2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport Review
Ride Review: As the owner of apretty tricked out 2008 Kawasaki Teryx I am very familiar with the Teryx. My Teryx did not stay stock long, but I recently spent three days in a bone stock 2008 Teryx on a ride to the Grand Canyon. The 2008 Teryx is a great machine, but my biggest complaint was that it came out with carbs instead of fuel injection. In less that a year since the first Teryxs hit dealer floors, Kawasaki dealers are already selling 2009 Teryxs with EFI. The New digital fuel injection on the Teryx is really nice. The engine starts right up and idles smoothly. On acceleration, the 2009 Teryx felt more crisp and seemed to get up to top speed a little quicker. While it is not a night and day difference, I definitely preferred the smooth and consistent power of the EFI on the 2009 over the carburetors on the 2008. In my opinion, a V-twin with digital fuel injection is the best engine for UTVs since they can deliver plenty of smooth continuous power, with instant acceleration and plenty of torque. Next up on the list of what’s new is a fuel gauge. I know it doesn’t seem like something to get that excited about, but I do some long distance rides, and the fuel level display takes the mystery out of “I wonder how much fuel I have left?” The Teryx Sport has upgraded aluminum wheels which not only look much better, but are also 2.2 lbs. lighter than the standard steel wheels. Losing unsprung weight not only requires less energy to get the tires spinning, but also helps the suspension work better. And as a little bonus, the aluminum wheels are actually strong that their steel counterpart. Suspension is on the 2009 Teryx Sport has a few upgrades as well. The gas-charged Kayaba shocks have reservoirs all the way around to help reduce fade in rough terrain. The preload adjustment is step-less, and they havefully adjustable rebound and compression (high and low speed) damping. Although we did not have any opportunities to jump the new Teryx Sport, we did get into some nasty whoops and hard g-outs. I felt the Teryx Sport suspension handled the terrain better than a standard Teryx suspension. The ride through the light chop was a bit smoother than a standard Teryx and when we got into the whoops I felt a little more comfortable as well. Although I was able to bottom out the front shocks on a few hard g-outs, a standard shock would have gone to the stops more often and with more force. Overall, even though I did not spend any time trying to fine tune the adjustments on the new Sport shocks, I think they are a worthy improvement over standard shocks. My biggest complaint with the 2009 Teryx Sport has to be the hood. The hood is a one piece design with holes cut out for the roll cage. In order to open the hood, you must remove the roll cage. I sure hope Kawasaki looks at a redesign for 2010. One other issue I have with the Teryx is the parking brake. It is easy to leave it on when you put it in gear and start driving. There is a warning system on the digital display (the letter “P”), but it is even harder to notice than the amber light on the 2008 Teryx. Some sort of audible alarm or engine cut-off should be implemented to eliminate costly repairs to the sealed rear brake. The Lime Green plastic on the Teryx Sport is a great color. Much more sharp than the drab green found on the 2008 Teryx. And with all the UTVs out in the dunes in Glamis, there is no doubt that you are in a Kawasaki when you are driving it. The 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport has a MSRP of $11,899 and is available now at Kawasaki dealers. What’s New for the 2009 Teryx?: New Digital Fuel Injection system
Engine Increased head intake port volume for improved efficiency and power. Improved Continuously Variable Transmission
New Airbox design
Sport-focused Suspension
Revised Sway Bar
Drive Train
All Models now come with Tilt Bed All Models now come with Digital Meter that includes Fuel Level New fuel level display is a big improvement for 2009. Parking brake notification is with the letter “P” as shown above. This is even harder to see than the amber light for 2008 so beware! Revised Fuel Tank Fuel capacity has decreased from 7.9 gallons to 7.4 gallons. Fuel injections adds high pressure fuel pump and fuel level sending unit for LCD fuel gauge. Aluminum Wheels Cast aluminum wheels available on the 2009 Teryx Sport are stronger and 2.2 lbs lighter than standard steel wheels. Rear Brake An additional disc has been added for additional braking power.
Body Rear mud guards have been revised to reduce the amount of water and mud that enter the area under the seats that house electronics and fuel tank. Cabin Noise and Heat Reduced New Colors for the Sport Teryx
More Photos: Manufacturer Info: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Website: www.kawasaki.com |
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