What NO ONE is saying about the Kawasaki Ridge

Even after being unveiled, there has been plenty of confusion surrounding the Kawasaki Ridge. What exactly is it? What should we compare it to? How good is it? We’re at the Hatfield McCoy trails in West Virginia to find out.
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[@mikegunn3152]

I love that you talk about sound. Rare if ever do any reviews mention sound. As a avid hunter noise is huge when out and about. Excellent review. You have a new follower!

[@zackbagwell8097]

Fyi you keep saying the Polaris and Can Am both have parallel twins, thats not true Can Am runs V twin in the Defender. One of the main reasons I purchased the Defender over the Ranger. The V-twin sounds so much better! Thanks for the review.

[@ethandearborn3760]

Can't wait to pick up my new Defender in 3 weeks!

[@deborahdesmond5209]

@@ethandearborn3760😅😮

[@greggb681]

The V-Twin sounds WAYYY better than the parallel twins in Polaris. The Polaris lacks that guttural, throaty nature of a V-Twin.

[@russellabernathy3241]

Can Am way better than Polaris

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Great comments and review. Thanks

[@caseycarlson6737]

they’ll sell a bunch of the models with full HVAC in the Midwest.

[@wg5768]

Best review I've seen on the Ridge. Great machine for the farmer or rancher that also likes to go trail riding.

[@kingrider75]

Shit is getting absolutely crazy with these machines lol. Cameras, gps hearing and cooling lol. My buddies all give me shit for my Honda pioneer 1000 but guess who makes it back trip after trip without something broke or a gadget that has went out?😂😂😂

[@JoeJacksonGT3]

How loud is your Honda? I want one, but I really want a quiet ride.

[@rabinpigg3029]

How do you like the clunk clunk shifting in the trans? It's gonna stop shifting just a matter of time, ask me how I know

[@bradforester3635]

Bro this clown car is $33,500!!! 😂

[@johnhardy5058]

Thanks for your honest review.

[@LarryShadewald-jx7ko]

Great review! I love the new Ridge and I ordered mine new Limited and I can't wait to ride the Hatfield McCoy trails later this summer. I will keep my Mule FXT because I can haul 6 people or just my grandkids in it. I bought it new in 2016 and never have had a problem with it and I am sure the Ridge Limited will be just as great!

[@jdog1331]

Pull down back of middle seat for a center console rest and cup holders

[@riverratt8626]

This is a Utility UTV, just like my Ranger Northstar XP 1000, god they even look very similar. So Far I like it, I'll give it a year to see how the reliability is and then maybe buy one. I hope Honda builds an enclosed cab unit now with AC and all the goodies, I use mine for work, so I want the Honda reliability. I've got 11,000 km on my 2019 Ranger, I run tracks all winter up north for work. I have had some small issues like bushings wearing out, only major problems so for have been a rear axle, 02 sensor, Clutch parts wore out & 2 wheel bearings. Tracks are hard on clutches, but I baby the machine and am the only driver of it. Overall I love the machine but not Polaris reliability.

[@FreedomIsntFree2023]

I don't generally think (or care) about horsepower when looking at these types of side by sides. However, you got be looking at it on the Kawasaki website and came across this statement regarding how Kawasaki "rates" the HP......what fresh hell marketing is this? How does it really compare to the other cars on the market?? Statement from Kawi's website: "¹This vehicle's HP was measured according to ISO standard 4106. This ISO standard measures HP differently than the SAE standards by which the horsepower of many cars is measured, and as a result the referenced HP measurement may be higher than if it were measured by an SAE standard."

[@EastCoastATV]

I'm surprised Kawi is positioning the Ridge that way. It's almost identical in size to a Defender and cost is almost the same. I like the 4 cylinder engine and the interior. Can Am and Polaris will have to upgrade the interiors of their machines and hopefully offer a 3 year warranty like Kawi does.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Im Honda guy but i see its impressive to see utv have Ac/heat windows it like a mini truck.

[@dan-1300]

Any news on a crew model?

[@Hunterworks]

I really need to drive one, all that RPM would drive me nuts and it says the clutch is fully shifted out at a low speed making the CVT have a short lifespan like the KRX. I think it should be competing with Ranger and Defender and both of them run roughly 2000 rpm slower. So since you like the sound of the engine, I would say I hope so as that is all I can hear on the video. Otherwise I honestly like it but only as an addition at my farm for a HVAC model

[@randyabishop9477]

One reviewer says it rev's high at 55 mph or a little faster, implying that at 55 mph it's loud & wound a little higher than normal, what was your take on that, thanks

[@WVbilly]

How about a review of the 4x locking system.

[@timdavison2417]

I like the Limited! Is there more leg room in the Ridge over the defender and the Ranger?

