Kaw Trails! New Machines - New Ride Area

Whether above ground or a half mile beneath the surface, mining is a tough business. It's dusty, loud, and dangerous, but a vital part of our countries energy chain, and that's not going to change anytime soon. As long as we keep using electricity, we'll need mines to help keep the river of energy flowing, but in the case of surface mining there is a concern even after the energy is extracted. Like the early morning fog that silently drifts between the mountain tops and through the valleys, the question has always been what to do with the area once the mining is completed. Nowhere is that question more pronounced than deep in the coal lined hills of Kentucky.
The State of Kentucky understands the fine line between economic viability and long term, conscientious environmental management of their natural resources. Paramount is their dedication to protecting the environment, but they have managed to do so without leaving their citizens and economic viability out of the equation. Kawasaki recently invited us to preview an enormous new ride area in Kentucky to witness the successful realization of both energy, environmental, economic, and recreational needs for all.We tested another Brute Force at Mine Made Paradise, and once again it was an excellent trail explorer. The V-Twin engine cranks out plenty of horse power, and it handles very well through really tight areas.

Mine Made Paradise

The same mountains that hide valuable coal also make for excellent recreation whether on horseback, on foot, or on an ATV. Mine Made Paradise is a huge new recreation area spanning 43,000 acres near Hazard, Kentucky. It offers practically unlimited recreation on land that has undergone mine reclamation, replanting, and reseeding, but also with a dedicated trail system as part of the plan. The area is also home to the largest elk herd (over 16,000 animals) east of the Mississippi. With cooperation between the state and local governments, supporting residents, and a few very good, hard working enthusiasts, Mine Made Paradise is almost sure to be one of the countries premier destinations for outdoor recreation and exploration. The basic elements for success are already in place. There are excellent local hotels, restaurants, parts dealers, and just about anything else a dirt loving visitor could want, including a nice wide road for hauling a trailer to the main trail head. There you will find a large parking area, maps, and even an Off-Road Academy of sorts (the only one we know of) where you can learn to ride with the guidance of a highly experienced instructor. You'll be taught not only technique, but safety as well! To help insure the trail quality, they've even hired one of the main trail development guys from Hatfield McCoy to help build the system! One day was enough to convince us we wanted to come back, and we've got a thorough review planned for their official fall opening later this year.The new Mule 610 is definitely sportier than other Mule models, and it is possible to get the front tires off the ground, but trail conditions have to provide a little loft to get started.

Mule Train

The 2010 Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 XC

Mules were one of the original mining vehicles and we thought it fitting to try a couple Kawasaki mules on our mining adventure. The Kawasaki Mule is one of those rare products that have managed to brand a category and every product in it. For Kawasaki this is nothing new, and they've had a unique knack of creating category defining vehicles. People don't look at a small craft skimming across a lake and think of it as a personal watercraft; they know it as a Jet Ski. The same goes for high performance sport bikes which are often called a NINJA! While the Mule has long been a steady and dependable work mate on construction sites, parks departments, and farms everywhere, it was never built for high speed trail action any more than its namesake long eared, short legged quadruped was meant to race the Kentucky Derby. For 2010 Kawasaki decided to introduce a mule with legs! This Mule is cool!

All the Details

The new Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 XC is designed to be a sturdy work vehicle that can also have fun on the trails. It comes with a host of new features such as 26 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires, 1.5 inches more of ground clearance (8.1" now), new skid plates for trail protection, and even with a wider track it still fits in the bed of a pickup. Longer suspension helps the 610 4x4 XC climb over larger obstacles than ever, and to make room for the new tires and extra travel the front bumper’s been kicked forward about 1.2 inches. The front grille includes space for mounting a 3000-pound capacity winch as well.The driver and passenger cab of the Mule 610 4x4 XC

The Mule 610 4x4 XC looks like an entirely new vehicle, but under the bodywork its reliable and economical drive train remain intact. A highly durable 401cc fan-cooled, overhead-valve engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds power to all four wheels, and for cold weather starts the carb features an enrichening system that partially opens the throttle. The Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse gear, provided the brake pedal is applied. Select 2WD or 4WD, and it's hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work or play we go!

Front suspension on the Mule features MacPherson struts, and its mid-engine layout and swingarm rear suspension provide good weight balance and traction at the rear. For more aggressive off-road action the Mule gets an upgraded braking system as well. A 400 pound capacity tilting bed and 1,100-pound towing capacity means you can bring whatever you need along for the ride.

For the Mule driver and passenger a revised seat covered in a more pliable material make the ride comfortable, and automotive style controls insure the vehicle is easy to operate. Dual cup holders, a large glove box, and a cavernous area under the front hood provide ample storage, and a smaller-diameter sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Teryx complete the look. Seat belts and a certified ROPS enhance safety.Larger tires help the Mule 610 4x4 XC crawl over larger rocks and logs like this.

Trail Time

The new Mule 610 4x4 XC certainly has a sportier nature, but this is still a Mule with a top speed of 25 mph, and nobody is going to race one at Baja. Never the less, regardless of the vehicle we always have a blast on the trail, and it was fun winding up and down the hills, bouncing through the rough stuff, and generally enjoying every minute of the ride. In some ways it is back to basics, but the new XC Mule definitely bridges the gap nicely between Teryx-esque all out trail shredding performance, and stodgy, tractor like handling and working capabilities. This Mule likes to kick up its heels when the work is done!

