to haul two full-size spare tires. This setup not only looks trick, it is highly functional for long desert rides. We also really like the full dash setup with traditional and electronic switch systems put together by AZ Wire Pro, Lowrance GPS, battery disconnect, and of course the stock Teryx4 switch gear. A Sparco quick-release steering wheel completes the driver compartment and allows for easy ingress and egress of the vehicle. Not only is this cage equipped with an aluminum roof spanning the entire top, it also features a glass windshield to protect the occupants and keep the dust out.
Is this Teryx4 the most over-the-top Kawasaki side-by-side you have ever seen? When you factor in all of the KC HiLiTES (the top bar is on a motorized adjuster, too) and all of the trick gadgets included with this machine, it’s one heck of a cool ride with more than enough features to make it one of the slickest UTVs in the desert!
TERYX4 PARTS LIST:
Sparco USA Evo II seats $825 (each)
www.sparcousa.com; (949) 797-1750
Sparco 6-point Hans 3”/2” aluminum harnesses $479 (each)
www.sparcousa.com; (949) 797-1750
HCR Racing T-4 Teryx long-travel system $4999
(includes King Shocks package)
www.hcrracing.com; (888) 928-7223
KC HiLiTES Flex & G6 lighting Varies
www.kchilites.com; (888) 689-5955
Kawasaki Accessories, Warn Vantage 3000S winch $349.95
www.kawasaki.com/accessories
Kawasaki Accessories, full skid plate system Varies
www.kawsaki.com/accessories
Method Race Wheels, 401 beadlock From $201.85 (each)
www.methodracewheels.com; (866) 779-8604
Trinity Racing Teryx4 black exhaust, $949.99 (full system)
www.trinityracing.com; (714) 988-0339
Lowrance HDS-5 GPS system N/A
www.lowrance.com; (800) 628-4487
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