[@randyrobertson8729]

I sat in all 3...it has the most of all 3 followed closely by the Defender and in last place for leg room is the Ranger. It is too small for my 6'4" frame. I ordered a Ridge HVAC

[@timdavison2417]

THANKS!! When did they say it will arive?@@randyrobertson8729

[@chetnorville7843]

How about the rattles and squeaks? Does Kawasaki do a good job on keeping them out of their cab system.

[@rabinpigg3029]

The only annoying noise I hear is the plastic roof rattles at times, sounds much better than a Ranger

[@danielholombo7593]

Is there no suspension adjustment? Did you try?

[@jacksongcoop]

only preload adjustment

[@RTOutdoors]

The defender has a v-twin…exception being the HD7

[@robgoffroad]

I'm waiting for the second generation of the KRX. I've had a KRX since the week it was released and want a more powerful KRX from the factory.

[@howarddavis8748]

The Care Ax as you know my friend is a badass trail machine very tough and supple.. just a beast but like you said they suck on power they should put this four-cylinder in it and turbocharged or supercharge it... Or since Polaris did have them put a 2 l for cylinder in it... I expect they wouldn't sense they don't make car engines like Polaris but at least turbocharged or supercharged...it will help a lot.. But even if they supercharge or turbocharge the this 4 cylinder, I expect power it put to be about 200-240 range.... Hell, the Can-Am Maverick R with a triple 1000cc puts out 240 which is excellent!

[@coreyboelman4973]

To bad they messed up the Windshield. Should of come with a flip up that works with a wiper :(

[@jondraper5109]

Has there been any talk or rumors of a crew cab or 6 seater coming out?

[@BrettinFLA]

Do you know if it can be locked up? Door locks?

[@asilaydying1984]

Finally one of these channels admits it’s nothing like a rmax or general and is more like a defender

[@ChuckS.]

So WHY did they bother with a new 999cc 4 cyl that makes no more power than their existing 999cc 2 cyl (KRX motor)?

[@johnwehunt4305]

Technology

[@brennan5220]

Can Am is a V twin!!

[@petewilson8727]

I will stay with the can am defender after owning a Kawasaki mule pro MX and a mule pro FXR and the issues I had with Kawasaki and my dealer will be getting another can am defender soon

[@Tphinn506]

Yah but it’s still a kawasucky - I like the ridge it’s sick but for the same price as a defender limited here in Canada ($36,000 ++) I think I’d wait a few years to see the recalls get worked out

[@wasupfool5692]

You drive a CanAm and you're concerned about Kawasaki reliability? 😂

[@Tphinn506]

@@wasupfool5692 concerned about any new releases no matter the brand lol

[@pajamatime5750]

@@Tphinn506Kawi’s a company that will look after a customer and fix the issues if there are any. It’s backed by a 3 year bumper to bumper warranty. They build very good quality machines - far better than Canam!! I to don’t typically buy first year machines but if it’s a Kawi - I would.

[@MassiveOverkill]

@@pajamatime5750 sure, like the first year KRX with busted knuckles and 300 mile trashed sheaves (which still hasn't been fixed) right?

[@redriderno22]

The can am has a v-twin

[@brennan5220]

Can Am Defender is not a parallel twin!! It’s a very quiet V twin!!

[@MassiveOverkill]

Slow clap. Muy excellente. #1 Farm Sport SxS. You guys have restored my faith in you for stating the blatantly obvious that no one else in the industry wants to do. Of course Kawasaki likes to twist things such as having the audacity to make a KRX 'Trail Edition' trim.

[@pajamatime5750]

Your gripe is that you feel the Ridge is mis-categorized by Kawi?? Let’s say these guys are right and it doesn’t compete with the RMAX. It’s still a great offering from Kawi. I don’t get the hate…. They build very high quality products and it’s great to see them producing new machines. They now stand alone as the only Japanese manufacturer to offer an HVAC, fully cabbed machine. Regardless of what segment you feel it belongs in it’s an excellent offering from Kawi.

[@MassiveOverkill]

@@pajamatime5750 "Let’s say these guys are right and it doesn’t compete with the RMAX" is all that matters. Your feeble attempt at making more out of it is pathetic.

[@pajamatime5750]

@@MassiveOverkillHaha what? Feeble attempt? Just stating facts. You’re hung up on this thing NOT being an RMAX competitor…. Forget that! Why does that matter. It’s a great offering from Kawi whether it competes with an RMAX or not. I’m not sure what your fascination with the RMAX is. It’s a great machine as well but just because the Ridge doesn’t compete with it (in your mind) doesn’t make the Ridge a crappy machine haha. You make no sense man.

[@MassiveOverkill]

@@pajamatime5750 You're hung up on pushing narratives. Why are you so obsessed with me? It's funny that there are tons of other comments in this section stating the same thing yet you focus on mine. If it doesn't matter to you, why even comment? Obviously it does matter to you or you wouldn't make such a stink trying to justify the Ridge. I never said the Ridge was crappy (overall). It simply doesn't have the suspension to justify putting it in a Sport class. You're saying crap that I've never said, which makes you a liar.

