Hunterworks Opinion on Kawasaki Ridge. Beware!! Why??

This video is our opinion on the all new Kawasaki Ridge. Mostly Clutching. If you are considering buying one, watch this video first!
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Hunterworks has 20 Years of ATV/UTV Clutching Experience for Polaris, Can Am, and Yamaha.
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[@mcscotty325]

I'd feel way better about purchasing a Kawi over a Polaris or Can-am. This is common knowledge. Everyone knows.

[@Hunterworks]

It is? Common knowledge the KRX clutches fail a lot. They had other issues too.

[@chrishill1286]

They all have strengths and weaknesses. I find the ridge has some appeal to me with the quieter motor and the sealed cab trim level. I swear my General XP 4 sucks in dust as a special feature. I have used a roll of duct tape covering every dang hole and we're still dust bunnies when we get back.

[@Hunterworks]

@@chrishill1286 have you driven a ridge? All that RPM is not going to be quiet

[@chrishill1286]

@@Hunterworks No sir they didnt have the trim level But we fired the one up on the lot and it sure sounded quieter. But you're right I would have to drive one.

[@Tri-Lobe]

Thanks for the update!!

[@ChuckS.]

Great info. Thanks for your expertise! I have no idea why they wasted the time or money on putting a 999cc 4cyl that makes no more power than their existing 999cc 2 cyl (KRX motor). Pointless move in my eyes. By the way, the excess noise of my KRX motor is the main reason I got rid of it. Too loud, too hot! Love my RZR!

[@Hunterworks]

I think it is smoother and offers a platform to make even more HP later I guess.

[@lawrencewilliamson3303]

Great information thank you love my KRX on 35”s

[@KuschallRacing]

great explanation...forgotten about the tooo high tevs all the time...thins looong time it needs a low low, a 60 mls second and a long gear like overdrive for street

[@HeavyChevy32]

I’m glad I found this video, I was just looking at one today. I’m the guy that needs a work machine (I have a sport machine I want to get rid of) but i enjoy rock crawling at Drummond island, more technical riding. On the other hand I also like driving down the dirt roads to my family’s house too. I need a machine with a dump bed and I thought this was it. Guess I should wait and see what happens

[@hillbillygaragecs2921]

I got a 2023 ploaris ranger premium 1000 sohc I run 27x8.50x14 lite truck tires with a 13 % gear reduction in transmission it's a little heavier then stock with all aftermarket parts I run around about 52 mph you thank it's ok I also run a dinojet programer it would run 75 mph before gear reduction now it's just right for hog hunting go up and down hills in field just trying to keep the motor rpm from going up and down when under load and keep it from running down the other side to fast

[@MassiveOverkill]

The only problem I have is professional reviewers saying this new Sport Farm class SxS is in competition with the RMAX. What is Farm Sport Class? It's a SxS with lots of HP, a bench seat, made for farm use that can go fast and grow mullets but has crappy suspension travel and is made for smoothly-groomed terrain. In Kawasaki's mullet video, the Ridge comes across a small tree in the road and they cut it up for firewood. The RMAX would have driven over it because it doesn't have dismal 10/12" wheel travel.

[@pajamatime5750]

It’s an RMAX competitor. There’s no denying that. Sure the RMAX may have more travel but the Ridge is Kawasakis attempt at entering the segment the RMAX is in.

[@MassiveOverkill]

@@pajamatime5750 wrong. The RMAX is in the Sport/Rec class. The Ridge is in the Rec/Utility class. The lack of suspension travel pretty much takes it out of the Sport/Rec class. Kawasaki's outdated Sport/Rec entry is the Teryx.

[@pajamatime5750]

@@MassiveOverkill Pretty sure we had this argument on another video. I’m just going to stop haha. There’s no getting through to ya!

