Kawasaki Mule Pro FXR 2018 REVIEW

[@retrodog63]

You can't have a second row of switches on top without obstructing that wonderful view that you like so much. This was one of the best personal reviews I've seen in quite a while. I love how you've mastered the technique for fluid transitions to a closeup of so many things. Obviously a manual approach, but the timing and levels (closeness) you did were excellent.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thank-you, I'm trying to improve the quality of my videos with the old camera's that I have to work with. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and review. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated

[@MichaelCarter-ks4up]

I took the two silver plates off and sanded them a little, and painted them and they are holding up great. I put 3coats on them.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Do you find they look better Black? I'd love to see a pic

[@MichaelCarter-ks4up]

@@NLGhostWolf Yes Sir I do.

[@silverback802]

Great review, I'm looking seriously at that model for 2024. Happy to hear it has a plush ride, My one question is does it have good engine braking?

[@DukeWhite04]

You should do a long term review of it now. I'd assume it has had several axels, and clutch belts, probably a differential or two had to be replaced. Haha, seriously though I'd love to know how it has held up for you. The build quality on these units is so robust, I can't imagine anything going wrong for a very long time.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Nothing changed on it so far. Still working great and in use daily.

[@tylertucker4478]

I'm torn between these and the 3 seater Honda 1000 and the 825i gator. I mainly joy ride but would like one for some tough work too with good cargo capacity and towing capacity

[@NLGhostWolf]

All great machines, Honda is shaft drive I believe, I got a 1986 Honda Big Red 250cc... Still runs perfectly, It's been through hell and back... Hoping the Mule can have the same long life... In the end make sure you base your decision on your needs only... Don't let anyone steer you one way or the other... Weigh the Pro's and Con's and try and determine where the best service is located... The way I explain buying a car or anything is like this... Salesmen is the one night stand, Service Manager is your marriage... Go with the best service in your area would be my advice to anyone looking to buy... I'm very lucky to have top-notch service with the folks where I bought my Mule...

[@1armedguy4]

Hi Charlie ! I think the route to go on those small panels you don't like is to paint them with that box liner paint it's incredibly tough and durable . Thanks for the video !! Halifax NS

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes, that should work... You got me thinking. I have a couple of good buddies here who are always into painting and modifying their rigs, might have to bring them in on this

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

NLGhostWolf u cant paint yourself or turn a wrench yourself then sell this

[@davestelling]

Oh, yea...that's one fine rig. Charlie, I don't think I'd get any sleep at all if I had that parked in the yard! Very good general assessment, here....

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks Dave, much appreciated. Working on the week 3 moose hunting video now.

[@wallaceviviansadventures2095]

great looking machine.thanks for the review

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks Wallace

[@remotetrapper8991]

Are you still satisfied with your kawasaki FXR ? Have you had any problems with it ? Thanks

[@NLGhostWolf]

yes so far I am and zero issues with it to date.

[@joedelaney1629]

Great review Charlie , I have a Commander and the only con I have is that it is very noisy , but great for the day runs and moose hunt. thanks again for sharing.

[@NLGhostWolf]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the SxS's out there. They all are pretty much the same.

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Lol can am has much more ground clearence and suspension travel. Mules is garbage

[@justinhampton2394]

I will suggest on thing for the mule. I have a Mule Pro fx and the first thing I done was put CV protectors on it since it looks like your a woodsman I suggest you might wanna do that.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks Justin I'll look into getting those CV protectors.

[@Adam_Newman]

Good looking machine , hows it holding up ? Thanks

[@NLGhostWolf]

It's holding up perfectly. Soon be time to head out on some adventures here with it.

[@Adam_Newman]

@@NLGhostWolf great review ! I’m looking at this machine or the pro fxt ranch edition can’t make my mind up

[@vincentgambino7879]

Do you have the glass windshield with the kawi soft cab? Kawi says they are not compatible. At a crossroads on what to get. Was thinking glass windshield (for the wiper) and the seizmik door kit

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes 100% glass windshield. You get some draft with the soft cabs

[@goosehunter4845]

Great Review Charlie, all in all a pretty nice machine, have a good week sir,

[@NLGhostWolf]

Will do, the last of the house reno's will be completed today so I can get back out to my adventures. Got the living room, kitchen and dining room done, first bathroom done, and last coat of paint going on the second bathroom today. It was my first time having to plaster and I must say I did a very good job. I wish I would have taking before and after pictures of the reno's...

