Well, not so covered up spy photos hit social media last week, and as many times as Kawasaki has let us down, I think its time to get excited...

Transcript:

(0:00) – Introduction: Is Kawasaki Finally Releasing a Powerful UTV?

• Nick Olson (Chupacabra Offroad) reacts to leaked photos of a possible high-performance Kawasaki side-by-side.
• Nick: “These leaked photos have me excited—let’s talk about it!”

(0:19) – The Current Kawasaki KRX: A Good Machine, But Underpowered

• Kawasaki KRX debuted in October 2019.
• Well-regarded chassis & suspension, but lacks horsepower.
• Primarily seen in Southern Utah (popular with rock crawlers).
• Competitors (Can-Am & Polaris) have made huge advancements in power & technology.
• “The KRX is a great machine, but people want more power.”

(1:52) – Japanese OEMs Are Lagging in the UTV Market

• Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki have been slow to innovate.
  • Honda Talon: Minimal updates since release.
  • Yamaha YXZ: Small tweaks but no major power upgrades.
  • Meanwhile, Can-Am & Polaris keep pushing the limits.
• Nick: “If you grew up riding Japanese bikes like me, you want to see them step up.”

(2:40) – What the Leaked Photos Reveal

• H2 branding suggests a high-performance engine.
• Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 sport bike has a 998cc supercharged engine:
  • H2: 239 HP @ 11,500 RPM.
  • H2R: 300+ HP @ 14,000 RPM.
• “If this motor makes it into a UTV, it could shake up the market.”

(3:45) – Will Kawasaki Enter the High-Performance Segment?

• Two possible strategies:
  1. Compete directly with Polaris Pro R & Can-Am Maverick R.
  2. Target the mid-range price point (~$30K-$35K).
• Nick: “I think Kawasaki will aim for the X3/Turbo R price range instead of going all-out.”

(6:05) – Key Questions About the New UTV

• Is it a brand-new chassis or an upgraded KRX?
  • Nick: “I think it’s a beefed-up version of the current KRX.”
• Will it have a CVT or gear-driven transmission?
  • CVT would be cheaper & smoother (likely choice).
  • Gearbox would be more exciting but expensive.
• Expected specs:
  • 220-230 HP (below the Maverick R but still competitive).
  • Wider stance (possibly 74” instead of 68”).
  • Stock 33” tires instead of 31” (maybe even 35s).

(10:48) – Predictions for the Official Release

• Possible launch at Sand Sports Super Show (August-September 2024).
• Nick: “Kawasaki is gearing up for a big summer—exciting stuff coming.”
• New 2-stroke Kawasaki dirt bikes rumored as well (KX125, KX250, maybe even a KX500).

(12:36) – Final Thoughts

• Nick: “If Kawasaki delivers over 200 HP, this will be a game-changer.”
• UTV market needs more competition outside of Polaris & Can-Am.
• Nick: “We all grew up on Japanese bikes—this could be huge for the industry.”
• Comment predictions below!