Throwback Thursday: Kawasaki Mule

Today in the off-roading world, riders look at UTV’s just like everyone else looks at a pick-up truck; however, just like the truck these UTV’s haven’t been around forever. Back in 1988 Kawasaki released their very first UTV, the Kawasaki Mule 1000. Before the Mule, there was no lightweight utility vehicle. If something needed done around the farm or jobsite, it was completed with the use of a truck or tractor. Consumers were wanting, and needing, a smaller vehicle that could maneuver in tight spaces and still have the power to get the job done. The Mule was also designed to be versatile for any task at hand. Mules, and other UTV's later on, were made to be able to haul smaller versions of common farm equipment. Anything from a small trailer, to a brush hog or even a disc plow could be attached to the Mule. A popular attachment with Mules and other UTV's are snow plows, just like on the Mule pictured below.

Kawasaki Mule fitted with a snow plow.

At the time, Kawasaki probably didn’t realize the door they opened up would lead to the modern day UTV that is commonplace today. The Mule prompted other manufacturers to come out with their own versions in years to follow. John Deere released their first Gator in 1992. In 1997 Polaris came forward with their own UTV, the Polaris Ranger.

John Deere Gator

Polaris Ranger

Ever since then the UTV has been evolving constantly and taking over the off-road market. Would UTV’s still have been created and become as popular as they are? Most likely. One thing is for sure though, the Kawasaki Mule helped lay the mortar and pave the way to the modern day UTV's we love so much today!

Whether it's a brand new Polaris RZR or a 1988 Kawasaki Mule, get out and start ​Doing Fun Right!