Kawasaki is coming out with a golf cart soon.

[MX rider]

My brother is a longtime Kawasaki dealer in southern Indiana, and he found out about it today.
He wasn't sure if it was gas or lithium. They put out a couple teaser videos on the Kawasaki website, but they don't show much. Should know more soon.

They make very high quality motorcycles, quads, jet ski's and side by sides. I would expect the same quality on their golf cart.

Question will be, how soon will you be able to get custom parts like seats, windshields, and enclosures?

[FloridaGuy66]

I believe that EZGO golf carts use Kawasaki engines, or at least they used to.

[BrianL99]

My brother is a longtime Kawasaki dealer in southern Indiana, and he found out about it today.
He wasn't sure if it was gas or lithium. They put out a couple teaser videos on the Kawasaki website, but they don't show much. Should know more soon.

They make very high quality motorcycles, quads, jet ski's and side by sides. I would expect the same quality on their golf cart.

Question will be, how soon will you be able to get custom parts like seats, windshields, and enclosures?"

The can't seem to compete with Honda, Yamaha, Hero or Suzuki in other markets, so they're trying something new.

[MX rider]

"

The can't seem to compete with Honda, Yamaha, Hero or Suzuki in other markets, so they're trying something new.

My brother has done quite well with them for many years.
They make some excellent models. The only side by sides that outsell Kawi is Polaris and Can Am. Yamaha and Honda aren't close.
If their golf cart is anywhere near as good as their sxs's, it should be pretty nice.

We'll see it on February 25th.

[tophcfa]

My brother has done quite well with them for many years.
They make some excellent models. The only side by sides that outsell Kawi is Polaris and Can Am. Yamaha and Honda aren't close.
If their golf cart is anywhere near as good as their sxs's, it should be pretty nice.

We'll see it on February 25th.

Absolutely loved my Kawasaki KLR 650 dual sport motorcycle. My favorite of the 4 bikes I owned (the others were a Honda and two Suzukis).

[ElDiabloJoe]

Kawasaki's are both 1st and 3rd tier in the JetSki market. 1st tier for customizing for racing. 3rd in recreation sales behind SeaDoo and Yamaha. FWIW, my 2011 STX-15F is still going strong minus an alternator solenoid replacement last year. Lots of folks with digital screen issues and "submarining" issues (nose dipping underwater at slow speeds), but I don't have the screen problem (yet) and I rarely go idle speed for the submarining to be an issue.

[MX rider]

Kawasaki's are both 1st and 3rd tier in the JetSki market. 1st tier for customizing for racing. 3rd in recreation sales behind SeaDoo and Yamaha. FWIW, my 2011 STX-15F is still going strong minus an alternator solenoid replacement last year. Lots of folks with digital screen issues and "submarining" issues (nose dipping underwater at slow speeds), but I don't have the screen problem (yet) and I rarely go idle speed for the submarining to be an issue.

I'm considering a jet ski now that we live here and there's so many places to go. We had one in Indiana for years but the closest lake was 1.5 hours away, and that got old. Wife would would love to get another one though.

[BrianL99]

I'm considering a jet ski now that we live here and there's so many places to go. We had one in Indiana for years but the closest lake was 1.5 hours away, and that got old. Wife would would love to get another one though.

If I'm not mistaken, Kawasaki essentially invented the Jet Ski market and still owns the rights to the name "Jet Ski"? I know they were big in the performance side of Jet Skis. I've been around Lake Winnipesaukee in NH for 50+ years and when Jet Skis started, everyone had Kawasakis.

Just a wild guess, but I'd say there are now 5000+ PWC's on Lake Winnipesaukee and I don't think I've seen anything but a Yamaha or Sea-Doo, Every once in a while, I'll see an old classic advertised on FB or someplace like that.

I hardly ever see their motorcycles any more and I think they got out of the snowmobile business. I don't think they're in the Top 5 of the ATV business any longer?

[CarlR33]

I'm considering a jet ski now that we live here and there's so many places to go. We had one in Indiana for years but the closest lake was 1.5 hours away, and that got old. Wife would would love to get another one though.
Same here with wanting another ski since I would not have to winterize it after a few months of season. Been a few years now with my first one a Kawasaki X-2. I don’t see them when I pass the lake so maybe they know something. Maybe they could make an amphibious golf cart model for us, LOL?

