The 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 arrived only one year after Kawasaki entered the recreational side-by-side market with the original Teryx. Although the chassis and 749cc V-twin remained familiar, the addition of digital fuel injection addressed one of the biggest shortcomings of the carbureted 2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750.
Fuel injection was the headline change, but Kawasaki also revised the ignition timing, CVT cooling ducts, belt-protection system, airbox, suspension settings and instrumentation. Together, those improvements made the second-year Teryx easier to start, more responsive and better prepared for long days in changing temperatures, elevations, mud and water.
The 2009 Teryx was still a true sport-utility machine. It combined a two-seat cockpit and relatively compact 58.5-inch width with a 500-pound tilting cargo bed, 1,300-pound towing capacity and the distinctive sound and low-end character of a 90-degree V-twin.
Lime Green 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI Sport
What Changed on the 2009 Kawasaki Teryx?
The most important upgrade was Kawasaki’s digital fuel-injection system. The original 2008 Teryx used dual carburetors even though the related Brute Force 750 ATV was already available with fuel injection. Kawasaki corrected that omission for 2009 with two 34mm throttle bodies controlled by a 32-bit CPU.
The system monitored coolant temperature, intake-air temperature, throttle position, intake pressure, vehicle speed and crankshaft position to determine the proper amount of fuel. It also provided automatic altitude compensation, automatic idle adjustment and choke-free cold starting.
Those benefits were especially meaningful in a recreational UTV that might begin a ride at a low-elevation staging area and climb several thousand feet during the day. Instead of requiring carburetor adjustments or struggling with an overly rich mixture at elevation, the injected Teryx could compensate automatically.
In our separate 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI Sport ride review, the difference was immediately noticeable. The engine started quickly, settled into a smooth idle and delivered cleaner throttle response than the carbureted 2008 model.
Digital fuel injection was the most important upgrade for the 2009 Teryx.
749cc V-Twin Engine
The Teryx continued to use a liquid-cooled, 749cc, 90-degree V-twin with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Its 90-degree cylinder arrangement provided good primary balance, smooth power delivery and the distinctive exhaust note that helped separate the Teryx from the parallel-twin and single-cylinder machines of the period.
Kawasaki revised the ignition timing and increased the intake-port volume for 2009. The changes were intended to improve low- and midrange torque while sharpening response at higher rpm.
The high-pressure fuel pump was mounted inside a redesigned 7.4-gallon fuel tank. A small reservoir chamber at the bottom of the pump helped maintain a consistent fuel supply when the vehicle was traveling over rough or uneven terrain.
Kawasaki also altered the reverse ignition timing and low-speed fuel-injection settings to reduce the possibility of stalling when the throttle was suddenly closed, particularly while operating in shallow water.
The 2009 Teryx retained the original model’s body and one-piece front hood.
Improved CVT Cooling and Belt Protection
The V-twin was paired with a belt-driven continuously variable transmission offering High, Low, Neutral and Reverse. Kawasaki Engine Brake Control helped provide controlled deceleration when descending hills.
For 2009, Kawasaki retuned the CVT for harder acceleration and revised both its intake and exhaust ducting. The intake duct grew from 53mm to 65mm, while its opening was repositioned to move more cooling air through the transmission. Heat shielding was added between the exhaust pipe and the intake duct to reduce the temperature of the incoming air.
The CVT exhaust outlet was also placed 7.7 inches higher than on the 2008 Teryx, providing better protection against water and mud entering the belt housing. An aluminum CVT cover helped transfer heat away from the drive system.
Kawasaki raised the CVT exhaust outlet to improve protection against water and mud.
Kawasaki also upgraded its CVT Belt Protection System by adding throttle-position data to the system’s inputs. The system compared engine speed, vehicle speed, gear position and throttle position to recognize a situation in which the engine was revving but the rear wheels were not moving.
If high engine rpm continued for more than approximately two seconds while the wheels remained stationary, the system retarded the ignition timing to reduce power and flashed the belt-warning light. Normal operation returned once the wheels began moving again.
The CVT Belt Protection System warned the driver and reduced engine power when it detected excessive belt slip.
