Kawasaki Announces New-And-Improved Teryx For '09
Since its release in early 2008, the Kawasaki Teryx has been a huge hit in the UTV market and has been flying off showroom floors. A trip to the Kawasaki dealer meeting in Dallas, Texas, showed us that Kawasaki has listened to the feedback from magazines like ours and Teryx owners about changes that could make its product go from good to great!
The first and biggest improvement for 2009 is the switch from a carburetor to a Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) system. With this system in use, the engineers at Kawasaki have been able to get the strong 750cc engine to rev quicker than ever, which means getting as much power as possible in the least amount of time. They also changed the ignition timing to increase low and midrange torque while improving engine response at higher rpm. An array of electronic sensors monitoring the intake air pressure, throttle position, crankshaft position, rpm and water temperature allow the DFI system to deliver the precise amount of fuel to the engine needed to create the most power possible. These sensors also help compensate fuel delivery for changes in altitude and idle for easy choke-free starting.
Not leaving the drivetrain out of the loop for upgrades, Kawasaki focused on the performance of its already tried-and-true CVT belt-drive system. The addition of a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) works in conjunction with the fuel injection system to prevent tire freewheel and better low-speed performance with less belt overloading. This system also notifies the driver of excessive belt slippage by retarding ignition timing and triggering a warning light when it senses the rear wheels aren't moving for more than two seconds under throttle. Further improvements to the CVT system include refined intake and cooling ducts revised to further prevent water or mud from entering the drive belt area. The new CVT intake system is larger to allow for increased airflow to cool off the belt in extreme conditions. To further aid in cooling the air to the belt housing, a heat shield has been placed on the exhaust pipe, which lies just below the intake duct.
Getting the power to the ground is now handled by 26-inch Maxxis tires which have been specifically designed for the Teryx and offer great traction and sliding control. The handling of the new beast has also been improved through the adjustable Kayaba gas-charged shocks that feature improved valving and are used with a new stabilizer bar.
To round off this great updated package, you need to look at the Teryx's cab and bed. In the cab area you'll find a digital dash that's now a standard feature on all models. The digital dash supplies information such as fuel gauge, parking brake indicator, hourmeter, clock odometer, dual tripmeters and various warning lights. Last but not least is the gas-assisted 500-pound-capacity tilting cargo bed. All of these upgrades add up to what the Kawasaki marketing people would call a "Rhino slayer." To please even more of the public, the Teryx is offered in five model variations, each with its own color.
If you're in the market for a quality side-by-side machine, be sure to stop by your local Kawasaki dealer and take a look at what they have to offer.
Pumped Up
Remedy: After talking with many racing friends and pro riders, one of the best tips I received was to relax and enjoy the ride. Make a point to keep a light grip on your bar. The death grip you normally have can increase your likelihood for suffering arm-pump. If you are riding for a long period of time like a GNCC or GP, be sure to wiggle your fingers around throughout your ride or race to keep the blood circulating through your hands. In the long run you'll be glad you did.
If your riding experience has benefited from our advice, let us know. If you have another question on nutrition, bike setup or training, please feel free to drop us a line. We have plenty of experience at our fingertips and are more than willing to help you out.
Did you know that you should relax while you ride? In the past when I've been on the starting line, I felt the adrenaline flowing through my body and my muscles getting tense. It wasn't long after the gate dropped that my forearms swelled up and I could hardly hold on.
Eli's Rant
This month-let me rephrase that. This year has blown by like an F5 tornado going through the Midwest. It seems like just yesterday I was writing a story about our editorial team freezing our rear ends off on a camping trip in the mountains of California. Since that time I've traveled to eight states to either cover or participate in different events that range from motocross races to UTV rallies, and each one has been a great experience. Have I ever told you guys that I love this job?
Contrary to the popular belief of many readers, this job isn't all that easy. We have deadlines that must be met, and when you combine those with the amount of travel we need to do, they quickly sneak up on us faster than you can snap your fingers. Combine this with having to assemble project quads in between answering phone calls from people wanting you to test this or cover that, it can take a toll on everything in your life. I've had my ups and downs, but I can honestly say that I look forward to coming in to work. I know I'm fortunate for that because not everyone has a job that focuses around a hobby that they love. To the people in my life since I've had this job, thank you for tolerating me, and to all the people who want my job, good luck because I'm not leaving anytime soon.
Yamaha Earns Two 2008 Field & Stream Magazine Best Of The Best Awards
It's no surprise that the fine people at Yamaha are used to winning awards for its quality machines year after year, and 2008 is no different. Field & Stream Magazine has given Yamaha its prestigious Best of the Best Award for both the Grizzly 550 FI with power steering and the Rhino 700 FI. This was the first year the editorial staff has handed out separate awards for an ATV and a side-by-side vehicle.
"Yamaha is extremely proud to be named Best of the Best for these two machines by Field & Stream Magazine, one of the most respected names in the outdoor industry," said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha's ATV/SxS group. "Yamaha is more involved in the outdoor community than any other ATV manufacturer, and that helps us stay in touch with outdoorsmen's needs. The people at Yamaha who develop these vehicles make them the toughest, most versatile and off-road-capable ATV and SxS vehicles, and that shows in the reviews and awards we have received. We're excited to win the first-ever Best of the Best Award in the SxS category as well as our second in the ATV category, especially in the same year."
ATVR Reader's Ride
This month's ride comes to us from Gerry Syler out of Stuart, Florida.
ATV Rider,
Here are some pictures of my 2006 Suzuki KingQuad 700! This quad goes through hell and back but always seems to climb out the other end! Sometimes with me still on it!
Mod List:
HMF utility exhaust system
Power programmer
Bayou Snorkel trans kit, custom air intake snorkel
ITP SS112 wheels with reverse-offset rear wheels
ITP 28-inch Mud Lite tires Quadboss rear seat/storage box
JVC CD player, iPod, Sirius satellite radio
JBL waterproof speakers
Varad green LED lighting for night riding
Performance:
My KingQuad performs very well under all conditions. It has been to the Okeechobee Mudfest twice and has crossed the center of the main mudhole both times without hesitation (except to pull others out with it)! I really like the 4x4 button and diff-lock switch; it is so easy to engage with your thumb while riding. My friends have other quads and have to stop in neutral to engage their 4x4 systems, which means I usually have to pull them out at that point.
I have never owned anything but Suzuki since my first quad in 1983, which was an LT 125. I don't think I'll own anything else! I've ridden other quads, but none can compare. Thanks for putting out a great mag!