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Sport RUV performance and handling taken to the next level For 2009, Kawasaki slipped a digital fuel-injected (DFI) V-Twin engine into the wide-body chassis of its impressive Teryx® recreation utility vehicle (RUV), then equipped it with upgraded, fully adjustable, high performance suspension components and cast aluminum wheels. The result is the most exhilarating two-seat ride available — the new Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport. Its head turning lime green color scheme with black accents and aluminum rims serves notice to the RUV world this machine is a force to be reckoned with. Inheriting the Teryx family’s efficient CVT, superior ground clearance, useful cargo capacity and fuel-injected, mid-mounted 749cc 90-degree V-twin engine, the Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport offers the class-leading performance and features that performance-minded RUV customers have been seeking. Strong and proven, the quick revving, fuel injected, large-bore V-twin engine features ignition timing that is tuned to allow it to rocket through the low and mid range with plenty of life left for high rpm performance. The Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport’s digital fuel injection (DFI) system automatically compensates for altitude and temperature changes. The DFI system uses a sophisticated mix of sensors that includes an inlet air pressure, throttle, crankshaft, speed, water temperature and a vehicle down sensor. A new fuel tank with a fuel pump to keep the Teryx’s engine fed were also part of the FI package. The Teryx Sport’s superb continuously variable transmission (CVT) smoothly and efficiently transfers the robust power and quick response from its big V-twin to the wheels. This powertrain delivers true sport performance in a controlled manner, so the driver can exploit the full potential of the Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport. The CVT utilizes a high-grade belt that is highly durable and designed to handle the high output of the engine. To minimize unnecessary belt wear, prevent undesired tire spin and offer upgraded rock section performance with less belt overloading, a CVT Belt Protection System uses inputs from a gear sensor (not in neutral), vehicle speed (measured from the rear wheel), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), and engine speed to monitor belt conditions. Should the transmission failsafe system detect engine operation at high rpm for more than two seconds while the rear wheels remain motionless (i.e. rear wheels are immobilized and the belt is slipping) it automatically retards ignition timing and warns the rider via a flashing belt warning lamp. Big power demands an equally capable chassis, and the Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport delivers with a body width that’s narrow enough to effectively negotiate trails, yet wide enough to offer additional stability, a roomy cab and help cope with the healthy output from its powerful V-twin. The wide track Teryx design employs a large-diameter, thin-walled tubular frame offering the necessary rigidity without performance draining weight. It also meets SAE regulations as a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) with an arrangement spacious enough to comfortably fit two full-sized adults. Long A-arm and narrow frame give the Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport’s aluminum alloy wheels maximum travel and minimal camber change throughout the suspension’s stroke. The cast and polished aluminum wheels offer reduced unsprung weight – by about two pounds each – and increased strength over the standard Teryx’s steel units and add to the Sport model’s appearance. A revised stabilizer bar and increased adjustability on the new Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport’s suspension makes a significant contribution to its handling and ride quality. Its front and rear Kayaba shocks are aluminum bodied, gas-charged units with piggy-back reservoirs, which reduce the tendency of the oil to froth under hard conditions. They provide adjustable preload and fully adjustable rebound and compression damping. The Sport’s higher-grade suspension component’s superior ability to soak up bumps translates to increased control and enhanced comfort on the trail. Mounted on the stylish aluminum alloy wheels, the tall and aggressive 26-inch Maxxis tires were developed specifically for the Teryx. The tires give it superb forward and sliding traction along with good rough terrain handling and contribute to its class leading ground clearance and ability to overcome obstacles. Mixing a sporting pace with rough terrain demands a high level of concentration from the driver. Helping to reduce the driver’s workload, are features like the simple switch activated, servo-controlled 4WD system. Additional traction management is just a hand