[FloridaGuy66]

"

The can't seem to compete with Honda, Yamaha, Hero or Suzuki in other markets, so they're trying something new.

In the Side by Side (UTV) market which are very much like large off road golf carts, Kawasaki is one of the top sellers and outsells Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki.

[TorriJ]

I believe that EZGO golf carts use Kawasaki engines, or at least they used to.

I just ordered a part online for my EZGO and when it came it was a Kawasaki part so I believe you are correct.

[BrianL99]

I believe that EZGO golf carts use Kawasaki engines, or at least they used to.

I just ordered a part online for my EZGO and when it came it was a Kawasaki part so I believe you are correct.

Ezgo stopped using Kawasaki engines about 5-6 years ago and now use a proprietary FI engine.

Kawasaki has always been a premier ICE engine maker, which is one of the reasons I don't think Kawasaki will make much of a splash in the Golf Cart world. Gasoline golf carts are dinosaurs, so Kawasaki will be not only moving into a new business segment, but one that runs contrary to their strength. Their electric bikes & motorcycles are under-whelming.

[Cliff Fr]

Ezgo stopped using Kawasaki engines about 5-6 years ago and now use a proprietary FI engine.

Kawasaki has always been a premier ICE engine maker, which is one of the reasons I don't think Kawasaki will make much of a splash in the Golf Cart world. Gasoline golf carts are dinosaurs, so Kawasaki will be not only moving into a new business segment, but one that runs contrary to their strength. Their electric bikes & motorcycles are under-whelming.

I wouldn't want an electric jet ski.

[MX rider]

Ezgo stopped using Kawasaki engines about 5-6 years ago and now use a proprietary FI engine.

Kawasaki has always been a premier ICE engine maker, which is one of the reasons I don't think Kawasaki will make much of a splash in the Golf Cart world. Gasoline golf carts are dinosaurs, so Kawasaki will be not only moving into a new business segment, but one that runs contrary to their strength. Their electric bikes & motorcycles are under-whelming.

Kawasaki doesn't make electric bicycles, only electric strider bikes called the Elektrode. Actully they're very cool, I bought one for my grandson.

Their cart may be electric as well, nobody knows yet. It gets released on 2-25-25. Also I would disagree gas carts are dinosaurs, they still outsell lithium by a wide margin and will continue to do that.

[Bay Kid]

I believe that EZGO golf carts use Kawasaki engines, or at least they used to.

Doesn't Streetrod use the Kawasaki motor?

[SHIBUMI]

Harley Davidson made a great golf car. Problem was you could not kill the engine. That fact drove them out of business. Repeat sales took too long.

Electric cars are the future not gas.

Heed lessons from the past...........:bigbow:

My brother is a longtime Kawasaki dealer in southern Indiana, and he found out about it today.
He wasn't sure if it was gas or lithium. They put out a couple teaser videos on the Kawasaki website, but they don't show much. Should know more soon.

They make very high quality motorcycles, quads, jet ski's and side by sides. I would expect the same quality on their golf cart.

Question will be, how soon will you be able to get custom parts like seats, windshields, and enclosures?

[kkingston57]

My brother is a longtime Kawasaki dealer in southern Indiana, and he found out about it today.
He wasn't sure if it was gas or lithium. They put out a couple teaser videos on the Kawasaki website, but they don't show much. Should know more soon.

They make very high quality motorcycles, quads, jet ski's and side by sides. I would expect the same quality on their golf cart.

Question will be, how soon will you be able to get custom parts like seats, windshields, and enclosures?

Probably another similar golf cart as the ubiquitous Yamama Quintech. Will get another gas cart when and if they can get rid of the smell of the gas cart and at a reasonable cost. Non Harley Davidson motorcycle engines put out less fumes than our golf carts.

[bgonzen]

[Is his dealership in Mt Vernon IN? Bought a few bikes from them back in the day.

[BrianL99]

Harley Davidson made a great golf car. Problem was you could not kill the engine. That fact drove them out of business. Repeat sales took too long.

Electric cars are the future not gas.