[@class8garage308]

I specking same set up only in FX MY QUESTION ? do you have a air gap on top of glass windshield where the plastic roof comes to meet to windshield? I in northeast too cold I will have the factory heater to compensate the air gaps. If you have a solution let me know i seen guys using silly pool noodles to fill the gap any information be great????

[@NLGhostWolf]

I'm in NL, gets cold here too. When I got it, it was sealed good, however now after pushing through many alder beds, I have to reseal it because the roof did get hooked in the alders.

[@anthonytipsword4401]

Kawasaki makes some tough side by side I love my teryx4 le its built like a tank

[@NLGhostWolf]

for sure

[@ramzirondes387]

great video great Kawasaki and great country love America.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks. I'm loving my Mule, it's been serving me very well

[@waynemanion5836]

CANADA is even better.

[@BarackObama-yc1ey]

Wayne Manion I’m 50% American and 50% Canadian. Both are equally as great

[@Adam_Newman]

Nice machine I'm thinking of getting one myself is the engine dependable how about the servicing part is it easy to service thank you

[@NLGhostWolf]

I can only tell you my limited knowledge of their engine and mine. So far it's been a dream. Amazing on gas and super quiet. For an outdoorsman that's a perfect combination. It's easy to get at the engine to check the oil but I wouldn't be doing any of the servicing myself except topping up the fluids as it comes with a 3 year warranty. Once the warranty is up than I'll be getting into the servicing myself. Oil changes, etc...

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

NLGhostWolf oil changes still cost money at dealer idiot. Warranty does not cover oil changes. And u can do your own oil changeband not ruin factory warranty if your dealer forces you to get oil change there they suck cock. And kawasaki should beware

[@coldspring624]

@@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043 relax

[@oscargoldman4200]

@@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043 no need for name calling

[@class8garage308]

I see a good size air gap on side doors can that be sealed with weather-stripping in your opinion??

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes I would think so. I don't mind those gaps but I only use mine for 3 seasons in the woods and for just plowing the driveway in the winter months. Moving very slow and the heat of the engine helps warm the cap when going slow.

[@robbievick5203]

Scuff shiny parts up then apply rustolem bed liner rattlecan good results so far

[@NLGhostWolf]

I heard bed liner works great, might have to give that a try

[@williamterry3177]

Good job with the review. Looks great. I suppose I need to start shopping.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes there are a wonderful machine... I love mine.

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Lol if u waste money on that thing i will lol so hard. This is the biggest pos. It does not trail ride or do good in the mud. It is very very slow. And it does nothing better than a honda pioneer in fact it does everything worse

[@NSTRAPPERHUNTER]

Awesome machine Charlie. Sometimes if you open the cover to the wiper motor you can adjust the amount of sweep they have. It's worth a look. Later buddy and I sent you a message.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks for the info, I'll have to check it out.

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

NSTRAPPERHUNTER ;

[@painterboy454]

Were the valve clearances in spec at the 20 hour break in mark?

[@NLGhostWolf]

yes I have well over 200 hours on it now and it works perfectly...

[@10tenman10]

Is the windshield a Kawasaki product?

[@NLGhostWolf]

I would think so, but I'm not 100% sure to be perfectly honest.

[@calcrappie8507]

Are you getting any residual heat from the engine with the soft sides and windshield? Enough to keep the chill off on cool or rainy days?

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes you definitely residual heat from the engine but I won't say it would be enough to keep you warm if you are driving fast. Air seeps in along the doors and there are also holes in the floor to allow for water drainage. On the cold days I felt the draft on my legs first. (legs and feet). However right behind the seat pad there is an area that stays nice and warm. If you drive slow this residual heat definitely can be used to warm your back and upper body. This covers the recreational part of the driving. Now I used my SxS for plowing the driveway this year and on the frosty days all I did before starting to plow was to defrost the windshield with a hairdryer before starting to plow and while the SxS was started and warming up. Once the SxS was warmed up and the windshield defrosted I was able to plow for hours at a time without it ever frosting up again. Also at the slow speeds used to plow the cab stayed nice and warm and many days I was able to remove my winter jacket when plowing. The next SxS video I do I'll be sure to add in a clip of this area where you'll get your heat from. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, much appreciated. Charlie

[@calcrappie8507]

Thanks for the informative reply. Great stuff. The FXR might be in my future. Great all-arounder.