[@roykossman3213]

will that garmin fit in my rmax ?? please!!!!

[@markmiller8622]

I thought these where DCT not CVT

[@howarddavis8748]

Nope CVT... like Yamaha the belt is always engaged that's why it lasts soooo long... it's good design!

[@krasmrtgeg]

no A/C??

[@thegodfreyspecial423]

They definitely have not positioned this as an Rmax fighter based on every bit of advertising and reviews

[@h.i.mcdunnough9401]

Kawasaki needs to offer a smaller (60 inch wide or less), low to the ground sports car. Smaller than their current sport machine.

[@prestonhill9320]

Can am runs a v-twin

[@toddhunt4308]

Kawasaki disappoints as normal. They got 15 freaking models. That is like they’re all the same thing.

[@rabinpigg3029]

These are very smooth units, would absolutely buy this over a polaris product, worked at a polaris dealer for 5 years and i cant begin to count the engine jobs ive done on Razors and Rangers, they eat axles, bearings, pivot bushings at every corner, clutches every 1500 miles, and completely zero serviceability. I absolutely hate polaris i will never buy one of their products

[@greggb681]

That's exactly what I want in my utility rig, a loud, high reving I-4 with no bottom end torque 🙄 Thanks Kawasaki for fucking up the Ridge

[@randyjedneak8698]

Rmax is 106 horse power

[@HesterEdition]

We can't wait to get our Hester Edition Elka performance suspension built for these, we will take it WAY up the sport ride and performance food chain!

[@randyhess260]

Why are you running 5 thousand rpms at 15 mph sounds like it’s going to explode

[@randyjedneak8698]

Quiet in cab cause he’s warring @ full helmet

[@howarddavis8748]

Nice video with a lot of detail however going to let you know the new XP 1000 has 114 horsepower and the twin cylinder makes it snotty down below in a trail's probably will feel more powerful than the 116 horsepower 4 cylinder which is more mid-range and top end power not torque... I really do like the fit and finish and the closed cabin of the Ridgeline looks top-notch looks very mechanical, functional I dig it.! However, the lower control arms are a joke = toothpicks just like the XP 1000. Also running 30 in tires on a 33,000 rig not conducive.... They should have beefed up the lower control arms go with 32-in tires piggyback shocks and then at that point yes it would compete directly with R max.!!.. It is what it is but I expect the powertrain to be just as good or if not better than the Honda talon. I might get one of these when iam in my 60's .....lol But for now, I am so I'm digging my Segway villian!... I think the most underestimated cheapest side-by-side out there! But they shred and trails!!

[@marksanaker6430]

Kawasaki makes good stuff. Have a bayou and a mule. Never have problems

[@marksanaker6430]

@@AZFarmFun-hp1cu mines a 1999 bayou 300 4x4. Bought it used 10 years ago. Has never failed me yet

[@marksanaker6430]

Mine is the same. Bought a used 1999 bayou 300 4x4 10 years ago still have it never let me down yet

[@marksanaker6430]

Put tires on it and maintenance

[@larryswerdloff1317]

I now have one ; notice the two reveals are when its cold out. The heat in the cab is terrible and its stupid loud inside. This review is bs.

[@ryancarpenter7288]

Guys nothing for nothing but how can u compare polaris Northstar and defender limited? No comparison. We all know polais is junk.

[@joebiker5992]

After owning a krx 1K, we will definitely stick with kawi. These machines are SOO well built. With over 3000 miles, and zero problems. Only routine maintenance.

[@bartoutdoors]

Pretty dumb to be comparing this to an RMAX.

[@howarddavis8748]

If you install 32-in tires piggyback shocks beefier suspension then it would compare easily to R max You just have to dump 35-4k,into it!!...

[@wreckum56]

I had one Kawasaki and never again!

[@MrMagic700]

I had one Polaris and never again!!

[@bradforester3635]

Wait… 30k ?????? 30 fuckn grand !!!! 😂 wow. Welcome to clown world

[@paulpryor850]

I've been in the powersports game for a long time. I always laugh at these reviews! There's never been a great dual-purpose machine. These manufacturers have been trying to perfect this initiative for years. From on/off motorcycles to sport four-stroke ATV'S. It never works! Throw all the aftermarket accessory money you want at a machine. It usually costs more money to fix it when it breaks. A Polaris Sportsmen 500 HO isn't a Suzuki QuadZilla. I own both because sometimes my objectives change......

[@The.Real.Timmii]

I'll take a belt drive every day over dct

[@dwayneeverett755]

What a disappointment

[@corylee2261]

When can am comes out with something similar to ride.command it's game.over...can am is king