For those who are considering a sport side-by-side and are not interested in one of the lesser-known budget models like the CFMoto ZForces, the Kawasaki Teryx 800 may be towards the top of your list.
Kawasaki has earned a reputation over the years for producing some of the most dependable and long-lasting off-road vehicles you’ll find.
There are the ever popular Kawasaki Brute Force ATVs.
There are the tough, workhorse utility vehicles in the Kawasaki Mules.
And then there are the Teryx models, which make an excellent option for those who like to open it up and do some aggressive trail riding but want to be comfortable while doing so.
This review of the Kawasaki Teryx 800 will highlight both the good and bad with this model, including:
- A brief overview of the two main Teryx 800 models
- Build quality and performance
- Design and durability
- Top speed
- What owners love
- What owners don’t love
To see how the Teryx 800 stacks up with the Teryx 1000 models, you can check out this full review and comparison of all Kawasaki Teryx models.
About The Kawasaki Teryx 800
The Teryx 800 is one of Kawasaki’s main sport side-by-side vehicles and consists of two main models for 2024:
- Kawasaki Teryx
- Kawasaki Teryx 4
As you can probably tell, the Teryx 800 is a standard two-seater and the Teryx 800 4 is a bigger four-seater with a second row of seating.
The standard Teryx offers two different trim levels for 2024, while the Teryx 4 offers four different trim levels.
It should be noted that these models are not technically named the Teryx 800, rather the Teryx and Teryx 4.
But they’re commonly referred to as the Teryx 800 models in reference to their engines.
Build Quality & Performance
Engine
The Teryx 800 models are powered by Kawasaki’s 783 cc V-Twin engine, which offers 47 lb-ft of torque and a maximum power output of 56 horsepower.
That may not sound like much power when compared to today’s sport side-by-sides, but the engine is known for punching above its weight class and providing more power than you’d expect.
This is especially true in the lower RPM ranges, with the Teryx 800 being packed with low-end torque which makes for excellent acceleration right off the line.
The excellent low-end power and acceleration makes these great trail riding options – they’ll take on just about any terrain and win.
Mud, rutted trails, puddles, and steep mountainous terrain are no issue. They do just fine in sand as well, but sand is the one terrain in which these models may feel slightly underpowered.
The power in the Teryx 800’s engine noticeably drops off in mid and upper RPM ranges though, and you’ll notice you don’t get near the same acceleration from 30+ mph compared to what you get in the 0-30 mph ranges.
An electronic speed limiter is also programmed into the ECU of the Teryx 800 models, which puts a cap on the top end speed.
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke, SOHC |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single Cylinder |
| Displacement | 783 cc |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 85 x 69 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel System | Digital Fuel Injection |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid Cooling |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.9 Gallons |
Drivetrain
The Teryx 800 models all offer selectable 2WD/4WD with the ability to lock the front differential for added traction.
When you put these models in 4WD and turn on the differential lock, there’s really nowhere they won’t go as long as they have enough ground clearance.
These models are also equipped with a fully automatic CVT transmission and centrifugal clutch.
Unlike some other models that experience a lack of throttle response and acceleration with their CVT transmission, there is no lag with the Teryx 800 and the throttle response is instant.
These models feature both a High and Low gear, along with Neutral and Reverse.
Like most other Kawasaki off-road vehicles, there is no Park setting so the parking brake will need to be engaged to keep the machine from rolling when stopped.
| Drive System | 2WD/4WD w/ front differential lock, Shaft Drive |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT |
| Gearshift | H – L – N – R |
Suspension
The Kawasaki Teryx 800 models are equipped with double wishbone suspension systems in the front and rear.
The amount of suspension travel they offer varies by the model and trim level, falling between 8 and 11 inches of travel in the front and rear.
Each Teryx 800 also has Fox podium piggyback shocks that offer fully adjustable preload at all four corners and 24-way compression damping.