[@NLGhostWolf]

you're welcome. Let me know if you decide to purchase a FXR. Cheers

[@kevinricketts5310]

Good review

[@351WINCHESTER]

Thanks for the review. Can you put a gun rack on it?

[@NLGhostWolf]

You sure can.

[@lindalincoln1024]

its nice you enjoy your machine. still waiting to see that moose stuffed in back. did you get your cabin permit yet? what has happened with the rabbit line ? take care bill

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes I'm going to have to take a few of my buddies out who still don't have their moose yet. No permit yet and I was talking to my neighbour and was shocked to hear that he waited for over 3 years to get his permit approved... Not good. At that rate I'll be in the old age home before I'm in the cabin. LOL As far as the rabbit line goes, we only had our snares out for a week. In that week we only caught 5 rabbits and lost two of them to fox and coyotes, so we only managed to keep 3 rabbits. The rabbit cycle is very low here this year. So I might go look for a few small pockets of rabbits once the snow comes and I can get cross country on Ski-doo. As for now, the rabbits are safe as far as I'm concerned. Still lots of other guys out there snaring them.

[@pauldombrowski7555]

Not sure if kawasaki makes there own windshields and cabs like Polaris and Can Am.

[@NLGhostWolf]

yes I believe they do but they need to improve their windshield wipers...

[@g2grant525]

You could plasti dip the bumper and if it starts to scratch just peel it off

[@NLGhostWolf]

Great idea

[@jameskeith67]

There's plenty of room for switches they just need to move the instrument cluster to in front of the driver, and it needs differential lock on front,

[@NLGhostWolf]

Agreed...

[@Travide]

Wait this UTV don't have front differential lock ??

[@pajamatime5750]

Travis Clarke this particular one doesn’t.... Kawasaki does make some with front diff lock.... I just bought a 2018 Teryx 4 with diff lock and that machine is like a small tank.... literally crawls through anything....

[@Travide]

Pajama Time this guy lives in NL where I live we do a fair amount of mud trails, my current atv don't have front differential lock and it's why I get stuck more than others, I'd never buy a side by side without front diff lock. And this was one of my tops picks until I seen that, now it's not even on the list.

[@pajamatime5750]

Travis Clarke I hear ya. As I came from Polaris and bought a Kawasaki this spring, I’d highly recommend ya check out a Teryx.... in 2 or 4 seats it’s worth a look. They’re very nice machines.... They have front diff lock.... If you’re looking for pure utility, the Teryx 2 may not cut it for hauling in the box and ya may have to try a different brand.... But I’d recommend checking one out anyway!

[@paulsmith869]

How much cc

[@NLGhostWolf]

810 or 820 I'm not exactly sure

[@Stu650Zuk]

Thank you for your thoughts on the new FXR model. I am ready to sell or trade in my current SXS for a machine like this Kawasaki. More of a utility/recreational machine than my current ride. The only other that I like and is uses the same exact engine as this Mule pro is the JD 825i. That machine has had surprisingly good reports also. I have always liked Kawasaki products however and have owned many from dirt bikes to snowmobiles over the years. Plus the Kawasaki FXR has a full locking front differential and a turf mode rear differential. Where the 825i does not have the full locking front diff, I do not believe. I needed to make sure my current snow plow could be hooked up to the Kawasaki was my main concern as I have a Curtis hydraulic/elec HD 72" plow with no winch required and no getting out to change directions. No biggie if it was just my drive, but I use my machine for business use as well. My current work SXS is a 2013 Kubota 1120d and while very dependable, and very well built...the hydraulic dump bed is fantastic on it..But they are very slow and under powered even with a 3cyl diesel engine..needs a turbo imo...the biggest issue I have had with Kubota is the transmission. Shifting is a chore and requires a lot of finesse..hahaha..yeah its a pain. Having a hydrostatic drive utilizing a gearbox is not easy to make work smoothly. It is supposed to drop hydraulic pressure under braking for easy shifting..Half the time it does not want to shift...especially if you are all the way up into L range. Its in top condition so selling it will not be a problem. Do you know if the Kawasaki you own has a centrifugal clutch CVT system? Or is it like your snowmobile? Thanks for your time, and sorry for the long post...These things are not cheap,,,I don't have to tell you that, and we want it right the first time..Luckily I got my Kubota very cheap second hand with only 50hrs. on it for $8500, plus the plow which was almost 4K alone..Now you know why I want to keep the plow,,,its the best part of the Kubota...lol!