Teryx Time

While the Kawasaki Mule vehicles are definitely geared toward hard work with occasional play, no vehicle in its class can outperform the Teryx. It loves to run and the tougher the trail, the better it gets. We've even named the Teryx our pick for Crossover UTV of the Year based on both its sporty performance and its working capabilities, but that didn't stop Kawasaki from introducing updates to the Teryx once again.Water and mud is no problem for the Teryx. We've never had a belt get wet!

Teryx Chassis and Suspension

In our experience the Teryx has always been reliable. In fact, one of our test riders, Corry Weller, races her highly modified UTV in the SCORE series and she reports the stock Teryx is known for its sturdy, beefy chassis. If the Teryx can take a pounding on a brutal off-road race course chances are you'll never have a problem doing nothing more than weekend trail rides. Kawasaki engineers did increase cooling capacity by changing the on-demand fan behind the radiator, and increasing hose diameter that feeds it. It means better coolant flow, and better cooling at slow speeds when air doesn't pass over the radiator quickly enough to dissipate heat efficiently. The long term payoff if more consistent coolant temperature and longer engine life. As an added touch the coolant overflow tank has been relocated under the front hood for easy service.

The suspension on all Teryx models features dual A-arms front and rear, adjustable shocks, and is designed for aggressive driving. It can take a beating, but it still delivers a smooth ride with precise handling. Move the steering wheel and you feel immediate response, and we like the steering gear ratio. Turning the wheel gives you the perfect amount of movement at the front wheels. Bodywork is well designed and as tough as the rest of the Teryx, and a hefty rear dump box can handle just about anything you can pack into or on top of it. A receiver style hitch is found at the rear just under the dump box. Kawasaki gave the new Teryx a redesigned front hood this year, and now it opens forward for direct access to the front suspension, the brake master cylinder, and the radiator as well.We tested the Teryx on the trails at Mine Made Paradise, and it performed perfectly. It's got excellent power, very good brakes, and sporty, precise handling.

Engine Dynamics

The Kawasaki Teryx™ 750 FI 4x4 engine is a potent SOHC, liquid cooled, V-Twin engine fed by digital fuel injection system. The engine runs smooth and crisp with instant throttle response, quick starting at any temperature, and consistent operation at all elevations thanks to the EFI. Once you have EFI you'll never want to be without it. Another great feature on the Kaw engine is the electronic throttle position sensor. The TPS is actually a safety feature that monitors throttle position and wheel speed. If the throttle is pressed and there is no detectable wheel movement for 2 seconds, the engine rpms will be reduced to protect the CVT belt. It's another great feature designed to insure long term reliability of the Teryx. Kawasaki also gave the Teryx heavy-duty CV axle shafts, joints, and boots all designed for ultimate reliability regardless of the terrain or working conditions. Finally, 26-inch Maxxis tires mounted on 12-inch rims (cast aluminum on some models) get the power to the ground.

INs & OUTs

We've always been comfortable inside the Teryx. The dual bucket seats are spacious and comfortable for riders of every size, and the three point seatbelts are adjustable and keep each occupant securely inside the vehicle. Entry or exit of the Teryx is easy as well, and while the Teryx does not come equipped with doors, it doesn’t need to. Kawasaki engineers extended the bodywork back far enough that your feet are safely tucked well inside, and away from passing sticks, rocks, etc. In fact, the lower bodywork not only works as a protective device, but also as a splash guard. Another great feature is that the lower foot rest area has a grippy surface to help hold your feet in place. Both the throttle angle and brake pedal angle are very good, as are the motion and range of each pedal. Spacing between the foot pedals is important when wearing heavy boots. Nobody likes the surprise of mistakenly hitting the throttle, then stabbing for the brake.The rear of the Mule features a beefy axle & swingarm, and a sturdy dump box.

Controls on the Teryx are well placed, and there is a center mounted digital instrument cluster on the dash that displays speed, fuel level, an odometer, and other vital info. The shift lever is at the drivers right side and always provides very smooth, positive engagement. It's the best in the business. Next to the shift lever is the incremental differential locking mechanism which is easily operated while underway. When normal 4wd still has you slipping, slide the lever back and expect to go forward!

Teryx Mine Ride

Once back in the seat of the Teryx we were instantly reminded of why we've always liked it. It's an absolute blast to drive, and it never runs out of power. The first few miles at Mine Made Paradise are actually logging haul roads that offer little challenge, but they do present fun opportunities to slide around the corners, and the Teryx does it perfectly and with complete control. Before long we picked up where the real trail began.

The new Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 XC

The Mine Made trails generally wind up and down the hills, through the woods, and you don't need to go far to find challenges. Regardless of the terrain and the multitude of rocks, the Teryx suspension had no problem soaking up anything that came along, just as it always has. Handling was precise; point it where you want to go and it will hold its line. Stability on any Side x Side is a big concern for us, and even on steep off cambers the Teryx never feels like it wants to come over. On a few downhill sections we got it hopping, but we don't think it ever bottomed. On steep uphills we could really open up the motor and power our way to the top, and when charging up and down the slopes at high speed there was no chatter or vibration from the box or any other components. At the bottom of some hills we would find mud or a stream crossing, and we waded through time after time with no problem other than wet feet. We never had a problem with the CVT belt slipping, and Kawasaki engineers also wisely located the CVT and engine air intake, and exhaust high enough to avoid any problems. If you get this system wet you need a life jacket!

The Kawasaki Teryx loves to play, but it's not afraid of hard work, and whether hauling gear across the mine site or to the camp site it will outperform every model in its class. The motor has excellent power, handling is precise, it's very controllable and forgiving, and it has proven to be very reliable. When it comes time to play it's a thrill to drive all day, and you won't be disappointed.