Kawasaki Teryx4/5 H2 Test Ride Video- Dirt Trax TV

In this Dirt Trax TV test ride, the crew finally puts Kawasaki’s long-teased, supercharged Teryx H2 through its paces. The headline is big power—an inline-four 999cc engine with a gear-driven supercharger claiming 253 horsepower—but the story is broader: a highly refined chassis, predictable handling, and KECS electronic suspension (FOX 3.0 Live Valve) that ranges from plush “floaty” comfort to high-speed flat stability. The Deluxe ES models add a 10" Garmin Tread display and premium touches, while the 5-seat configuration debuts the first factory five-passenger sport SxS bench with retractable 4-point harnesses. Acceleration in dirt is ferocious; on high-traction surfaces the CVT clutching can feel soft off the line, though indicated top speed hits ~100 mph before the limiter. Overall, ride quality, stability, power delivery, comfort, and tech integration feel dialed and worthy of the hype.

Key Highlights

• Models: 4-seat H2, 4-seat H2 Deluxe ES, and 5-seat H2 Deluxe ES (Canada gets the 5-seat Deluxe ES).
• Shared hardware across trims: same chassis, engine, driveline, wheels/tires; differences are seating and included extras.
• Deluxe ES adds: 10" Garmin Tread in-dash with door speakers, FOX 3.0 Live Valve, and KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension).
• First factory 5-seat sport SxS: rear bench with retractable 4-point harnesses for three passengers.
• Powertrain: 999cc DOHC inline-4, gear-driven supercharger, 253 hp @ 9,000 rpm, 146.3 lb-ft @ 8,800 rpm; CVT transmission.
• Supercharger details: planetary-gear driven (up to ~130,000 rpm), intercooler, near-instant boost, linear power, reduced under-hood heat vs exhaust-driven turbo.
• Throttle modes: Low (high filtering, very smooth), Middle (moderate filtering), High (aggressive response, minimal filtering).
• Suspension & chassis: welded tubular steel frame; double A-arms up front; 4-link trailing arm rear; arched lower arms for clearance; ~24" rear / ~23" front travel.
• KECS behavior: Soft = plush & floaty; Normal = trail speed + big-bump mix; Firm = flat & stable at high speed on smoother surfaces.
• Handling: planted, predictable, not twitchy; stays flat in fast corners with secure rear-end feel.
• Wheels/tires & brakes: 33" tires on 16" true beadlocks; 270 mm discs; 3-piston front / 2-piston rear calipers.
• Interior: upscale, automotive feel; supportive seats; full-color TFT; optional Garmin Tread; steering-wheel audio/KECS controls; retractable 4-point harnesses for all seats.
• Performance notes: ferocious dirt launches; on grippy surfaces, clutching can feel soft off the line; indicated ~100 mph before limiter.

Pros & Cons

What They Liked

• Monstrous yet refined: huge power with manners—predictable, planted handling.
• KECS + FOX 3.0 Live Valve delivers an impressive range from plush to flat-and-fast stability.
• Interior quality and ergonomics feel premium and “automotive.”
• First factory 5-seat sport SxS option solves the family-of-five problem, with retractable 4-point harnesses.
• Linear, responsive boost from the gear-driven supercharger; addictive blow-off valve sound.
• Trail composure: stable at speed, not twitchy, stays planted in fast corners.
• Tech integration (Garmin Tread, TFT, steering-wheel controls) is useful and well executed.
• Top-end speed: indicated ~100 mph before the limiter in stock form.

What They Didn’t Like

• CVT clutching can feel soft on high-traction surfaces (pavement/hard pack) off the line; struggles to hold peak RPM in those conditions.
• Firm suspension mode is too stiff for typical trail riding (best reserved for smoother, high-speed runs).