This gives you the ability to find the perfect setting for your riding style and the terrain you’ll be tackling, whether you want a softer or stiffer ride.
At the softest settings, the Teryx 800’s really eat up the ground well as you ride so that you can take on obstacles, bumps, holes and ruts at a decent speed without much noticeable impact.
At the stiffer settings, you’ll get more precise handling and better cornering ability.
The Teryx 800 models get a decent ground clearance of around 11 to 12 inches by model/trim level, but they don’t quite compare with some competitors who sit up higher and provide more room to clear obstacles.
You’ll notice that even the Teryx 800’s with the best clearance numbers will still tend to bottom out on rutted trails more frequently than their competitors will.
| Turning Radius | 16.7- 17.7 ft |
| Wheelbase | 85 – 88 in |
| Max Ground Clearance | 11 – 12 in |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone |
| Front Travel | 8 – 11 in |
| Rear Travel | 8 – 11 in |
Tires & Brakes
The Teryx 800 models come equipped with 26-inch or 27-inch Maxxis All Terrain tires in both the front and rear, varying by the model and trim level.
Maxxis tires are known to provide plenty of traction regardless of the terrain, making these vehicles capable of tackling just about anything.
All models feature dual hydraulic disc brakes in front and multi-disc brakes in the rear, which are capable of stopping them on a dime.
| Front Tires | 26 x 9-12 / 27 x 9-14 |
| Rear Tires | 26 x 11-12 / 27 x 11-14 |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Multi Disc |
Build Quality & Design
Like the rest of the Kawasaki models, the Teryx 800 is built with high quality parts and components that rarely require repairing or replacing.
And it’s hard to find another trail riding sport side-by-side that offers the same level of comfort these do for extended rides in the wilderness.
The cab is spacious and offers plenty of legroom for riders in both the front and rear.
The rear seats in some competitive models are suited more for children than adults, but not in the Teryx 800. Full grown adults will be plenty comfortable riding in the rear, even for long trips.
The seats are also some of the most comfortable you’ll find in the industry, with their contoured designs doing a good job of keeping riders’ bodies in place.
And passenger-side/rear grab bars add to riders’ overall stability, even when riding aggressively.
Kawasaki Teryx 800 Top Speed
The Kawasaki Teryx models are restricted by an electronic speed limiter that limits their top speeds to 50 mph.
These speed limiters can be bypassed with a tune of the ECU, which will enable your Teryx to hit speeds into the 60+mph range.
What Owners Love
- Engines are as dependable and durable as you’ll find.
- Excellent low-end torque makes for great initial acceleration.
- The suspension and shocks are fully adjustable so you can provide the best setting for your riding style.
- Tires provide good traction and stability.
- The tilt-up steering wheel offers good adjustability.
- Some of the best cab-room and leg-space in the industry allows for two or four adult riders to ride comfortably on extended trips.
- Seats are big and comfy, and do a great job of holding you in place while riding.
- Overall build quality is some of the best you’ll find, making repairs and replacements minimal.
- Three-year warranty through Kawasaki is the best in the industry.
What Owners Don’t Love
- The power and acceleration drops off considerably past 30 mph in High gear.
- An electronic speed limiter makes these models some of the slowest in their class in terms of top-end speed.
- The engine is quite loud, making it hard to hear passengers while accelerating.
- Warm air vents into the cab through the dash and center console areas, which can be uncomfortable when riding on hot days.
- The only door handles are on the outside of the doors, requiring you to reach over and open them from the inside.
- The ground clearance in these models is less than you’ll find in most competitive models, making them prone to bottoming out on rutted trails.
Final Word
For those who want to take the family out for comfortable, extended trail rides – you won’t find many side-by-sides that make a better fit than the Kawasaki Teryx 800.
But for those who really like to open it up on the trails and ride aggressively, these models won’t quite compete with the sportier Polaris RZR 1000 or the Can Am Maverick models.