Airbox Changes
Kawasaki increased the airbox volume and changed the length and shape of the intake duct. The duct was lengthened from 17mm to 115mm, and its opening was reduced. These changes were primarily intended to lower the intake noise reaching the driver and passenger while maintaining the airflow required by the fuel-injected V-twin.
Air-filter access remained beneath the original Teryx’s large one-piece front hood. That hood was one of the less convenient parts of the 2008–2009 design because it had to be removed for access to several service points. Kawasaki addressed the issue on the 2010 Kawasaki Teryx with a redesigned front end and hinged, forward-tilting hood.
Selectable 4WD and Variable Front Differential Control
The driver could select two- or four-wheel drive using a dashboard switch. Instead of a simple on-or-off front differential-lock switch, the original Teryx used Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control.
A hand lever beside the shifter allowed the driver to progressively engage the front differential lock. Pulling the lever increased the amount of lock, giving the driver some control over the balance between maximum traction and lighter steering effort.
The rear differential remained permanently locked, meaning both rear wheels turned together. That arrangement delivered dependable traction and allowed the Teryx to rotate or slide more like a sport ATV, although it was less friendly to grass and other delicate surfaces than a selectable Turf Mode-style differential.
Chassis, Suspension and Handling
The original Teryx used a large-diameter tubular-steel frame with a 79.6-inch wheelbase. At 58.5 inches wide, it was compact enough for many established ATV trails while still offering a stable platform for two occupants.
Independent dual A-arm suspension provided 7.5 inches of wheel travel at both ends. Kawasaki revised the shock settings and stabilizer bar for 2009 to improve ride quality and handling.
The standard suspension used adjustable gas-charged shocks. Sport editions added higher-specification Kayaba reservoir shocks and lightweight aluminum wheels, making them the most performance-oriented versions in the 2009 lineup.
Ground clearance measured 11.7 inches, aided by 26-inch Maxxis tires mounted on 12-inch wheels. The front tires measured 26×8-12, while wider 26×10-12 tires were used at the rear.
Sport versions of the 2009 Teryx featured aluminum wheels and upgraded suspension components.
Brakes and Engine Braking
Braking came from dual 200mm hydraulic discs with twin-piston calipers at the front and a sealed, oil-bathed multi-disc brake at the rear. Mounting the rear brake inside a sealed housing protected it from water, mud and trail debris while also keeping the assembly compact.
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control supplemented the service brakes on descents. This was a useful feature for a machine designed to haul cargo and tow as well as tackle recreational trails.
Cockpit and Instrumentation
Two bucket seats, retractable three-point seat belts and a tubular occupant-protection structure formed the core of the cockpit. The cabin offered enough legroom and shoulder room for two full-size adults, although its open sides and relatively basic interior reflect the era in which it was developed.
All 2009 models received an updated multifunction digital display. In addition to the speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock and hour meter, the display included a fuel gauge and parking-brake indicator. Warning and status lights covered the transmission position, 4WD system, coolant temperature, oil pressure and CVT belt-protection system.
The fuel gauge was a small but welcome addition. Early recreational UTVs frequently offered limited information to the driver, making it harder to judge the remaining range on longer rides.
Cargo Bed and Towing Capacity
Despite its recreational personality, the Teryx retained meaningful utility capability. Its gas-assisted tilting cargo bed measured approximately 44.2 inches wide, 32.7 inches long and 11.1 inches deep, with a rated capacity of 500 pounds.
Tie-down points at all four corners and a cargo net helped secure coolers, tools, hunting equipment or camping supplies. The Teryx could also tow up to 1,300 pounds with the appropriate hitch equipment.
The gas-assisted tilting bed was rated to carry as much as 500 pounds.
2009 Kawasaki Teryx Models
Kawasaki offered several versions of the fuel-injected Teryx for 2009, allowing buyers to choose between a basic work-and-trail machine and more heavily equipped recreational editions.
- Teryx 750 FI 4×4: The standard model with fuel injection, selectable 4WD, a digital meter and tilting cargo bed.
