If you are considering purchasing a Kawasaki Mule and speed is near the top of the list of deciding factors for you, you’ve come to the right place to assist in your decision.
That said, I highly recommend you read this review of Kawasaki Mules as a whole for an understanding of all the strengths and weaknesses of this line.
And as some of the more basic UTVs in the industry, this list of the most popular Kawasaki Mule accessories will help completely transform your Mule into one of the more attractive vehicles out there.
But for this guide, let’s review the top speeds of each Kawasaki Mule model as well as some proven ways you can increase those speeds if you feel the need to.
Recent Kawasaki Mule Models Get A Speed Upgrade
As utility vehicles designed more specifically for work than recreation, Kawasaki Mules have long been known more for their strong towing and hauling capacities than for their top-line speeds.
They were easily the slowest UTVs in the industry until the newer Mule Pro models came along in 2015 with twice the amount of speed.
And there’s a new sheriff in town for 2024, as a review of the all-new Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT 1000 top speed shockingly makes it one of the fastest side-by-sides in the industry.
Let’s see how the rest of the Mule models compare in terms of top speed.
Kawasaki Mule Pro FX Top Speed
One of the aforementioned newer models, introduced in 2017, the Mule Pro-FX features an 812cc three-cylinder gas engine and CVT transmission.
Boasting an estimated 47 HP while being tuned for low-end torque and extended service life at 3,500 RPM, the Kawasaki Mule Pro FX top speed is 50 MPH.
Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT Top Speed
Another of the newer models, introduced in 2015, the Mule Pro-FXT only differs from the Mule Pro-FX in that it offers additional back row seating and less bed depth.
All of the engine specs are identical. As such, the Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT top speed is 50 MPH.
But if you throw on one of the eleven most popular Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT accessories in a bigger set of tires, you’ll probably increase the top speed by a few mph.
These models offer a number of different trim levels, with the Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT Ranch Edition being one of the most popular.
Kawasaki Mule Pro MX Top Speed
Launched in 2019, the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX differs from the larger and heavier Mule Pro FX and FXT models in that it features a less powerful 695cc single-cylinder gas engine and CVT transmission.
It offers an estimated 44 horsepower. Though more agile than the FX and FXT models, the Mule Pro MX reaches a top speed of 45 MPH.
A review of the Mule Pro MX will give you some intel into why this model ranks on the list of the best UTVs for the money this year.
Kawasaki Mule SX Top Speed
The Kawasaki Mule SX was introduced in 2016 and is relatively small and compact by UTV standards, almost closer to the size of an ATV.
It offers a 401 cc single-cylinder engine (one of the quieter engines among the line of Mules) and CVT transmission, as well as around 26 horsepower.
The combination of a less-powerful engine and a speed governor restrict it to a top speed of 25 MPH.
While this model makes the list of best cheap side-by-sides, I highly recommend reading a review of the Mule SX before buying one to better understand some of its drawbacks.
Kawasaki Mule 4010 Top Speed
A review of the Mule 4010 shows that while it’s only slightly bigger than the Mule SX, it’s a beast in terms of low-end torque and power.
This model replaced the Mule 3010 in 2009, and comes equipped with a 617cc V-Twin gas engine and CVT transmission, offering around 40 max HP.
The Mule 4010 top speed is only 25 mph thanks to a speed governor that exists.
This model is a real workhorse, but the Mule 4010 does experience some common problems.
Kawasaki Mule 610 Top Speed
The Mule 610 first hit the market in 2005 and was a big hit among users who coined it “the Baby Mule” due to its small and compact design.
The Baby Mule is known for having the agility of an ATV but also the workman-like ability expected in a Mule UTV.
The Kawasaki Mule 610 features a 401cc four-stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder engine and can reach a top speed of 25 MPH with its speed governor in place.
This model makes for one of the best used side-by-sides you’ll find for sale under $5,000 these days.
Kawasaki Mule 3010 Top Speed
Produced from 2001 to 2008, the Kawasaki Mule 3010 is a lightweight and versatile UTV offered with both gas and diesel engines.
The gas version is propelled by a 617cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled V-twin (two cylinders) engine while the diesel version makes use of a three-cylinder power mill.
Like many Mule models of that time, both the gas and diesel models’ top speeds are restricted to 25 MPH by speed governors.
It was replaced by the Mule 4010 in 2009.
Kawasaki Mule 550 Top Speed
In 1997, the Mule 550 was introduced as the first two-person compact Mule model.
Powered by a 286cc four stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder engine, it can reach a top speed of 25 MPH.
That said, given the age of many 550’s, you may be looking at a more realistic top speed of around 20 MPH depending upon the wear of the engine.