[@Hunterworks]

@@pajamatime5750 MAssive is right, just a fast or sporty ranger is all. Not sure how anyone could put it competing with any crossover vehicle

[@pajamatime5750]

@@Hunterworks The XR model is Kawis answer to the Rmax and General. I don’t care what anyone says that’s what even Kawi is calling it. Just because it may not have quite the suspension travel or wheel size doesn’t mean that it’s not an attempt at competing in that class.

[@mikepaulson6154]

I ended up Buying a Defender Limited after test driving the Ridge Hvac. Only reason was like you described in this video. Machine was screaming at 60mph. Coming from owning multiple rzrs, a Teryx and a maverick i didn't want to buy another crazy loud machine at cruising speeds anymore. Defender is super quiet compared to the rest at 40-60mph.

[@Hunterworks]

Finally someone who actually drove one that was not trying to sell it on a video!!! Thanks for your feedback!!!

[@paulb7334]

Good stuff man i had a friend with a new KRX kawasaki replaced both cllutches 3 times the 3rd time transmission had a berring seized in it they replaced the transmission he traded it before they had it fixed it was less than 1 year old

[@Hunterworks]

How did he ride it? Lots of fast riding?

[@paulb7334]

@Hunterworks they are so slow, so yeah, most of the time, it would have been high revs. I thought he was in low range it was so bad

[@Dooguy]

Todd do we know if all the kaw clutches are like this? A guy i know just bought a new kaw teryx krz1000. Id like to warn him if this is a issue as well.

[@Hunterworks]

Not aware of it in the teryx like this

[@donfrey7768]

Does the xpedition scare you as well? Also what do you think about polaris coming out with a fix for their clutch and what do you think the fix is gonna be?

[@Hunterworks]

I posted a video about the "fix" today too, watch it

[@billcole707]

I'm thinking of buying a 2024 Ridge HVAC XR, so is there a clutch kit that I can install or bigger tires what ever to fix this problem. thanks for any info. I'm also going to add a snowplow , this also might cause some belt issues, what's your thoughts on that.

[@Hunterworks]

Picking on you here, did you watch this whole video? No kit will fix it, it is geared too low

[@Hunterworks]

Watch this video, it is about a polaris but I think you will get the point kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGSmi6OMZ7yNoacsi=Uph5YOgGsw2k6dPz

[@immytay65]

Do you use or recommend the polaris brand oil for the rangers or do you go with a different brand and does it matter, i see the oil change kits online for around $50, seems high for 2 1/2 qts oil and a filter.

[@pajamatime5750]

Get Amsoil for your SxS. It’s far superior to Polaris anyway.

[@dbriggs1689]

Seems like reasonable logic.

[@chadsteele1315]

This is interesting info. I e been leaning towards a ridge. Already own a ranger midsize. But was also looking at the defender. Maybe I should look closer at that. I was leaving towards kawi for the reliability build quality. Mostly use acreage dirt roads and some slow stuff.

[@Hunterworks]

Better go ride one, that is a lot of rpm and others have complained. Defender or Ranger would still be my choice.

[@jameskeith67]

I believe there is a video of the guy telling that it has a 73 mph top speed

[@MrMagic700]

And that ridge was the non XR. XR models should be closer to 80 mph.

[@Hunterworks]

This video is not about the top speed it is about all the rpm it runs

[@jackhammer2671]

Well there goes me buying one of these Ridges... I really like the looks and that smooth 4cyl but no way am I buying a SxS that screams 8500 rpm's at 57mph and causes clutch issues...I'll go with a Yami Rmax or Can Am sport 1000 instead and sort of leaning towards the Rmax...thanks for this info.

[@Hunterworks]

I would drive one before i decided.

[@lancelemay6971]

Does the fact that it’s a four cylinder versus all the others with just 2 cylinders factor into this?

