Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Suspension:

The Ridge XR rides on a double-wishbone suspension system both at the front and rear. The shock absorbers feature single-rate springs on the front and dual-rate springs on the rear. The rear shocks are mounted to the lower A-arms enabling a long shock stroke while maintaining a cargo bed height conducive to easy loading. Both front and rear shock absorbers offer 5-way adjustable preload.There aren’t any sway bars, but the suspension settings minimized body roll.

The shocks are basic compared to what’s been offered on stock UTVs these days, but the suspension tuning was solid. We never came close to bottoming out the XR HVAC and the 12.7-inches of front and rear wheel travel and around 14 inches of wheel travel made for a comfortable and predictable ride. There were times we though we going to scrap over some larger rocks and we never touched. 

The 64-inch track width was a good width for the Hatfield McCoy Trails. The Ridge will be fun to try in a wider setup, once the aftermarket gets a hold of it, but we never felt like a wider car was necessary. We felt planted, stable and predictable at all times. The Ridge also has a surprisingly short turning radius (14.7 ft) with made negotiation of tight corners in wooded areas, or confidently navigating
ridge lines much easier than expected. 

The 2024 Kawasaki Ridge XR HVAC, as well as every other Ridge UTV, is equipped with Kawasaki’s high-grade electric power steering (EPS) system which operates most effectively at extremely slow speeds and when the vehicle is stopped. When turning the wheel, a signal is sent to the EPS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), activating assistance. The ECU utilizes input from the vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the required steering assistance needed from the electric motor. Assistance is highest at slow speeds or when stopped and
decreases as vehicle speed increases to ensure responsive steering. Additionally, the EPS system acts as a damping system, enhancing ride comfort and control by minimizing kickback to the steering wheel caused by shocks to the wheels. We have always been a huge fan of the Kawasaki EPS system. There’s no need for a High, Medium and Low EPS setting on this vehicle, because the stock setup is perfect. Just the right amount of feedback in the steering wheel.

Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Tires & Brakes:

The new Kawasaki UTV is equipped with front and rear disc brakes with twin piston calipers up front and a single piston caliper in the rear. The hydraulic disc system delivered predictable performance and halted the 2,000 pound machine with ease. Good braking and even better engine braking made for an excellent combination.

The Kawasaki UTV rides on 30-inch Duro Power Grip V2 tires and 14-inch aluminum wheels. The standard Ride runs on a smaller 27-inch Duro Tires and similar 14-inch aluminum wheels. We loved the feel and the grip of the Duro tires and the 30-inch size was a nice fit for the power and suspension. There looks to be plenty of room for those of you wanting larger than stock tires and both the clutching and the braking will be just fine with the diameter and weight increase.