- Teryx 750 FI 4×4 LE: Added comfort and appearance equipment such as a roof, deflector windshield, retractable cup holder and painted bodywork.
- Teryx 750 FI 4×4 NRA Outdoors: A hunting-oriented edition with camouflage bodywork and equipment aimed at outdoor users.
- Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport: The performance-focused model with aluminum wheels and upgraded Kayaba reservoir shocks.
- Teryx 750 FI 4×4 LE Sport Monster Energy: Combined Sport equipment with black Monster Energy graphics and special-edition styling.
The black Monster Energy edition was one of the most recognizable versions of the 2009 Teryx.
How the 2009 Teryx Fits Into Kawasaki History
The 2009 model was the first major evolution of Kawasaki’s original two-seat Teryx. It retained the compact dimensions, short wheelbase and V-twin character of the 2008 machine while correcting its most obvious powertrain omission with digital fuel injection.
Kawasaki continued refining this platform for 2010, adding the hinged hood, cooling-system changes and a more durable cargo-bed structure. The original-generation two-seater eventually gave way to the substantially redesigned 2014 Kawasaki Teryx, which used a longer wheelbase, a 783cc V-twin and protected storage compartments behind the seats.
For a broader view of how the platform changed over time, see our complete history and evolution of the Kawasaki Teryx.
2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin; SOHC, four valves per cylinder |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 749cc |
| Bore × stroke | 85 × 66mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel system | Digital fuel injection with two 34mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | Digital DC-CDI |
| Transmission | Automatic belt-drive CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse; Kawasaki Engine Brake Control |
| Final drive | Shaft drive; selectable 2WD/4WD with Variable Front Differential Control |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with adjustable gas-charged shocks; 7.5 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent dual A-arm with adjustable gas-charged shocks; 7.5 inches of travel |
| Front tires | 26×8-12 |
| Rear tires | 26×10-12 |
| Front brakes | Dual hydraulic discs with twin-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Sealed, oil-bathed multi-disc |
| Overall length | 116.4 inches |
| Overall width | 58.5 inches |
| Overall height | 75.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 79.6 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.7 inches |
| Curb weight | 1,387 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 7.4 gallons |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 500 pounds |
| Cargo-bed dimensions | 44.2 inches wide × 32.7 inches long × 11.1 inches deep |
| Towing capacity | 1,300 pounds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the 2009 Kawasaki Teryx fuel injected?
Yes. The 2009 Teryx was the first model year equipped with Kawasaki digital fuel injection. The original 2008 Teryx used dual carburetors.
What engine was used in the 2009 Teryx?
The 2009 Kawasaki Teryx used a liquid-cooled 749cc, 90-degree V-twin with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder.
What is the difference between the 2008 and 2009 Kawasaki Teryx?
The biggest difference is that the 2009 Teryx received digital fuel injection. Kawasaki also revised the ignition timing, airbox, suspension settings, CVT cooling ducts and belt-protection system and added an updated digital display with a fuel gauge.
How much can a 2009 Kawasaki Teryx tow?
The 2009 Teryx was rated to tow as much as 1,300 pounds when properly equipped. Its tilting cargo bed could carry up to 500 pounds.
What was special about the 2009 Teryx Sport?
The Sport version added lightweight aluminum wheels and upgraded Kayaba reservoir shocks. Read our hands-on 2009 Kawasaki Teryx Sport review for driving impressions.
Final Thoughts
The 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI did not completely reinvent the original machine, but it fixed the most significant weakness of the 2008 model. Digital fuel injection improved starting, throttle response and adaptability to changing elevations and temperatures, while the CVT and airbox revisions made the overall package better suited to demanding trail use.
Its short wheelbase, permanently locked rear differential and V-twin power gave the early Teryx a more aggressive personality than a traditional utility vehicle. At the same time, its 500-pound bed and 1,300-pound towing capacity allowed it to perform real work around a ranch, campsite or hunting property.
That combination helped establish the formula Kawasaki would continue refining: a durable two-seat recreation vehicle positioned between pure utility UTVs and increasingly specialized sport machines.