lever away — the driver can perform easy on-the-fly adjustments to front differential lock, via the variable front differential control lever on the center console. Much like a sport ATV, the Teryx Sport’s rear differential always stays locked, allowing the Teryx to slide around corners in a classic two-wheel drift whenever the driver feels like having a little extra fun. A fast RUV needs equally quick stopping prowess. The Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport meets the challenge, utilizing a combination of dual 200mm discs up front and a sealed wet brake in the rear. The front brakes are tucked into the wheels for protection from debris and their 27mm twin-piston calipers are rigid-mounted for optimum feel and control. The advantage of the sealed rear brake is most apparent when it can keep working even in the wettest or muddiest of environments unlike its competition. Its compact profile further adds to the remarkable amount of ground clearance. Of course, this substantial sport performance is matched by Kawasaki’s legendary durability and reliability that starts on the surface – tough scratch resistant Thermo-Plastic Olefin (TPO) bodywork, that is. Steel skid plates underneath shield the Teryx engine from the ride stopping obstacles. Inside, bucket seats, retractable three-point seat belts, a padded steering wheel that’s positioned low for better control, dual cup holders and plenty of shoulder and leg room provide a comfortable driving environment. Standard equipment on all Teryx models, the multi-function digital meter offers a fuel gauge, hour meter, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, warning lights and parking brake indicator. A 7.4-gallon fuel tank and a 500-pound capacity, gas-assisted tilting cargo bed mean the Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport has the range and cargo abilities for long-distance fun. A cargo net and tie down hooks in all four corners keep the goods secure. Its 1300-pound towing capacity expands those cargo abilities further. The action doesn’t need the sun either thanks to dual 40W headlights showing the way and dual rear taillights letting it be seen. With such a cargo-carrying and transportability potential, it is an able partner for leisure/recreation activities, such as day trips or camping. A large selection of authentic Kawasaki Accessories for the 2009 Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport are available through Kawasaki dealers. As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages RUV drivers to drive responsibly and respect the environment |
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2009 Kawasaki Teryx Sport – Lean, Green and Injected
— By ATV Mag on March 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Kawasaki’s Teryx has been on a roll since its introduction for 2008. Now, in only its second year of production, Kawasaki has doubled down and made some significant changes to its first entrant into the recreational UTV market. Even better, the Kawasaki press introduction for the Teryx Sport would be held right in my backyard. Officially named “The Boulders OHV Area” and located just northwest of Phoenix off of the Carefree Highway (I-74), us locals actually call it “Mile Marker 11.5.” The number refers to the entrance from the highway to the maintained and signed staging area.
No matter what you want to call it, I knew we were in for an exciting day of hardcore four-wheeling over terrain that will test the limits of any machine, regardless of how many wheels you prefer. I like my trails tight and nasty, and this area is my favorite in the Arizona desert. The rocks are jagged, the whoops are deep and the hills are steep.
2009 Kawasaki Teryx SportJust when you think you’ve had enough jolting, side hilling and off-camber turns, the trail spills into a high-speed washes that twist through the magnificent Hieroglyphic Mountains, providing opportunity to relax your grip and enjoy the cool wind evaporating the nervous sweat from your brow.
An Early UpdateAll of the new changes to the Teryx Sport are significant, the biggest being the move from dual carburetors to a 32-bit CPU-controlled digital fuel injection (DFI) system. Throttle response is excellent with no lull or hesitation, and low-end torque is much more plentiful. Acceleration is much crisper than before with a smooth, yet strong, transition of power from idle to top speed.
The dual 34mm throttle bodies mounted to the mammoth 749cc V-twin engine automatically adjust to varying weather conditions and changing altitude.
DFI also improves fuel mileage. More miles per gallon is always a good thing, but even more so in this case since fuel capacity decreased from 7.9 gallons to 7.4 to make room for the new high-pressure fuel pump. Miles per tank should remain unaffected with the use of DFI, and we’re happy to report that the fuel gauge is now visible on the digital dash display.