[@NLGhostWolf]

I just love my FXR. It's extremely smooth and unreal on gas... Shifting is very smooth as well. So far I have Zero regrets with my FXR and it fits my needs in a SxS perfectly. It's not a fast SxS. Top speed is only 45 or 48 mile per hour. But that's more speed than I need or will ever use.

[@Stu650Zuk]

Sounds good I will have to demo one and look it over well. Top speed is fine on the Kawasaki. I wouldn't ever need to go 45mph anyhow. Acceleration and torque for trails and sure pulling power for a steep uphill is what I want and need. The Kubota is supposed to hit 30mph. I've only seen 22mph down the shoulder of the road and it took forever to get there..Thanks again.

[@truenorthliving9557]

Nice ride Charlie

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks Norm

[@hunt4fish]

Excel review Charlie, you got more hrs on yours than I got on my 'ordinary old" 618 Mule. 2 yrs old. That wiper sucks 4 sure but it is a very nice rig...easy does it, you know you can't follow me without a chainsaw eh? ahahahah.

[@NLGhostWolf]

I know... hahaha... But I think you'd tip over first. That is why I got the Tundra Ski-doo, no one can follow me unless they have a chainsaw.

[@hunt4fish]

Same thing as riding a bike through the wilderness.........what about a set of wings?

[@NLGhostWolf]

When I was younger I pictured me one day having an ultralight aircraft, but after 3 close calls over the years I'm happy to keep my feet on the ground for the most part. A good buddy of mine just bought a new plane, not sure if I would ever fly with him though. He drives everything hard... I was thinking about getting a drone for a while then I seen what happened to Troy's drone... Bad luck there.

[@hunt4fish]

Yeah, my son flies drones regularly; gets a bit expensive if you have trouble and regulations are starting to pop up too. Don't think I will bother that though.

[@williamterry3177]

I am sure about needing the chainsaw but you will need a trailer to haul the same cargo :-)

[@theoutdoorman4438]

What do you use to edit your videos

[@NLGhostWolf]

IMovie only. It is the simplest editing system I've used and once you get use to it. It's hard to beat for short simple videos.

[@OutDoorZombie]

Nice!! I want one!!

[@NLGhostWolf]

They are an outdoorsmen's ideal vehicle to get back into the far to reach places. What would be better would be an argo with tracks... Those things can go anywhere. But these SxS's are much more comfortable for traveling the old logging roads for sure.

[@travisricks3436]

I do too

[@BarackObama-yc1ey]

Travis Ricks for 15 k I don’t recommend it. I would get the le

[@cathypascale8187]

Price? Power Steering?

[@NLGhostWolf]

Yes power steering, with all the accessories it was a little over 22K CAD.

[@andrewhalvorsen2201]

$11,600 out the door. Houston tx

[@theirishaxe9405]

No diff lock though?

[@NLGhostWolf]

Rear Diff lock

[@theirishaxe9405]

NLGhostWolf front diff lock is all that matters without it your in 3 wheel drive

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

John Smith this is not a mud machine. Its for doing yard work

[@OutDoorZombie]

Heater?

[@NLGhostWolf]

Not yet. Just got the Snow Plow mounted today. Had enough snow in the driveway to try the plow. Perfect !!!

[@justinpeekin1256]

nice machine for sure!

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks

[@retrodog63]

Nothing more than "the right path" when shopping for a UTV.

[@NLGhostWolf]

Glad you liked it

[@grousehunter67]

yes a very nice machine

[@NLGhostWolf]

I think so, and so far so good... :-)

[@grousehunter67]

do have a ATV to ? Charlie or only the pro fxr

[@joesneon]

OOOpps Charlie.

[@NLGhostWolf]

hahaha

[@MyMainAccount76]

Nice

[@NLGhostWolf]

thanks

[@joesneon]

WICKED CHARLE WICKED!!!!!

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks Joe !!!

[@steveward2158]

Nice Kawasaki

[@NLGhostWolf]

Thanks Steve

[@o2befubar21]

What is your plow set up?

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Bruteforce 750 is better. Engine is way better.