Heed lessons from the past...........:bigbow:

Harley-Davidson golf carts are very collectable. There aren't many around. They were one of the first manufacturers and started primarily, with the "3 wheel" model. If I'm not mistaken, the originals had about 250 cc engine & were 2 strokes. H-D was also one of the first to introduce an "electric golf cart".

Columbia Par Car bought Harley-Davidson's golf cart division from AMF and you still see some Par Cars around TV.

[Tyson]

Allthese new so called golf cart cos. put out a lithium cart with absolutely know knowledge of what a guy needs.Usually no scorecard holder, no compartment for storage anywhere, sand bottle, storage tray up top, self canceling turn signals and many more little thing that make your round more enjoyable. If these new guys want to come out with a cart they should look at Yamahas, EZ go or Club Car. They have been around forever and a guarantee you go to any golf course, high end or Muni and you will ONLY SEE THEM 3.

[roadrnnr]

I'm considering a jet ski now that we live here and there's so many places to go. We had one in Indiana for years but the closest lake was 1.5 hours away, and that got old. Wife would would love to get another one though.

New here. Where are you allowed toJet ski?

[BrianL99]

Allthese new so called golf cart cos. put out a lithium cart with absolutely know knowledge of what a guy needs.Usually no scorecard holder, no compartment for storage anywhere, sand bottle, storage tray up top, self canceling turn signals and many more little thing that make your round more enjoyable. If these new guys want to come out with a cart they should look at Yamahas, EZ go or Club Car. They have been around forever and a guarantee you go to any golf course, high end or Muni and you will ONLY SEE THEM 3.

I think you're misunderstanding the word "golf cart". The basic design of almost every manufacturers "golf cart" is for golf ... not driving around in a place where you need "self-cancelling turn signals".

The only mainstream USA golf cart manufacturers that produce "golf carts" for personal use, are ClubCar, Yamaha & Star EV. Unless something has changed over the last few years, even ClubCar ships as a basic "GOLF cart", without the necessary options to make it viable for personal use. Yamaha has essentially been out of the "golf" business for years. I haven't seen a Yamaha golf cart at a golf course, in 10+ years. There may be some public courses around that still have them, but golf courses aren't buying them. I was told a few years ago by a reliable source, that 70+% of Yamaha gas powered golf carts were sold in The Villages.

[Babbs1957]

Kawasaki would make a great cart no matter the engine type, but I have a feeling it will be electric. I love my 1500 Drifter and the fastest bikes I ever drove were Kawas. Actually you don't drive a rocket, you hold on with all four and hope the air doesn't peel you off like a banana.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I think you're misunderstanding the word "golf cart". The basic design of almost every manufacturers "golf cart" is for golf ... not driving around in a place where you need "self-cancelling turn signals".

The only mainstream USA golf cart manufacturers that produce "golf carts" for personal use, are ClubCar, Yamaha & Star EV. Unless something has changed over the last few years, even ClubCar ships as a basic "GOLF cart", without the necessary options to make it viable for personal use. Yamaha has essentially been out of the "golf" business for years. I haven't seen a Yamaha golf cart at a golf course, in 10+ years. There may be some public courses around that still have them, but golf courses aren't buying them. I was told a few years ago by a reliable source, that 70+% of Yamaha gas powered golf carts were sold in The Villages.
Yes and no. Yamaha is NOT a mainstream USA golf cart manufacturer. They build here but are Japanese. I believe Star EV is assembled here, but Star EV is a Chinese company. You left out a valid USA golf cart manufacturer: Ez-Go. Their Valor model is def a cart and not a PTV/LSV. Valor | E-Z-GO(R) (https://ezgo.txtsv.com/personal/models/valor)

[tophcfa]

"

The can't seem to compete with Honda, Yamaha, Hero or Suzuki in other markets, so they're trying something new.

When I purchased my Gravley Zero Turn mower it came standard with a Kohler engine, and for a slightly higher price I opted for the premium Kawasaki engine upgrade. They compete just fine in the nitches they choose to pursue. Nine years of hard usage on my Gravley without a single engine issue.

[SHIBUMI]

On the visit, the first thing out of their mouths was, whoever refers to these as a golf cart will buy everyone else a round of drinks for every time they say it.

These are golf cars, they are not pushed or pulled. The slang, golf cart is used Because the general public responds better to slang terms. You see it in all advertising.

