Purchased Kawasaki Ridge Limited

[ehart814]

Little snow storm going on the past couple days. Started getting a bit heavy last night so I went for a ride with one of my pups. The HVAC did it's job, kept warm and the defrost and wiper kept the windows clear enough. I believe all HVAC buggies have a little bit of an issue keeping the coolant temp up high enough to make good heat. The coolant temp would get below 150 at times but it stayed warm enough. I may try a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator. I have my complaints about the machine, but there's no denying that the cab is very nice and comfortable, especially when the weather is bad. Still waiting on my snow plow bracket to come in - then the mission will be making a Tusk snow plow work with a KFI snow plow mount. Hopefully no big deal

 

[Admin]

 

[Se far]

Nice,
This is a nice concept that Honda is missing out on. Honda is so close to having similar, but it's like they just gave up and said F-it. Lets just slap on this door that has air holes all over the place.
I know its kinda a niche market within the industry, but for older folks or those that dont want to get dirty and even street legal groups its going to be a requirement that will push them into the sealed units like the Ridge or Canam

Keep us updated on any issues and accomplishments.
Thanks.

And the folks that want those things don't mind the belts, which is the only reason I have a Honda. Mine doesn't work hard but it works. I upgraded my Pioneer this year and couldn't believe the prices on the fancy Polaris and Kawasaki. They are amazing units though.

I'm not surprised that Honda isn't serving this niche-- I can't think of any Honda that is cutting edge for anything. Not complaining but they don't seem to care about anything but reliability.

 

[ehart814]

And the folks that want those things don't mind the belts, which is the only reason I have a Honda. Mine doesn't work hard but it works. I upgraded my Pioneer this year and couldn't believe the prices on the fancy Polaris and Kawasaki. They are amazing units though.

I'm not surprised that Honda isn't serving this niche-- I can't think of any Honda that is cutting edge for anything. Not complaining but they don't seem to care about anything but reliability.

I def don't love the belt - that's one of the biggest reasons I stuck with Honda side by sides until now. My machines play a little, but I definitely work them and the Hondas never complained. This Kawi has some big shoes to fill, but so far I'm happy with it.

My opinion (for what it's worth) is that Honda will eventually have an HVAC model. But as a Honda fan for many years, I've learned not to get impatient with them. I decided I wanted HVAC and I wanted it now, so I figured Kawi was probably the safest non-Honda option available and there are huge discounts on the Ridge models right now.

 

[Bighat]

View attachment 455465
Little snow storm going on the past couple days. Started getting a bit heavy last night so I went for a ride with one of my pups. The HVAC did it's job, kept warm and the defrost and wiper kept the windows clear enough. I believe all HVAC buggies have a little bit of an issue keeping the coolant temp up high enough to make good heat. The coolant temp would get below 150 at times but it stayed warm enough. I may try a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator. I have my complaints about the machine, but there's no denying that the cab is very nice and comfortable, especially when the weather is bad. Still waiting on my snow plow bracket to come in - then the mission will be making a Tusk snow plow work with a KFI snow plow mount. Hopefully no big deal

Putting the cardboard in mine in the morning. Gonna be real cold for a while.

 

[906UP]

Putting the cardboard in mine in the morning. Gonna be real cold for a while.

Be careful with that, if you do keep any eye on your temp gauge. We're about 600 miles North of you and ride around all winter without blocking the radiator. The thermostat will keep the engine at operating temperature. Our buggies run at 2 bars, same as they do in the summer.

 

[ehart814]

Putting the cardboard in mine in the morning. Gonna be real cold for a while.

I stuffed a few pieces of cardboard in front of the radiator and it definitely helped. Temps hover around 160-180 with the cardboard.

 

[ehart814]

Did the first service. Super easy. Guess what guys... SPIN ON FILTER! Trans and front diff are super easy too. Didn't have to use a piece of tube or a pump to refill.

Really happy the KFI plow mount works with my old Tusk snow plow that I had on my Pioneer. The only thing I need to do is drill out the plow for larger pins - the KFI mounts use larger pins than the Tusk so it's a little sloppy. But it went right on no problem!

 

[ODAMO]

According to DirtWheels magazine the 2025 Talon has a spin on oil filter and a centrifugal clutch & DCT. 😲

 

[Robobrainiac]

Did the first service. Super easy. Guess what guys... SPIN ON FILTER! Trans and front diff are super easy too. Didn't have to use a piece of tube or a pump to refill.

Really happy the KFI plow mount works with my old Tusk snow plow that I had on my Pioneer. The only thing I need to do is drill out the plow for larger pins - the KFI mounts use larger pins than the Tusk so it's a little sloppy. But it went right on no problem! View attachment 455781View attachment 455780View attachment 455779View attachment 455778View attachment 455777

If your rig is similar to my Teryx4 the fluid changes are really easy. When I purchased my first service kit EVERYTHING was in a single box designed for my rig. It included a disposable cardboard funnel and a pair of rubber gloves. I bought mine from the dealer at time of purchase. I felt like it was cheap considering what it came with. I think I paid $90.

 

[ehart814]

If your rig is similar to my Teryx4 the fluid changes are really easy. When I purchased my first service kit EVERYTHING was in a single box designed for my rig. It included a disposable cardboard funnel and a pair of rubber gloves. I bought mine from the dealer at time of purchase. I felt like it was cheap considering what it came with. I think I paid $90.

I got all my stuff from a local independent shop. Used Honda GN4 engine oil and used amsoil in the diff and transmission. I paid $190 for all that and the snow plow attachment plate so it was very reasonable considering the plate was over $100 by itself