2011 Kawasaki Teryx 916cc Multi-Terrain Build

This extensively modified 2011 Kawasaki Teryx Sport combined a Muzzys 916cc V-twin, long-travel suspension and serious underbody protection to tackle Moab, the Rubicon Trail and the Oregon Dunes.

The goal behind this Kawasaki Teryx project was ambitious: build a lightweight, high-performance UTV with extreme suspension capability that could still handle a wide range of terrain. Rather than specializing in one type of riding, the finished Teryx needed to crawl through difficult rock trails, cover rough desert terrain and run hard in the dunes.

The project began in February 2011 with a new 2011 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport.

Building a More Capable Kawasaki Teryx

The first phase concentrated on suspension, chassis protection and driver safety. Lonestar Racing +5 XTR-F long-travel suspension and FOX 2.0 position-sensitive shocks provided the foundation, while a custom roll cage, UHMW skid plates, rock sliders, Beard seats and harnesses prepared the Teryx for technical terrain.

Additional upgrades included a WARN winch, Muzzys exhaust, UTV Inc. intake, CBR Performance radiator, Dalton Industries clutch components and Wicked Bilt power steering.

With the first round of modifications completed, we headed to Moab for the 2011 Rally on the Rocks. The Teryx exceeded our expectations on the slickrock and even tackled Upper Helldorado at Area BFE.

Rock Crawling in Moab

See more from the trip in our 2011 Rally on the Rocks trip report.

Muzzys 916cc Big-Bore Power

After returning from Moab, the project entered its second phase. Muzzys Performance Products transformed the Kawasaki V-twin with a 916cc big-bore engine, bored Brute Force throttle bodies and a performance exhaust system. Dalton Industries clutch components helped put the additional power to the ground.

The Teryx was also fitted with larger Pit Bull rock-crawling tires mounted on OMF beadlock wheels. This combination added traction while increasing ground clearance for larger obstacles.

It was time to return to the rocks, but this time the destination was the legendary Rubicon Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada. The 916cc V-twin delivered smooth, controllable power throughout the trip, while the larger tires helped the Teryx work through the massive rocks in Little Sluice.

Kawasaki Teryx on the Rubicon Trail

Read the complete Kawasaki Teryx Rubicon Trail trip report.

From Rock Crawling to the Oregon Dunes

One of the best tests of a multi-purpose build is how easily it can transition between completely different environments. After running the Rubicon, we removed the 31-inch rock-crawling tires, installed a set of Fullerton Sand Sports paddle tires and headed north for DuneFest 2011.

The Oregon Dunes presented a completely different challenge. Slow-speed crawling and careful tire placement were replaced by fast dune runs, steep climbs, chopped-up sand and jumps.

The Teryx once again exceeded expectations. The Muzzys 916cc engine delivered the power needed to move the larger chassis through the sand, while the Lonestar Racing suspension and FOX shocks absorbed the rough, heavily traveled dunes.

DuneFest 2011

See additional photos and details in our DuneFest 2011 trip report.

A True Multi-Terrain Teryx

This project proved that a properly built Kawasaki Teryx could perform in dramatically different conditions. Its combination of big-bore V-twin power, long-travel suspension, underbody protection and terrain-specific tires allowed it to move from Moab slickrock to the Rubicon Trail and then directly into the Oregon Dunes.

Future additions under consideration included an SSV Works audio system and a CBR Performance oil cooler, but the core build had already achieved its original goal. It was powerful, protected and versatile enough to handle nearly every type of recreational riding we could throw at it.

For a closer look at the individual upgrades and installation process, visit the complete 2011 Kawasaki Teryx project build.

2011 Kawasaki Teryx Build Specifications

• Base vehicle: 2011 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport
• Engine: Muzzys Performance Products 916cc big-bore V-twin
• Throttle bodies: Muzzys bored Brute Force throttle bodies
• Exhaust: Muzzys Performance Products exhaust
• Clutch: Dalton Industries clutch kit and overdrive cover
• Intake: UTV Inc. intake and air filter
• Front and rear suspension: Lonestar Racing +5 XTR-F long-travel suspension
• Chassis reinforcement: Lonestar Racing gussets
• Shocks: FOX 2.0 position-sensitive shocks with Dual Speed Compression adjustment
• Power steering: Wicked Bilt
• Radiator: CBR Performance
• Radiator control: UTV Inc. fan override switch
• Roll cage: Roggy Enterprises
• Front bumper: Roggy Enterprises
• Rock sliders: Roggy Enterprises
• Skid plate and rocker protection: Factory UTV UHMW
• Winch: WARN Industries
• Winch fairlead: Custom Splice billet fairlead
• Seats: Beard
• Harnesses: Beard
• Seat bases: UTV Inc.
• Gauges and pod: Black Rhino Performance
• Lighting: Rigid Industries LED lights
• Mirrors: Axia Alloys
• Steering wheel adapter: UTV Inc. quick-release adapter
• Rock-crawling wheels: OMF Performance beadlocks
• Rock-crawling tires: Pit Bull Tires
• Sand tires: Fullerton Sand Sports
• Storage: PRP storage bags
• Lubricants: Royal Purple synthetic oil

Final Takeaway

More than a decade later, this build remains a great example of what made the original Kawasaki Teryx such a popular project platform. The 916cc V-twin supplied the performance, the long-travel suspension delivered control at speed and the protective equipment allowed the vehicle to survive demanding rock trails. A simple tire-and-wheel change was all it needed to transition from crawling Little Sluice to charging through the Oregon Dunes.