In addition to DFI, the air intake system has also been changed to allow for more airflow with less noise. The engine intake ports have also increased in size, and now provide a direct path (rather than curved) to the V-twin engine heads. Kawasaki adjusted the ignition and fuel mapping to provide more responsive torque and match the new air box, intake and DFI system changes.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was recently beefed up to provide more torque to all four wheels, and features true high- and low-range selection as well as reverse. The CVT cover is also new. Made of aluminum, the cover is designed to disperse heat and keep the belt and clutch system cooler. The CVT exhaust duct has been raised 7.7 inches to further prevent water intake.
Kawasaki introduced a nearly fail-safe CVT belt warning system that should prevent premature belt wear. A belt indicator light on the dash illuminates and power to the CVT will become limited under excessive load conditions, such as being stuck or towing too much weight. The system engages once the wheels stop rotating and the engine reaches 3000 rpm. It then disengages once the wheels begin spinning, or engine rpm drops below 3000.
New Kayaba high-performance gas shocks are exclusive to the Teryx Sport. You can dial your suspension in for any style terrain with “step-less” preload adjustment and separate compression and rebound clickers. All four shocks come with fade resistant piggyback reservoirs to cool the shock oil faster.
The CV joints and drive shafts were strengthened to handle the power increase.
Machined aluminum wheels add a stylish touch to the Sport, but they’re also functional! Each wheel weighs 2.2 pounds less than the steel wheels offered on the standard Teryx FI model. Improved rear mudguards keep the tires from showering the electronics and fuel tank area with mud.
Haulin’ and Crawlin’“Jeep ain’t got nothin’ on this” was the slightly sarcastic reply from my test rider, Zack McKinley, as we crested a 5-foot-tall embedded rock incline. McKinley, owner of ZMR Fabrication, is no stranger to UTVs. He’s built many side-by-side race vehicles and full-sized cars and trucks, and has been a key player in the Tom Car and Redline Revolt racing programs. After a full day of punishment, there was little he and I could find to complain about on the Teryx Sport.
On the rocks, it’s just about perfect! While throttle response is strong with a stab of the accelerator pedal, it’s manageable and progressive for
rock crawling. To compare, its throttle isn’t as sensitive as the Polaris RZR’s, and that’s a good thing. You can lightly apply throttle as the 26-inch Maxxis tires grip the rocks and pull the Teryx up nearly vertical rock shelves. The tires, which were specifically designed for the Teryx, offer an excellent balance of soft to intermediate gripping power, yet provide adequate sliding ability when cornering at speed. We found the tires to be highly puncture resistant, as not one of the dozen or so Teryx Sport press vehicles suffered a flat during a full day of abusive testing.Speaking of speed, the Teryx is just flat out fun on the trails. The solid chassis feels well balanced both in the air and on the ground. We pegged the governed engine’s top speed at nearly 50 mph in deep sand. This V-twin engine has so much more potential lurking inside, though. Both the stock horsepower and torque numbers for this engine are excellent as compared to the competition, but this engine is capable of reliable triple digit horsepower numbers should you choose to modify it. We’ve seen 2008 Teryx UTVs in the southwest desert-racing scene boasting as high as 130 hp.
If I had to find a complaint, it would be the lack of a good sissy bar for the passenger side of the cockpit. By sissy, I’m referring to myself. The two high grab bars located on the cab frame just don’t cut it for me. I need something directly in front of me to grind my palms into. Call it a control issue if you like, but I’m not a good co-rider.
A Rockin Good Time!There’s not much you can’t do in a Teryx Sport. All Teryx models now come with a gas-assisted dump bed, so it’s still an excellent work vehicle, despite its Sport designation. Fun is still the key ingredient, though. It crawls as good as any Jeep, has a V-twin engine just begging to fly, a highly tunable suspension that can take the hits and a solid chassis that is arguably one of the strongest on the market in stock form.
With a sticker price of $11, 899, it’s competitively priced for all its abilities. This Teryx Sport is perfect for the recreational UTV consumer who is looking for an affordable vehicle that does everything, and does it very well.
