When Kawasaki announced that they were releasing a fuel injected sport version of their popular Teryx, every side-by-side enthusiast immediately took notice. The Teryx Sport joins the Polaris Ranger in the limited Side-by-Side Sport category. Kawasaki’s rep for quality, and competitive nature would surely translate to a nearly unbeatable machine. Luckily for the industry, that’s exactly what they delivered.

Chassis & Suspension
The Teryx chassis itself was designed with the high performance rider (or driver) in mind, the chassis is constructed of large diameter, thin wall steel, in order to keep it strong, and safe, yet lightweight. The roll cage even meets SAE ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) requirements. The Kawasaki engineers opted for a centrally placed engine location within the chassis in order to increase the unit’s overall stability. 11.7” of ground clearance insures that you can roll over most obstacles without a fear of getting stuck.

The gas charged Kayaba shocks (front and rear) are completely adjustable, and include piggyback reservoirs, and a step-less preload adjustment, as well as adjustable compression, and rebound damping. The torsion bar diameter has been reduced from previous Teryx models in order to increase comfort, and reduce harshness and body roll. Combined, the suspension works amazingly well.

Get up and go
The fuel-injected 749cc V Twin engine mated with the dual 34mm throttle bodies is responsive, and the lag of previous models has disappeared. The Fuel Injection uses six separate sensors (coolant temp, intake air pressure, throttle position, air intake temperature, vehicle speed, and crankshaft angle), and a 32 bit CPU to supply the engine with the data required to perform at optimal performance levels. A nice side benefit to the FI system, is the high pressure fuel pump and fuel level sender which allow for a nice LCD fuel gauge on the dash.

The constant variable transmission (CVT) has been tweaked from previous models to accommodate hard acceleration shifting, and the aluminum CVT cover was redesigned to serve as a heat sink of sorts. In addition, the CVT incorporates Kawasaki’s Engine Brake System, which provides enough engine-braking to safely descend even the steepest of obstacles. Another CVT related safety feature is the re-routing of the CVT exhaust duct (7.7” higher), which in theory will keep water out of the duct in the event the unit becomes sub-merged. The CVT also takes advantage of new ECU settings for the belt warning system. In the event that you’re stuck, and the engine is revving at or over 2800 RPM with no tire movement, a warning light will blink on the dash alerting the driver of the excessive load on the belt. Once the warning system is activated, the engine power is limited which reduces the chances that you fry your belt. The system automatically disengages once the wheels start to move. The CVT system keeps the power to the ground, and keeps the thought of getting stuck a “non-issue”.

The drive train incorporates new CV joints and drive shafts, plastic CV boots, as well as increased shaft diameters, and hardened spline areas, which should all combine for added reliability. The electronically selectable 2WD/ 4WD uses an electronic vacuum shift mechanism, which unlike the ATV models, will not engage if you’re moving over 16 MPH.

Wheels, Tires, & Brakes
The cast aluminum wheels on the Teryx Sport models have 26” Maxxis tires mounted, which reduce 2.2 lb of un-sprung weight per wheel over the standard model. Front braking is handled by dual recessed, 200mm discs, and rigidly mounted twin piston calipers. The rear brake system is a sealed multi disc unit, which is incorporated into the gear case. Unlike the cable operated sealed systems on the ATV side, the Teryx system is hydraulically operated, and incorporates an extra disc for added stopping power.

Kawasaki incorporated various comfort features to the Teryx Sport model as well. The newly designed airbox which helps reduce cabin noise via a new larger plenum is a great touch. Other features include a gas assisted tilt bed, a glove box big enough to hold 12 bottled waters, a cargo net, and decreased cabin heat over previous models (which was achieved through improved insulation).

The Teryx experience really has two distinct points of view; that of the driver, and the passenger, and both are equally important.

From the driver’s side, the ’09 Teryx does everything allot better than you might expect. The stability, the wide chassis, revised torsion bar, and long travel shocks combine for a non-tippy feeling that inspires confidence. The Teryx 750 FI 4X4 Sport’s throttle response is noticeably improved over the ’08 model.

From the passenger’s side, the lack of adequate grab areas makes for a rough ride. Passengers are relegated to holding onto two roll cage mounted handles, the problem is the right side handle inadvertently exposes your arm and elbow to just about everything you roll through. The left side handle is uncomfortably placed up above and behind you, and directly in between the driver and passenger seats.

Summary:
Overall, the 2009 Kawasaki Teryx™ 750 FI 4x4 Sport is a hard machine to beat in wide-open conditions, and terrains. The width will make it tough to navigate tight technical trails, but get it in the open, and it’ll shine.