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By: CJ Rena Johnson and Tim Donaldson
2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport
It Will Get
Under Your Skin!
The scenery of the southwestern United States
is renowned for its picturesque, desert
landscapes. Although parched and waterless, the
desert offers a host of unique vegetation that
can survive the seemingly unfertile environment.
Western film genres have popularized images of
common desert flora such as the large,
tree-sized Saguaro Cactus. However, one other
member of the genus deserves special
recognition–the “Jumping” Cholla Cactus. Flanked
in beauty, this small cactus is armed with
thousands of small, hair-like spines that
readily attach to the skin with even the
slightest contact. Once in the skin, the
spines can be very difficult to remove–possibly
remaining in situ for years!
Likening the lasting, attractive qualities of
the Cholla Cactus spines to our first thoughts
of Kawasaki’s new Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport model,
we immediately felt an enduring connection to
this high-performance, side-by-side machine.
Introduced at the Boulders OHV Area near Lake
Pleasant, Arizona, the
2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750
FI 4x4 Sport is equipped with many enhancements
over its 2008 predecessor. Not only has Kawasaki
added the Teryx Sport version to the 2009
lineup, all Teryx models have received a new
performance facelift. So, with the Sonoran
Desert as worthy proving grounds for our review
of the
Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport, we are sure this
side-by-side will find a place “under your
skin,” leaving you itching for more! Let’s
take a look.
About the 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport
Engine/Transmission
First, the big news for the 2009 Teryx is the
feature enhancements. When the Teryx was
originally unveiled in 2008, everyone was
looking for a fuel-injected machine. True to
Kawasaki’s word at the time of the 2008’s
initial release, fuel injection’s arrival would
only be a short time away. As a result, all 2009
Teryx models are equipped with digital fuel
injection. Although last year’s carburetor fuel
delivery system was noteworthy, there are no
real comparisons to having the immediate
throttle response and versatility that is made
available through a digitally-mapped
fuel-injected system.
Kawasaki has designed the fuel injection to
improve low- and mid-throttle response, while
the ignition and torque maps are structured to
enhance torque response. Controlled by a 32-bit
CPU and utilizing dual 34mm throttle bodies with
six variously located engine sensors to maximize
performance, the timing of the fuel injection
has been adjusted to produce a more stable idle
and lower the chances of stalling in reverse if
the throttle is suddenly closed. Coupled with a
redesigned air intake tract on the air box,
resulting is decreased cabin noise–the Teryx
Sport delivers quick and precise fuel delivery
making engine response snappy and sharp.
As for the engine, the Teryx Sport is powered by
a 749cc, V-twin engine. Considered the most
powerful engine in its class, the liquid-cooled,
SOHC, fuel injected 90-degree V-twin has plenty
to offer when accelerating and produces a
resultantly low amount of engine vibration due
to its configuration. Positioned for
optimum front/rear balance, the Teryx is primed
for power slides and cornering control.
While amply satisfying the need for speed,
Kawasaki’s Electronic Engine Brake Control
satisfactorily brings the machine back to
controllable rate, especially when creeping down
steep hills. Those braving the mucky trenches
will also appreciate the Teryx’s high chassis
placement of the radiator to provide maximum
protection against mud and debris.
To handle the torque loads produced by the
engine, Kawasaki has built a robust transmission
system that is tuned for hard accelerations and
sport driving. Featuring high and low ranges
plus reverse, the Teryx Sport transmission
employs a CVT that puts the power straight to
the wheels. Utilizing a high-grade belt
for maximum durability, the CVT has a Belt
Protection System that helps to prevent tire
freewheel and belt overloading when rock
crawling. The new CVT system also provides
additional driver feedback on the instrument
cluster through the CVT Belt Warning System
which alerts the operator of excessive load
conditions that may cause transmission or belt
damage.
Knowing that Teryx drivers were going to get
this sport machine muddy, Kawasaki engineers
rerouted the CVT exhaust duct over the engine to
reduce water intake. Not only did the CVT
components of the Teryx Sport get a performance
overhaul, the drive train joints and shafts were
revised to handle the additional power. CV boots
are now plastic to increase durability and drive
shafts, u-joints, and axles are beefed up with
larger diameters and hardened splined areas. The
electronically selectable 2WD/4WD has an all new
shift system that has an electronic/vacuum shift
mechanism that increases reliability with
positive shifting. Once in 4WD, Teryx drivers
can distribute torque equally to the left and
right front wheels, utilizing the ever popular
Kawasaki staple–Variable Front Differential
Control–via the multi-position hand lever
located between the seats.
Overall Handling
Make no mistake, the Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport is a
fully functional thrill machine. Offering a
wide-body chassis, the thin-walled tubular steel
frame offers high rigidity and meets SAE
requirements as a roll-over protective
structure. The wide stance of the machine–aided
by low center of gravity from engine
placement–provides excellent off-camber
stability, while the chassis ground clearance of
11.7 inches bestows plenty of obstacle tackling
agility.
Equipped with a fully adjustable front and rear
suspension, low-speed ride comfort was not a
design consideration on the Teryx Sport.
Offering improved control at higher speeds, the
front, fully independent suspension, consists of
premium, stepless preload, gas-charged, aluminum
Kayaba shocks with piggy-back reservoirs and
adjustable rebound and compression damping. The
long a-arm design effectively increases wheel
travel, minimizing the effects of camber change
as the suspension is compressed for more precise
steering. The independent rear suspension
features the same shocks with a double wishbone
design and a revised torsion bar that helps
control body roll and promotes improved tracking
through rough terrain.
Boasting the largest tire in the RUV category
for improved ground clearance, the Teryx is
fitted with 26-inch Maxxis tires which are
mounted to
12-inch aluminum-cast rims. The tire
design was specifically developed for the Teryx
to maximize forward traction and provide
aggressive cornering and sliding capabilities.
The aluminum wheels provide less unspring weight
and are lighter by 2.2 pounds each. Within the
front wheels, located as such to provide
protection from debris, are recessed front disc
brakes. The 200mm discs are gripped by 27mm
twin-piston calipers which are rigidly mounted
to deliver enhanced brake feel and increased
control. Sealed in the rear oil bath, unaffected
by debris, are the hydraulically operated rear
brakes. Both front and rear combine for
aggressive braking capabilities.
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