Kawasaki Mule 2510 Top Speed
The Mule 2510 started as a gas version produced from 1993-1999 and eventually included a diesel version produced from 2000-2001.
The gas Mule is powered by a 617cc V-Twin (double cylinder) engine while the diesel Mule is powered by a 952cc three-cylinder engine.
Both models are equipped with speed governors and top out at 25 MPH.
Kawasaki Mule Speed Increase
Again, as Mules are built to be work vehicles rather than recreational vehicles, their top speeds reflect this.
Even in one of the newer model Mules, you’re not going to be able to keep up with an ATV out on the trails or pavement.
And with the age of some of the older models, even the listed top speeds may be hard to reach.
That said, there are some ways to increase the speed of your governor-restricted Mule, but only by around 10 mph tops.
And there are a number of ways to ensure even your older Mule has a great chance to reach its top speed.
Adjusting Speed Governors
Speed governors are installed on Kawasaki Mules to limit the power of the engine to what it was designed to handle. These speed governors limit the RPMs, which limits the top speed you can achieve on the machine.
Keep in mind that these governors are in place for good reason. However, you are able to manually adjust the speed governors on older Mule models in order to increase the RPMs and increase the top speed of your Mule by around 5-10 MPH.
You can make an adjustment to your Mule’s governor as follows:
Raise the bed area to reveal the engine and locate the small plate covering at the back left. Remove the rivets holding the plate in place and remove the plate.
You’ll see a bolt that holds a rod (the rod runs down into the casing) in place. Loosen the bolt but do not remove it.
Once the bolt has been loosened, focus on the rod that runs down into the casing.
Using a pair of pliers, grasp and turn the top of the rod counter clockwise around a quarter of a turn or a half of a turn. You do not want to turn it any more than that.
Many riders have reported this action successfully increasing their Mule’s top speed by anywhere from 5-10 MPH.
Bypassing Speed Governors
In newer Mule models, you won’t be able to manually adjust the speed governor via the process outlined above.
That’s because newer Mule models are installed with an electronic speed limiter in their ECU’s from the factory.
The only way to bypass these electronic speed governors is to have the ECU in your Mule tuned or flashed, which will delete the electronic speed limiter and limit your RPMs at their highest level.
That said, at most you’ll likely only see about an 8-10 mph increase in speed as Kawasaki Mules and their engines just aren’t designed to go much faster.
Risks with adjusting speed governors
If you choose to make a manual adjustment to a Mule’s governor, you should avoid running full throttle for long periods of time as this can lead to internal engine issues.
But you should be fine as long as you stay below the maximum RPMs, which can be found in the owner’s manual of your Mule model. However, this action is not without the following risks.
- If you exceed the maximum RPMs and go above the maximum designed engine red line, there is a chance you can blow the engine. You’ll not only be down a Mule, but you may find yourself walking home from wherever you are.
- Modifying the engine will likely affect the resale value as many potential buyers will hesitate to purchase a UTV that has been updated in this way.
- Modifying the engine may also void any warranty you may still have on the machine.
Before making an adjustment to a speed governor that is installed for good reason, ask yourself if the added 5-10 MPH of speed is worth the risk.
Four more ways to increase the speed of your Kawasaki Mule
- Ensure your tires are fully inflated. Less inflation in the tires leads to less speed. The standard tire pressure recommended for UTVs is between 12 to 18 PSI, and you can find your model’s specific recommendation for this in the owner’s manual.
- Upgrade to bigger tires. Many riders have reported that moving from 24” stock tires to 26” tires has helped to increase the top speed of their Mule.
- Check the drive belt, and ensure it is not old and/or loose. This could prevent your Mule from reaching top speeds. If your machine snaps forward when accelerating rather than rolling smoothly as intended, or acceleration feels rough in general, this is a sign it may be time to replace the belt. Ensuring your drive belt is fresh and tight should have a positive impact on the top speed of your Mule.
- Check your spark plugs. If the spark plugs are worn or dirty, they may not be igniting the fuel in your engine at the proper rate which can result in a lower top speed.
Conclusion – Kawasaki Mule Top Speed
To reiterate, Kawasaki Mules are top-of-the-line UTVs built to be reliable, durable work vehicles.
Though they won’t win you a sprint through the woods against some of the speedier UTVs on the market, many times you’ll come out ahead in the marathon of usability as they are built to last longer than many other UTVs out there.
If your need for speed outweighs your need for reliability and comfort, a Mule may not be the best choice for you.
But for those who occasionally like to mix work and play, you can’t go wrong with the Kawasaki Mule’s combination of elite dependability and moderate speed.
