Posted: Nov 14th 2008 (Friday)
Kawasaki’s Teryx RUV (Recreational Utility Vehicle) has exterior dimensions that fall between most mid- and full-size UTVs and is priced lower than both the Rhino and RZR (quite an achievement, considering what you’re getting). The exterior is a fusion of Prowler, Rhino and RZR themes. Other than the V-Twin, the Teryx breaks no new technological ground for Side-x-Side’s, but Kawasaki also got very little wrong with it. The hood looks eerily similar to the Rhino, but the body design is clean and well-proportioned without any notable missteps. Kawasaki simply bundled all of the ATV world’s best off-road attributes into a high-performing recreational-based cargo box vehicle that’s just plain good—real good. From the Kayaba adjustable IRS to the engine braking to its high ground clearance and extremely good stability, if you’re in the market for a high-performing recreational vehicle to carry gear and tow agriculture implements or a trailer of firewood, then the Teryx should be on your short list.
(Editor’s Note: We were somewhat disappointed to learn that the basic Teryx, as shown in these photos, does not have a dumping bed. The dump feature, cupholders and digital dash-meter are exclusive to premium models only.)
Power is something the Teryx isn’t short on.
The mid-mount engine, combined with the Kayaba shock four-wheel independent suspension, lends itself well to extreme terrain. Never feeling front- or rear-heavy, the machine handles difficult terrain with ease and stability. Its power and suspension will make you brave to a fault. Never once did our senses tell us we felt out of control, whether high-speed handling or rocky ascents--the Teryx’s strongest asset is its stability. We came to the conclusion that the Teryx is so good in handling rough terrain that we’re in the planning stages right now do a comparison test among the ’09 Teryx, the new ’09 1000cc Prowler and the ’09 Sport Edition Rhino.
As other Side-x-Side manufacturers do, Kawasaki relied heavily on its premier line of ATVs. At its core, the engine is the famously strong and proven 749cc, 90-degree V-twin, the same powerplant that gives the Brute Force 750 its distinguished high torque. The mid-chassis-mounted engine delivers the speed and V-twin torque that high-performance Side-x-Side enthusiasts have been seeking. It has very smooth power and is surprisingly quiet (rumor has it that Kawasaki actually de-tuned the torque when under 5 mph for smooth, steep ascents without any jerkiness in low range). Yes, it’s also the best rock climber we’ve ever tested, be it ATV, UTV or Side-x-Side.
Naturally, big power demands a chassis to compliment it, and once again the Teryx delivers with an ideal rigid-style frame. Similar in strength to Kawasaki’s Mule line, the large-diameter, thin-walled tubular frame offers the necessary rigidity without performance-draining weight. Do yourself a favor--next time you’re at the dealership, check out the thickness of the frame / suspension components compared to a Rhino or RZR. While you’re there, check out the underbelly protection on all three vehicles. You’ll be surprised.
The cab flooring is another area where Kawasaki did some nice work. It’s roughly textured, has left and right foot rest supports and drains throughout the entire floor.
Similar to the Brute Force ATV, it shares the long A-arm and narrow frame concept giving it maximum suspension travel while minimizing wheel camber change. Featuring adjustable Kayaba suspension with gas-charged shocks, the sport-performance focused suspension keeps the driver in control even at top speed—slightly over 50 mph.
Notice the front locking differential and range selector levers in middle console, left/right foot supports on floor, glove box, rocker switch on dash for 4WD activation, 12V DC outlet and hourmeter. The three dash lights from L-R are Park engagement warning light, 4WD mode and engine overheating.
Mated to the engine is Kawasaki’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), which transfers the power from the big V-twin to the wheels smoothly and quickly. The output of the duo provides true sport performance, yet in a controlled manner that allows the driver to harness the full potential. Control and stability, in all situations, is one of the Teryx’s strongest assets. Should a mishap occur, occupants will be glad to know there’s a three-point harness and the roll-over protection structure (ROPS) meets SAE regulations. No other Side-x-Side offers this kind of protection.
When the terrain requires it, the driver can activate 4WD with a simple servo-control rocker switch on the dash. Further traction management is achieved through a front differential control activated with a hand lever located in the middle console that lets the driver select to what degree the front wheels are locked together. The rear wheels stay locked and always turn together—much like a sport ATV—allowing the Teryx to slide around corners easier in a drift style.
After spending a day riding with Executive Director Bryan Helmer of Burning Rock Off-Road Park’s challenging trails (see Burning Rock story elsewhere in this issue), we’ll venture to say that the Teryx could well be the finest, most versatile Side-x-Side in the industry. Bryan agreed, too. He already has one. As everything about it becomes familiar, the Teryx becomes an extension of your body and you soon forget about its strong engine & suspension, only how it feels.
So what’s so good about it? It’s only a tad slower in acceleration than the RZR, but has more ground clearance, a full-belly skid plate, a much stronger frame and for better control, downhill engine braking. Is it better than the Rhino in demanding terrain? Well, it’s close enough to merit a direct comparison. Because we received our loaner unit just prior to deadline, expect a more thorough in-depth review with a few tire kits and accessories in the next issue.
Executive Director of Burning Rock, Bryan Helmer helped us with some of the testing.
Specifications / Pricing: 2008 Kawasaki Teryx
Editor’s Note: LE versions include Digital Meter, Dual retractable cup holders, Hard top, Half-Windshield, Tilting cargo bed with gas assist
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90-degree, four-stroke V-twin
- Valve system: SOHC, four valves per cylinder
- Displacement: 749cc
- Bore x Stroke: 85 x 66mm
- Compression ratio: 8.8:1
- Carburetion: (2) Keihin CVKR-34
- Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
- Transmission: Continuously variable belt-drive transmission (CVT) with high and low range, plus reverse, and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
- Final Drive: Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
- Frame: Large-diameter, thin-walled, high-tensile tubular steel
- Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: Adjustable dual A-arm with gas charged shocks / 7.5”
- Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Adjustable Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) with gas charged, reservoir shocks / 7.5”
- Front Tires: Maxxis 26x8-12
- Rear Tires: Maxxis 26x10-12
- Front Brakes: Dual 200mm hydraulic discs with 2-piston calipers
- Rear Brake: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
- Overall Length: 115.4”
- Overall width: 58.7”
- Overall Height: 75.0”
- Wheelbase: 76.0”
- Ground Clearance: 11.3”
- Seat Height: 30.6”
- Lighting: (2) 40W headlights, (2) 8W taillight, 27W stoplight
- Cargo Bed Capacity: 500 lb.
- Cargo Bed Dimensions: 44.1” W x 32.7” L x 11.2” H
- Towing Capacity: 1300 lb.
- Dry Weight: 1276.5 lb.
- Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal.
- Instruments: R/N/P/4WD indicators, water temp and oil pressure lamps
- Standard Colors: Sunbeam Red, Woodsman Green
- MSRPs:
- Teryx 750 4x4: $9,799
- Teryx 750 4x4 Camo: $10,249
- Teryx 750 4x4 LE: $10,599
- Teryx 750 4x4 LE Camo: $11,049
- Teryx 750 4x4 LE NRA Outdoors: $11,349 (Features Realtree APG HD camouflage)
Additional Photos
 The Teryx has an enclosed CVT for deep-water protection and high radiator placement to help keep mud out of the cooling fins. |
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 Red 2008 Kawasaki Teryx LE |
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