The SDI Terrain Master 2.1 rear shocks upgrade the Kawasaki Ridge suspension on 2024+ machines, replacing the rear factory shocks with adjustable piggyback-reservoir shocks. They are aimed at Ridge owners who carry weight in the bed and want the rear to stay controlled on rough ground.
SDI says the typical UTV leaves the factory with low-end emulsion shocks that are over-sprung, and built the Terrain Master 2.1 as a passive, adjustable replacement for standard-travel machines. This listing is the rear position only (SDI part STMSS2541006-R); the matching front shocks and the complete front-and-rear Terrain Master 2.1 set for the Ridge are listed separately.
If you are comparing aftermarket UTV shocks, the Terrain Master 2.1 is SDI suspension built as a UTV shocks upgrade for stock-travel machines like the Kawasaki Ridge. Compared with basic replacement UTV shock absorbers, these side-by-side shocks add real compression and preload adjustment, the main difference between adjustable SxS shocks like these and stock-style replacements. As UTV rear shocks, they bolt into the factory mounts. Matched with the front shocks, they make a complete Kawasaki Ridge suspension upgrade.
Key Features
- Large bore compression adjuster for optimized frequency response and adjustment range
- Billet aluminum T6 high-flow pistons for low opening forces and sensitive frequency response
- Low-friction piggyback reservoir
- Race-style quick-adjust preload ring
- Internal components machined from high-strength aluminum and anodized to reduce oil reactivity, with no plastic inside the shock
- Induction-hardened shafts with hard chrome coating for resistance to pitting and wear
- Super high-tensile lightweight springs, barrel formed for bow resistance
- PTFE-lined 28 mm spherical bearings with sealed spacers
- 3-piece fully rebuildable seal head for quick maintenance
- Ships with SDI Zero Fade Fluid
Built To Solve: Kawasaki Ridge Rear Suspension Sag And Harshness
- Rear end that squats or bottoms with a loaded bed or towing
- Harsh, bouncy rear ride over washboard and ruts
- No adjustable rear compression damping on the factory shocks
- Worn or leaking rear shocks that need replacing anyway
Best For: Kawasaki Ridge Owners Upgrading Rear Shocks
- 2024+ Kawasaki Ridge, Ridge Limited, Ridge Ranch Edition and Ridge XR owners
- Owners who haul feed, tools or gear in the Ridge bed
- Riders who want to tune the rear for heavy load or comfort
- Owners finishing a front-shock upgrade with matching rear shocks
Specifications
- Product line: SDI Terrain Master 2.1 (TM2.1), designed for standard-travel UTVs
- Position: rear (installs in the factory rear shock mounts with stock hardware)
- Included: SDI Terrain Master 2.1 rear shock assembly, part STMSS2541006-R. SDI does not publish a per-box shock count for this rear-only part; contact us to confirm before ordering
- Reservoir: piggyback, mounted with reservoirs up and adjusters facing out
- Shock body: 46 mm (SDI lists replacement body 46 mm x 234 mm for the Kawasaki Ridge rear)
- Spring length: 14 in; maximum preload 1.5 in (40 mm)
- Rear preload per SDI manual: 0.625 in (2-seat), 1 in (4-seat)
- Ride height per SDI manual: 11-13 in, measured on 27 in tires
- Compression adjuster: 1-5 clicks heavy load, 6-10 sportier, 11-15 comfort (counted out from fully clockwise)
- Bearings: PTFE-lined 28 mm spherical with sealed spacers
- Shock fluid: SDI Zero Fade Fluid
- Installation manual: SDI Kawasaki Ridge Terrain Master 2.1 manual (front and rear), available with this listing
- Manufacturer Part Number: STMSS2541006-R
Fitment
- Kawasaki Ridge HVAC (2024-2026)
- Kawasaki Ridge Limited HVAC (2024-2025)
- Kawasaki Ridge Ranch Edition (2024-2025)
- Kawasaki Ridge XR HVAC (2024-2025)
SDI lists the Terrain Master 2.1 as fitting the 2024+ Kawasaki Ridge; the trims above are the confirmed applications for this rear part. The Ridge Crew is not on the confirmed list. Fitment is not guaranteed on models, trims or years not listed; confirm your exact model before ordering.
FAQ
Will these rear shocks stop my Kawasaki Ridge from sagging with a load?
The compression adjuster is built for it. SDI recommends 1-5 clicks for heavy loads, and preload can be raised up to 1.5 in to bring ride height back.
Do I need to replace the front shocks too?
Not to install them, but matching front and rear gives the most balanced ride. The SDI Ridge front shocks and the complete Terrain Master 2.1 set are listed separately.
Which Kawasaki Ridge models do they fit?
SDI lists the 2024+ Kawasaki Ridge. Confirmed trims are the Ridge HVAC, Ridge Limited HVAC, Ridge Ranch Edition and Ridge XR HVAC. The Ridge Crew is not on the confirmed list.
How do I set rear preload on a Ridge?
SDI's manual lists 0.625 in of rear preload for two-seat machines and 1 in for four-seat, on a 14 in spring. Loosen the 4 mm screw, turn the preload ring, then retighten.
Is installation bolt-on?
Yes. Remove the lower then upper shock bolts, fit the Terrain Master shock with reservoirs up and adjusters out, and reinstall the factory hardware with blue Loctite at factory torque.
How is this different from the complete Terrain Master 2.1 Ridge kit?
This listing is the rear position only. The complete SDI Terrain Master 2.1 Ridge set covers front and rear in one order.
Why SDI
SDI (Suspension Direct) designs and develops the Terrain Master 2.1 in the US as a passive, adjustable shock for standard-travel utility side-by-sides, replacing factory emulsion shocks that SDI describes as over-sprung. Every Terrain Master 2.1 is fully rebuildable, so it can be serviced instead of thrown away. Dunes 2 Dezert SXS ships SDI shocks nationwide.
Finish Your Kawasaki Ridge Rear Suspension Upgrade
Confirm your Ridge trim and year in the fitment list, then add the SDI Terrain Master 2.1 rear shocks. Pair them with the SDI Ridge front shocks for a matched setup, and set preload for your seat count and load using SDI's chart after install.
