The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 is a high-performance sport side-by-side (SxS) vehicle designed for rugged off-road environments, featuring a robust suspension system tailored for durability and terrain adaptability. It will be interesting to see how much of the KRX 1000's suspension technology will be used for the Project H2.
Below are the detailed suspension specifications for the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, covering the standard model, eS, Trail Edition, Blackout Edition, and Lifted Edition, with distinctions noted where applicable. The specifications are based on information from Kawasaki’s official website, UTV Off-Road Magazine, and other reliable sources for the 2020-2025 model years.
Suspension Specifications
Standard Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 (2020-2025)
- Front Suspension:
- Type: Double wishbone (dual A-arm) with FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC (Low Speed Compression) shocks
- Shocks: Gas-charged, single-chamber shocks with piggyback reservoirs
- Adjustability:
- Fully adjustable preload
- 24-position adjustable compression damping
- Dual-rate coil-over springs with crossover rings for fine-tuning
- Travel: 18.6 inches (47.2 cm)
- Additional Features:
- Stainless-steel shock sleeves for durability
- Front sway bar for enhanced cornering stability
- High-clearance, reinforced A-arms for added strength
- Rear Suspension:
- Type: 4-link trailing-arm with FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks
- Shocks: Gas-charged, single-chamber shocks with piggyback reservoirs
- Adjustability:
- Fully adjustable preload
- 24-position adjustable compression damping
- Dual-rate coil-over springs with crossover rings
- Travel: 21.1 inches (53.6 cm)
- Additional Features:
- Boxed rear trailing arms for rigidity
- Rear sway bar for stability
- Third arm in front of the hub creates a full 4-point linkage, reducing toe-in during droop for better handling
- Ground Clearance: 14.4 inches (36.6 cm)
- Track Width:
- Front: 59.3 inches (150.6 cm)
- Rear: 59.4 inches (150.9 cm)
- Wheelbase: 98.8 inches (250.9 cm)
- Ride Characteristics:
- Negative camber from shorter upper control arms (front and rear) reduces wheel scrub and improves traction throughout suspension travel
- Plush, comfortable ride suitable for high-speed trails, whoops, and rock crawling, as noted in testing on Moab’s 7-Mile Rim and Poison Spider trails
- Front Suspension:
- Type: Double wishbone with FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks
- Shocks: High-performance shocks integrated with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS)
- Adjustability:
- Electronically adjustable damping via KECS, controlled by a Bosch electronic system
- Three selectable modes:
- Soft Mode: Maximum suspension compliance for technical terrain, enhancing traction and comfort
- Normal Mode: Optimized for typical trail riding, balancing plush comfort, firm damping, and cornering stability
- Firm Mode: Increased damping for aggressive riding or high-speed stability
- Built-in stroke sensors provide real-time stroke speed and compression data
- Travel: 18.6 inches (47.2 cm)
- Additional Features:
- KECS uses solenoid valves for rapid damping adjustments based on vehicle speed, suspension stroke speed, deceleration, and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) data
- Front sway bar and reinforced A-arms
- Rear Suspension:
- Type: 4-link trailing-arm with FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks
- Shocks: Integrated with KECS for real-time adaptability
- Adjustability: Same as front (Soft, Normal, Firm modes with electronic damping control)
- Travel: 21.1 inches (53.6 cm)
- Additional Features:
- Boxed trailing arms and 4-point linkage
- Rear sway bar
- Stroke sensors and IMU integration for precise damping
- Ground Clearance: 14.4 inches (36.6 cm)
- Track Width and Wheelbase: Same as standard model
- Ride Characteristics:
- Adapts to terrain in real-time, offering superior control for rock crawling, whoops, and high-speed trails
- Suspension Mode (Soft/Normal/Firm) displayed on the instrument panel
- Suspension: Identical to the standard KRX 1000 (FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks, double wishbone front, 4-link trailing-arm rear)
- Front Travel: 18.6 inches
- Rear Travel: 21.1 inches
- Ground Clearance: 14.4 inches
- Additional Features:
- Includes steel front and rear bumpers and nerf bars for extra protection against trail obstacles
- KQR™ Sport Roof for weather protection, which may slightly affect suspension dynamics in extreme conditions due to added weight
- Suspension: Identical to the standard KRX 1000 (FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks)
- Front Travel: 18.6 inches
- Rear Travel: 21.1 inches
- Ground Clearance: 14.4 inches
- Additional Features:
- Black-painted suspension coils for aesthetic consistency
- Equipped with a WARN® VRX 45 Powersport Winch (4,500 lbs), which may add minor front-end weight affecting suspension dynamics
- Suspension: Upgraded with FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks (similar to standard model but tuned for lifted setup)
- Front Suspension: Double wishbone
- Rear Suspension: 4-link trailing-arm
- Shocks: Gas-charged with piggyback reservoirs, adjustable preload, and 24-way compression damping
- Travel:
- Front: 18.6 inches (maintained despite lift)
- Rear: 21.1 inches
- Ground Clearance: Increased due to 32-inch ITP Cryptid mud tires (exact clearance not specified but higher than 14.4 inches)
- Additional Features:
- Elevated dual snorkel air intakes and CVT exhaust to handle muddy conditions, reducing strain on suspension components
- Designed for wet and muddy terrain, with suspension tuned for heavier loads and larger tires
- Tires and Wheels:
- Standard models: 31-inch Maxxis Carnivore tires on 15-inch beadlock wheels
- Lifted Edition: 32-inch ITP Cryptid mud tires, increasing effective ground clearance and altering suspension dynamics
- Tire size and pressure can affect perceived suspension performance
- Chassis Integration:
- The suspension is paired with a highly rigid frame and integrated Roll-over Protective Structure (ROPS) for stability
- Full-length UHMW skid plate and steel wheel well guards protect suspension components
- Performance:
- The suspension’s long travel and adjustable damping make it ideal for diverse terrains, from high-speed desert trails to technical rock crawling
- The 4-link rear suspension provides superior articulation compared to dual radius rod setups, reducing toe changes during droop
- Aftermarket Options:
- HCR Racing Long-Travel Suspension System (KAW-05400) increases width to 72 inches, adds clearance, and uses HCR Custom Alloy (30% stronger than Chromoly). It includes King HCR Race Series shocks tuned by Bret King for enhanced performance.
- Shock Therapy offers custom tuning for KRX 1000 shocks, optimizing for plush or race-ready setups.
- Known Issues:
- Early 2020 models had weak cast knuckles in the front suspension, prone to failure under hard impacts. Kawasaki issued a recall, and updated parts are standard on newer models.