This extensively modified 2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750 LE was built by Xtreme Machine and Fabrication (XMF) for the Side X Side Action magazine Battle of the Builders. Combining long-travel suspension, a custom two-seat cage and a Weller Racing 840cc engine package, the XMF Teryx represented a serious sport side-by-side build for its era.
Built for the Battle of the Builders
XMF started with a 2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750 LE and transformed it into a purpose-built show and performance machine. The project featured extensive suspension, chassis, engine and interior modifications designed to showcase what was possible with the first-generation Teryx platform.
At the center of the build was an XMF plus-five-inch long-travel suspension system paired with Walker Evans Racing remote-reservoir shocks. The wider suspension increased stability while delivering more than 15 inches of wheel travel for aggressive off-road driving.
XMF Long-Travel Suspension
- XMF plus-five-inch long-travel suspension kit
- Walker Evans Racing remote-reservoir shocks
- 16-way shock adjustment
- Hyperco springs
- Approximately 16 inches or more of front wheel travel
- 15.5 inches of rear wheel travel
- Front wheel position maintained at stock location
- Rear wheelbase extended approximately 1.25 inches
- Front camber adjustment of up to two degrees
- Billet-aluminum shock reservoir mounts
- XMF 4340 heat-treated, centerless-ground axles
- Powder-coated axle finish
- 4130 chromoly suspension arms constructed from 1.25-inch by .120-wall tubing
- TIG-welded suspension components
- Greaseable Delrin bushings and crush tubes at the chassis mounting points
- New front brake-line assembly
- Powder-coated suspension finish
XMF recommended using 25-inch tires on aftermarket 12-inch wheels with a 5+2 offset. This combination was intended to work with the suspension geometry while keeping the Teryx responsive and manageable.
Weller Racing 840cc Engine Package
The original Kawasaki V-twin received a substantial performance upgrade centered around a Weller Racing 840cc engine kit. XMF listed output at more than 65 horsepower, a significant number for a modified Kawasaki Teryx during this period.
- Weller Racing 840cc engine kit
- Custom-ported cylinder heads
- Weller Racing custom camshafts
- 10:1 compression ratio
- Configured to run on 91-octane gasoline
- Muzzys dual exhaust system
- Aftermarket CDI box
- aFe intake system
- Claimed output of more than 65 horsepower
The displacement increase, ported heads, custom cams, intake and dual exhaust worked together to give the Teryx considerably more performance than the original 2008 production model.
Custom Cage, Protection and Accessories
XMF replaced the factory occupant-protection structure with a lower-profile two-seat play cage and aluminum roof. Matching bumpers, a light bar and a bolt-on cargo rack helped create a cohesive design while adding useful protection and storage.
- XMF two-seat play cage
- Aluminum roof
- Optional windshield
- XMF front bumper
- XMF rear bumper
- XMF bolt-on cooler and fuel rack
- XMF light bar
- Front and rear skid plates
Interior and Billet Components
The interior was finished with BS Sand seats, Crow harnesses, lowering seat bases and an extensive collection of XMF billet-aluminum components. Convex billet mirrors improved rearward visibility, while the dress-up hardware carried the polished theme throughout the cockpit.
- BS Sand seats with billet harness inserts
- Crow safety harnesses
- XMF lowering seat bases
- XMF convex billet rearview mirror
- XMF four-inch convex billet side mirrors
- Billet shift knob
- Billet differential-control button
- Billet shift-gate bezel
- Billet glove-box handle
- Billet ignition bezel
- Billet light-switch knob
- Billet door-bar hardware
- Billet grab-handle hardware
- Billet dome light
- Billet headset hanger
Wheels, Tires and Custom Finish
- OMF polished beadlock wheels
- ITP Big Horn tires
- Custom paint by Deano’s Custom Painting
The polished beadlocks, billet accessories and custom paint helped make the performance-oriented build equally suited for display at the Battle of the Builders competition.
More XMF Kawasaki Teryx Photos
A Snapshot of Early Kawasaki Teryx Customization
The XMF Kawasaki Teryx captures an important period in sport UTV development. Builders were rapidly expanding the capabilities of early side-by-sides with wider suspension, more wheel travel, larger-displacement engines and custom cages. With its Weller Racing 840cc engine, XMF long-travel suspension and detailed fabrication, this Battle of the Builders entry demonstrated how far the original Kawasaki Teryx platform could be taken.
