Editors Note 7/7/2020: Please see the following article on the release of the 2021 KRX Models.
http://utvrevolutionb.wpengine.com/kawasaki-adds-two-new-models-to-krx-line-up/
Kawasaki has started the countdown of the release of their 2021 models and though not much is known about them so far, there has been rampant speculation on what the new model year will bring. There are some changes to the Teryx KRX 1000 platform that we can confirm and some that we can make some educated guesses about.
First, the changes that we know for certain are happening with the 2021 Kawasaki KRX. The most obvious change for 2020 is a new color and graphics package. The Metallic Moondust White/Metallic Onyx Black color scheme is being retired for now and is being replaced by a Vibrant Blue/Metallic Onyx Black combination.
Also, new for 2021 is a new low battery voltage indicator, which will provide additional information for riders. The KRX already had a battery gauge, but the indicator will more noticeably alert the driver of an issue.
The KRX had some reported issues 2020 models with steering knuckles and the one way bearing in the CVT clutch system. Late in the model year, Kawasaki addressed these issues with redesigned steering knuckles and lower a-arms. These late model year changes will carry over into the 2021 model.
Now, on to the speculation. Currently on Kawasaki’s home page there are three UTV models and four motorcycle models. One of the UTV models has the outline of the Kawasaki Mule two seater model and the other two are outlines of the KRX.
Not much can be guessed at on the two KRX outlines due to Kawasaki duplicating one covered image into two separate images. However it can be speculated that one of two things is happening here. Either they’re trying to throw people off and not let the cat out of the bag that there is a four seater model coming for the new model year, or…
There is a forced air induction turbo or supercharged KRX coming for the unveil in July.
We’re leaning towards either a turbo or supercharged KRX and the reasoning is fairly simple. Even before the KRX 1000 was released to the public, there were already companies that were working on a turbo for the naturally aspirated engine. K&T Performance actually unveiled a mock up of their turbo system along with Kawasaki reps at the KRX launch event in October of 2019, however things have been quiet since then.
Then, back in February of this year, we got to talk to the team at Jeremy McGrath Motorsports and they were telling us about a turbo that they had developed for the KRX that was making serious power that they had been testing. It had been driven in the desert and was easily hitting over 100 MPH, even while running 35″ tires. We were told at that time that is was very close to being ready to launch. Then, things went silent.
So, why did the two main companies that were involved with developing an aftermarket turbo for the KRX that riders have been begging for suddenly go quiet? Well, Kawasaki has a history of working hand in hand with aftermarket companies in developing products for their OEM programs. We’re speculating here, but we believe that Kawasaki gave someone at these companies a heads up and told them that they were coming out with their own or that they have worked with these companies to develop a system that will be the new KRX Turbo.
Kawasaki already has a drivetrain that can handle more power, with their larger CVT, belts, axles, differential and transmission. If they release a forced induction factory model onto the UTV market, then Kawasaki could be coming in with a game changer for the 2021 model year.
