Rob Muzzy’s personal Kawasaki Teryx was much more than a collection of bolt-on parts. Built as a rolling research-and-development platform for Muzzys Performance Products, this machine combined a billet big-bore engine, stroker crank, extensive cylinder-head work and a long-travel suspension package.
I had an opportunity to drive the Teryx in the Winchester Bay dunes during DuneFest, and the simplest way to describe it is that it was a monster. The combination of nearly 1,000cc, strong low-end torque and dune-ready suspension transformed Kawasaki’s original V-twin side-by-side into a very different machine.
Originally selected as UTV Guide’s UTV of the Month for August 2010, Rob Muzzy’s Teryx captures an important period in side-by-side history when engine builders and fabricators were discovering just how far Kawasaki’s original platform could be pushed. For more background on the model, visit our history of the Kawasaki Teryx and Teryx4.
From a 916cc Big-Bore Kit to 999cc
The engine build began with a Muzzys Performance 916cc big-bore kit. It featured two all-aluminum billet cylinders and lightweight 94mm slipper-style racing pistons.
The billet cylinders used a nickel-silicon-carbide composite coating and incorporated larger water jackets than the stock cylinders. The complete kit included front and rear billet cylinders, two 94mm pistons, three-layer head gaskets, base gaskets, wrist pins, rings and clips.
Rob Muzzy did not stop at 916cc. A Muzzys stroker crank-and-rod kit increased the engine’s displacement to 999cc. In addition to the added displacement, the longer-stroke configuration delivered a substantial increase in low-end torque—exactly what the heavier Teryx needed for accelerating through soft sand and climbing dunes.
Ported Heads, Big Valves and Billet Throttle Bodies
The increased displacement was supported by ported cylinder heads, larger valves, billet throttle bodies and a high-flow intake plenum. These components helped the V-twin move enough air to take advantage of its big-bore and stroker combination.
A dry-sump oiling system was also installed to support the heavily modified engine under demanding dune conditions. The complete combination demonstrated how much performance could be extracted from the original Kawasaki V-twin when its displacement, airflow, fueling and cooling systems were developed together.
Cooling, Fuel and Clutch Upgrades
Building a 999cc engine was only one part of the project. Muzzys installed its 2010 Teryx radiator upgrade kit to help control coolant temperatures, while an MSD fuel and ignition controller was used to manage the modified engine.
A Dalton Industries clutch kit helped match the CVT calibration to the increased engine output and paddle tires. The combination was especially important in the dunes, where the belt and clutching remain under sustained load.
For comparison with the production machine that provided the foundation for this build, see our 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 overview and specifications.
Long-Travel Suspension and Dune Equipment
A Funco long-travel suspension kit paired with FOX shocks gave the Teryx the stance and wheel control needed for aggressive dune driving. Muzzys billet rear spindles added another purpose-built component to the suspension package.
DWT paddle tires put the engine’s torque into the sand, while a Mafia Industries roll cage, Beard suspension seats and Simpson harnesses improved occupant protection and support. An upgraded alternator from UTV Inc. completed the electrical side of the build.
Muzzys 999cc Kawasaki Teryx Build Specifications
- Base vehicle: Kawasaki Teryx
- Final displacement: 999cc
- Big-bore kit: Muzzys Performance 916cc billet-cylinder kit
- Pistons: 94mm lightweight slipper-style racing pistons
- Crankshaft and rods: Muzzys Performance stroker crank-and-rod kit
- Cylinder heads: Ported heads with oversized valves
- Intake: Muzzys Performance intake plenum
- Throttle bodies: Muzzys Performance billet throttle bodies
- Exhaust: Muzzys Performance
- Oiling system: Dry sump
- Cooling: Muzzys Performance 2010 Teryx radiator upgrade kit
- Fuel and ignition controller: MSD
- Clutch kit: Dalton Industries
- Long-travel suspension: Funco
- Shocks: FOX long-travel shocks
- Rear spindles: Muzzys Performance billet rear spindles
- Roll cage: Mafia Industries
- Seats: Beard
- Harnesses: Simpson Racing
- Paddle tires: DWT
- Alternator: UTV Inc.
Muzzys Kawasaki Teryx Photo Gallery
Muzzys 999cc Teryx Video
Rob Muzzy’s 999cc Teryx was an impressive example of early Kawasaki side-by-side development. Its billet cylinders, stroker crank, modified heads and supporting chassis upgrades turned the original 749cc Teryx into a purpose-built dune machine while also serving as a test platform for Muzzys Performance products.