[@Hunterworks]

yes, it has four making noise instead of two!! So twice as much at same RPM. LOL But I think that this engine must make it's power there and requires it, I would prefer in this style of vehicle that it make it at a lower rpm

[@jameshessinger9643]

What's the a/c like I know Polaris struggles in fl

[@Hunterworks]

No idea, have not seen this yet but hear from testers it works great

[@larryswerdloff1317]

nuts ; I bought the limited and besides the heat the noise is terrible. At 5k rpm its like a boom box in the cab. Wishing I didnt buy it !

[@Hunterworks]

I figured it would be like that, I am sorry to hear about your feelings on it

[@dfa327]

Wow! What a superb review! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you so much!!!

[@mrwhamisrick]

It would be nice if Dura Clutch made one for the Ridge

[@Hunterworks]

They only do Polaris. Sorry

[@mrwhamisrick]

@@Hunterworks I know. It's a bummer.

[@devrus03]

Can't judge that by a "picture" I can take a picture of my rzr turbo at 8500 at 25mph lol

[@Hunterworks]

I can, but your turbo should not be running that high anyway at 25 and your turbo is not fully shifted out at 25, it is in shift phase, this Kawi was fully shifted out at 57, I bet your turbo with healthy clutches cruising at 57 is lower than this one

[@bradspates4628]

@@Hunterworks@devrus03 is 100% correct! Unless you took the picture, you have no way of knowing the position of the accelerator pedal when it was taken and without that knowledge all of this talk is baseless.

[@Hunterworks]

@@bradspates4628does not matter, no UTV except maybe a turbo set up for sand with a high shift phase rpm runs this high. This has been said by vehicle testers to and now owners, too much rpm. This video is older and now folks who own them are agreeing with me

[@Hunterworks]

@@bradspates4628 please go to the top of these comments and read the guys comment about his new one, wishes he had not bought it, very loud

[@Hunterworks]

@@bradspates4628 here is his comment nuts ; I bought the limited and besides the heat the noise is terrible. At 5k rpm its like a boom box in the cab. Wishing I didnt buy it !

[@CadeSubscriptionAccount]

So you're saying throw some 33in truck tires on it and a crapton of sound deadener... Perfect...

[@Hunterworks]

maybe

[@petewilson8727]

Thank you for the video I had a 2023 Kawasaki mule pro FXR only had it for 11 months bought it new only put 141 hours on it and 1240 miles and had other Kawasaki mule as well also had a Kawasaki pro MX it was a piece of junk only owned it for year and a half . The only good Kawasakis are the 610 or the SX those are about bulletproof after my bad experiences with the mules I got a Can-Am defender I love that machine Kawasaki's behind a game The mule pro FXR was also a piece of junk had to work on it about as much as you use it and for people's information I don't trail ride I don't mud run I use them for spraying and other chores that I do to me Kawasaki is a low end machine they're not reliable I will be purchasing my second can am defender

[@Hunterworks]

Funny part is, I have a friend that owns several companies and he will only use mules, says they never fail and he has over 12,000 miles on them

[@pajamatime5750]

😂😂😂 Wow. Kawasaki is 1000x more reliable than Canam. Not even close. Kawasaki backs their machines with 3 year bumper to bumper warranty. Not even close. I’ve had both. Switched to Kawi 5 years ago and haven’t looked back. Sold my Seadoo and bought a Jetski. It’s built far better than the Seadoo. You can’t compare the two and if you think Canam is better you don’t have a clue!

[@petewilson8727]

@@pajamatime5750 the Kawasaki mules I had are definitely trash and there 3 years warranty is horrible my local dealer would not cover the 2023 mule pro FXR and the warranty is only as good as the dealer that is why am taking legal action with Kawasaki . And for your information the can am defender has a lot more power that I don't need and it goes down the road much easier and so far it seems to be much more reliable never again will I ever consider a Kawasaki

[@pajamatime5750]

@@petewilson8727 Right. I remember your name from comments we had on another video. You said you had bad luck and Kawi / your dealer haven’t helped…. Still hope they straighten that out for ya.