So, Belly up to the bar, Brian buys the first round. :smiley:

I think you're misunderstanding the word "golf cart". The basic design of almost every manufacturers "golf cart" is for golf ... not driving around in a place where you need "self-cancelling turn signals".

The only mainstream USA golf cart manufacturers that produce "golf carts" for personal use, are ClubCar, Yamaha & Star EV. Unless something has changed over the last few years, even ClubCar ships as a basic "GOLF cart", without the necessary options to make it viable for personal use. Yamaha has essentially been out of the "golf" business for years. I haven't seen a Yamaha golf cart at a golf course, in 10+ years. There may be some public courses around that still have them, but golf courses aren't buying them. I was told a few years ago by a reliable source, that 70+% of Yamaha gas powered golf carts were sold in The Villages.

[BrianL99]

Kawasaki doesn't make electric bicycles, only electric strider bikes called the Elektrode. Actully they're very cool, I bought one for my grandson.

Their cart may be electric as well, nobody knows yet. It gets released on 2-25-25. Also I would disagree gas carts are dinosaurs, they still outsell lithium by a wide margin and will continue to do that.

I think you're mistaken.

Is this not a motorcycle? https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/ninja/sport/ninja-e-1/2024-ninja-e-1-abs

This is not a "Bike"? https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/electrification/elektrode/electric-balance-bike/elektrode-16

While we're at it, Electric Golf Carts outsell Gasoline Golf Carts, by over 2:1. The last year that Electric didn't outsell Gasoline was around the turn of the Century. Lithium carts have really only been around for 5-6 years, people were willing to put up with the old batteries, just to get away from gasoline powered carts.

No self-respecting country club in the United States has bought a gasoline powered golf cart, in at least 15-20 years.

[UpNorth]

No self-respecting country club in the United States has bought a gasoline powered golf cart, in at least 15-20 years.[/QUOTE]

Although I prefer electric carts, my self-respecting private country club back in CT uses gas carts. Why? They simply don't have the charging barn needed to charge a fleet of carts. And electric rates are crazy expensive in CT, so simply filling the leased fleet with gasoline is the best economic choice.

[CarlR33]

No self-respecting country club in the United States has bought a gasoline powered golf cart, in at least 15-20 years.

Although I prefer electric carts, my self-respecting private country club back in CT uses gas carts. Why? They simply don't have the charging barn needed to charge a fleet of carts. And electric rates are crazy expensive in CT, so simply filling the leased fleet with gasoline is the best economic choice.[/QUOTE]So, if they don’t have the charging barn what do they do use for the gas barn?

[tophcfa]

No self-respecting country club in the United States has bought a gasoline powered golf cart, in at least 15-20 years.
I guess that means I prefer golfing at places that are not self-respecting, whatever that means? To each his or her own.

[MorTech]

I believe that EZGO golf carts use Kawasaki engines, or at least they used to.

They use their own engine now...It is truly a noise maker.

[MorTech]

Kawasaki KZ400 golf cart! I'm in! :)

[gorillarick]

Went to a or the Kawasaki Industries museum in Kobe Japan a few years ago. I'd guess recreational products (motorcycles, watercraft, etc.) are less then 5% of their product lines.
Mostly industrial, some commercial.
I was in awe.
Kawasaki could kick butt in anything they want to do.

[BrianL99]

No self-respecting country club in the United States has bought a gasoline powered golf cart, in at least 15-20 years.



Obviously you can't read.

Btw, the golf course I play in Indiana has gas carts. In the Villages.

There are plenty of lower-tier public golf courses that still have legacy gas powered golf carts. You perhaps missed it, but I said "self-respecting country club".

[kkingston57]

New here. Where are you allowed toJet ski?

A lot of big lakes in Lake County. County name is appropriate

[kkingston57]

Went to a or the Kawasaki Industries museum in Kobe Japan a few years ago. I'd guess recreational products (motorcycles, watercraft, etc.) are less then 5% of their product lines.
Mostly industrial, some commercial.
I was in awe.
Kawasaki could kick butt in anything they want to do.

