UTV Review – 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750

January 1st, 2006 by admin

Kawasaki doubles the fun with room for four
By Nick Nelson

Knowing that there is no such thing as too much of a good thing, it was only a matter of time before Kawasaki doubled the Teryx’s fun and function factor with two more seats. The new 2012 Teryx4 750 comes with enough room for more friends, more help or the whole family.

Not satisfied with just bolting two extra seats to the Teryx 750’s chassis, Kawasaki engineers figured out exactly what was needed to complete their 4 seat RUV concept right. The Teryx4 is redesigned from tip to tail with an all new chassis and reworked v-twin engine that pumps out 15% more power.

The foundation for a top-tier RUV with seating capability for four people starts with the frame. The Teryx4 features the Double-X frame design with two x shaped cross members bridging the box structures from corner to corner. The Double-X frame is designed to provide superior rigidity and minimal Torsional flex when compared to a conventional UTV chassis. The ROPS or Roll Over Protective Structure is also engineered for optimum strength as well as featuring an exo-skeleton type design to protect bodywork from damage.

Kawasaki engineers also put a lot of thought into the Teryx4’s unique chassis dimensions. With an 85.7” wheelbase the 4 is relatively short in comparison to other 4 seat RUV’s. This shorter wheelbase provides a smaller turning radius and the ability to climb over obstacles that would ground a longer vehicle thus improving it’s functionality on tight trails. Nearly 11 inches of ground clearance as well as high approach and departure angles also helps with steep slopes, ridges or obstacles.

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The Teryx4 is designed to be the most comfortable RUV in its class. Roomy interior for driver and all three passengers to spread out, with plenty of hip, shoulder and legroom as well as ample cargo space to carry along any necessary supplies. High-backed bolstered bucket seats and three point seatbelts to keep you comfortably secure. Driver seat is adjustable and the rear seats are mounted slightly higher for improved view and ease of entry. Additional passenger conveniences are afforded in the way of front and rear anti-spill cup holders and 12 volt accessory plugs.

Revised camshaft profiles and equal length exhaust headers allotted by the additional length of the Teryx4 create an additional 15% power increase to the already stellar v-twin powerplant. The 90 degree twin is already known for instantaneous and controllable low to midrange power that still comes alive on the top end when opened up. Cam profiles were developed to give the Teryx4 an arm straightening yank when driven solo, yet make plenty of torque for carrying 4 people over and through whatever obstacles you might throw at it.

The newly revised motor is fed via EFI with new fine-atomizing 12 hole injectors developed for easier starts and perfect throttle response from sea level to the highest of elevations. The EFI system features automatic mixture compensation, idle adjustment and easy choke-free starting (through sensors that monitor inlet air pressure, throttle and crankshaft position, rpm and coolant temperature).

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The Teryx4 uses a Continuously Variable Transmission CVT, with a category-first centrifugal clutch assembly to harness all that usable power and route it to the ground via Maxxis Bighorn tires. The CVT is well known in the industry for its responsiveness and direct engine feel in sporty riding situations.

Where the Teryx4’s dual-mode personality differs is that the category first centrifugal clutch offers extra precision slow speed power delivery, ideal for rock crawling or slow speed work situations where precise throttle control is a must. Kawasaki’s oil bathed clutch design also helps improve CVT belt life by lessening shock and belt deflection.

The Teryx4’s sport focused independent suspension is designed to handle as well as its stellar motor runs. The Teryx4 suspension was developed to provide a comfortable ride with the weight of four passengers yet perform more like a sport RUV with only a driver or single passenger. The base model uses gas charged, preload adjustable front shocks and fully adjustable piggyback rears while the LE model comes with fully adjustable piggyback shocks on all four corners.

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Speaking of options! At 13,399 the base model is designed to do anything you should ever expect of a four seat RUV, but for 00 bucks more you can get your Teryx4 with Kawasaki’s renowned Electronic Power Steering. The EPS model features ultra light steering, sublime control and a major lack of steering kickback. The EPS system is designed to work like a steering dampener in ruts or rocks, keeping the steering wheel controllable and safe. Kawasaki’s EPS also monitors how fast the vehicle is traveling, providing additional assistance at slow speeds when you need it and less at faster speeds when you don’t. The Teryx4 EPS is deigned to provide the ultimate 4 up four wheeling experience that you can enjoy for hours on end.

Specs

Engine: 749cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 90-degree v-twin; SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 85 x 66mm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Fuel System: DFI, 2 x Mikuni 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI w/electronic advance
Starting System: Electric
Transmission: Continuously variable belt-drive transmission with High, Low, Reverse and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
Final Drive: Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control

Chassis

Frame: Double-X design with large diameter, thin walled, high-tensile tubular steel
Front Suspension: Adjustable dual A-arm, gas charged shocks; 7.8-in travel; EPS model comes with fully adjustable reservoir front shocks
Rear Suspension: Adjustable IRS with fully adjustable gas charged reservoir shocks; 8.3-in travel
Front Brakes: Dual 200mm hydraulic disc with dual piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Sealed, oil bathed, multi-disc
Front Tires: Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 26 x 9-12
Rear Tires: Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 26 x 11-12

Dimensions

Length/Width/height: 125.2 x 62 x 77.3
Wheelbase: 86.1 in
Ground Clearance: 10.8 in
Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal
Curb Weight 1616 lbs. 1626 for EPS version
Cargo bed Capacity: 249 lbs.
Towing Capacity: 1300 lbs.

Other

Instrumentation: Digital LCD multifunction display: speedometer, odometer, coolant temp, clock, hour meter, dual trip meter, parking brake, CVT belt, R/N/P/4wd, oil pressure and fuel gauge
Lighting: Dual 35W headlights & 2 24W/8W brake lights
Colors: Sunbeam Red, Scout Green, Vibrant Blue, Sunrise Yellow, Aztec Red, Realtree APG HD
MSRP: ,399 to ,199 depending on equipment package

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