[@petewilson8727]

@@pajamatime5750 thank you still working on that it's very aggravating that Kawasaki treat's some of there customers that way but with that being said I do wish you the best of luck with your machine 😀

[@MrSteve8511]

Remember this engine is probably capable of 13k rpm plus red line. Which would put this machine in the correct rpm for the speed. And the exhaust unlike all the other machines is under the bed vs under the cab. Per the video it's quieter than the rangers and defenders.

[@Hunterworks]

The engine is in same place as any ranger and clutch closing too soon is the real issue

[@MrSteve8511]

@Hunterworks the exhaust isn't... but hopefully Kawasaki has addressed the issue they had with high and hard running problems on the KRX.

[@Hunterworks]

@@MrSteve8511 What did they do with the KRX? I have 6 polaris vehicles, exhaust is under the bed of all them. But more curious what kawi did to the krx to fix it.

[@MrSteve8511]

@Hunterworks it's inability to do high speeds... without clutching problems.

[@MrSteve8511]

@Hunterworks the polaris exhaust manifold is under the back of the polaris cab.. that heat and noise has always been a problem. Plenty of fires and cab felt heat. The Ridge has the intake under the back of the cab. Much better design.

[@randyjedneak8698]

Rmax same but 75mph

[@nortonashburn5677]

from wath i see on the web and from owning since 2002 3 grizzs and a wolverine850 i think Yamaha has the best clutches by far. i also owned 2 can ams.imo

[@Hunterworks]

Probably true, still need maintenance though, yamaha says the secondary needs it every 1500 miles

[@nortonashburn5677]

@@Hunterworks ya i must be due i have 5400km on the x2

[@Hunterworks]

@@nortonashburn5677 way over, hope the pins in the secondary have not eaten through the spring cup, that is the issue with the X2

[@nortonashburn5677]

@@Hunterworks had two grizzlys with 10000km on both with no issues. cross my fingers. also depends on how hard u ride them.

[@nortonashburn5677]

i will be checking the x2 soon.

[@bransonred1]

Todd, you are to cvt clutches and clutching like hikock45 is to all things firearms! I feel like we should address you as Professor or Doctor. lol Keep the info coming sir. Thank you

[@Hunterworks]

You can call me Dr. Clutch if you like when I see you in public LOL

[@user-ij8ti7ll5o]

why they are not offering manual trany because we guys love that but it seem they are build for womens or grany peoples

[@Hunterworks]

Then I am a grany people whatever that is.

[@Hunterworks]

Get a minitruck, they are 5 speed. I been eyeing one myself

[@user-ij8ti7ll5o]

but yamaha done one yzf 1000 in first years but no longer available it was very good so mini truck dont have steering in the right side @@Hunterworks

[@Hunterworks]

@@user-ij8ti7ll5o technically they are on the right side!! HEHE

[@user-ij8ti7ll5o]

ok i will do some search on it and i am in canada i already search for a mini toyota truck specialised for mining but start at 65000 cad @@Hunterworks

[@BeanMan5621]

I wish it had a normal non cvt gearbox. and an actual clutch. IF they did that would be WAY WAY too cool.

[@ericbrown6454]

I wouldn't hit a dog in the ass with any can am or polaris. I had an rmax and it was so loud I had to wear shooting muffs when in it. I had a honda pioneer and it never knew what gear it wanted to be in. They're all junk or too noisy or too expensive. No one has built the perfect sxs yet. I've owned 3 different sxs's and always end back up on the atv.

[@Hunterworks]

Try a mini truck I like the one called a Jumbo

[@randyjedneak8698]

There all loud your in a hollow plastic box

[@chansetekell8793]

I think this is exactly going to be our story. ATVs all my life. In the past 5 years, weve had 3 SxS and every damn one of them were too blazingly hot and/or loud. It could all be solved with a real transmission. Luckily, Can Am is on the works on that.