We are talking about a golf cart which should be driven no faster than 20 MPH. If they make one that is quieter and less smelly than a Yamaha and with hydraulic brakes and at or near same price, they will have a winner

[R20-Matt]

https://youtu.be/x6-5fNEvNKc?si=I-VPJeyev3zXMkUV

[ElDiabloJoe]

Great teaser video! Love the people at 5 seconds into the video, the stereotypical New Yorkers in Florida couple hahahahaha!

[MX rider]

Well here it is. Although I like the looks, and I'm sure the quality is top notch, a few negatives for me.

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/nav-ptv/nav/4-passenger/nav-4e/2025-nav-4e-limited

Only comes in a 4 seat version. (that could change)

40 mile battery range. Other brands are 60 miles or more.

Aggressive tires would be noisy. They need a turf tire option

Height is 77.6. May be too tall for some tunnels here.

No golf bag holder.

Obviously wasn't designed for The Villages. lol

[roadrnnr]

What a Bummer.

I was hoping this would be gas and was ready to buy one if it was.

20K Crappy seats and no curtains etc. No Thanks

I actually inquired about these from the Local Kawasaki Dealer a few days ago and they had no knowledge of them at all even though they are listed under the Dealer locator on the NAV page. Said they had heard nothing about them

[MX rider]

What a Bummer.

I was hoping this would be gas and was ready to buy one if it was.

20K Crappy seats and no curtains etc. No Thanks

I actually inquired about these from the Local Kawasaki Dealer a few days ago and they had no knowledge of them at all even though they are listed under the Dealer locator on the NAV page. Said they had heard nothing about them

Obviously they don't stay informed on new products. My brother told me about it a few weeks ago. But he's been a dealer for Kawi since 1991.

[Snakster66]

This was almost as anticlimactic as Geraldo opening Al Capone's vault.

[Topspinmo]

We are talking about a golf cart which should be driven no faster than 20 MPH. If they make one that is quieter and less smelly than a Yamaha and with hydraulic brakes and at or near same price, they will have a winner

Lawn mowers small gas engines will never be all you want them to be. If they put all the smog reduction and noise cancellations on them they would have no more HP than weed eater. EFI engines are lot more cleaner running than carburetor engines which there are still some in villages, they are the real stinky ones and require much more maintenance to keep them running efficiently.

[Velvet]

Kawi is super cool. No bike is made like my ZX-6R! lol. I’d definitely buy a Kawi golf cart. I’m betting it would be gas motor.

[tophcfa]

Well here it is. Although I like the looks, and I'm sure the quality is top notch, a few negatives for me.

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/nav-ptv/nav/4-passenger/nav-4e/2025-nav-4e-limited

Only comes in a 4 seat version. (that could change)

40 mile battery range. Other brands are 60 miles or more.

Aggressive tires would be noisy. They need a turf tire option

Height is 77.6. May be too tall for some tunnels here.

No golf bag holder.

Obviously wasn't designed for The Villages. lol

Bummer, very disappointing. I would expect better from Kawasaki. Oh well, no need to look beyond Yamaha for a great golf cart. That being said, my old Kawasaki KLR650 was without a doubt the best bike I ever owned.

[Velvet]

I agree - too tall for our tunnels and not golfing friendly. What were they thinking?

[BrianL99]

I agree - too tall for our tunnels and not golfing friendly. What were they thinking?


It's hard to believe, a company in Japan would completely ignore The Villages, when designing their products.

[Velvet]

It's hard to believe, a company in Japan would completely ignore The Villages, when designing their products.

Well, like they have so many 55+ golf cart dedicated communities in Japan. Right? The 4 seater cart is marketed as “Lifestyle”. So what exactly is the Japanese golf cart community lifestyle like? And also where is the market for “lifestyle” golf carts?

[BrianL99]

Well, like they have so many 55+ golf cart dedicated communities in Japan. Right? The 4 seater cart is marketed as “Lifestyle”. So what exactly is the Japanese golf cart community lifestyle like? And also where is the market for “lifestyle” golf carts?

A big whole world exists outside the bubble.

[Velvet]

A big whole world exists outside the bubble.

K, I’ve travelled a lot. Where are there lifestyle golf cart communities besides the US? Just wondering…
Anyways, I don’t think Yamaha has much to worry about competition from Kawi for a while.

[tophcfa]

A big whole world exists outside the bubble.

Ya, it’s called reality, and it sucks relative to the bubble world.