Kawasaki incorporated various comfort features to the Teryx Sport as well. Some, like the newly designed airbox which helps reduce cabin noise via a new larger plenum, may not seem imperative, but they're effective. Other cool features include the gas-assisted tilt bed, the glove box which will hold 12 bottled waters, the cargo net and the decrease in cabin heat over previous models (which was achieved via improved insulation). If I had to nitpick, I'd say the mounts for the cargo net should be lowered 2-3 inches to allow proper tightening of the net; that's pretty much it. Another great Teryx feature is the Performance Parts line of accessories being offered by Kawasaki. To Green's credit, it was smart enough to recognize that a good percentage of Teryx owners will immediately accessorize their vehicles with aftermarket goodies upon purchase. Rather than neglecting that segment of its consumer base, Kawi has partnered with select aftermarket manufacturers to develop and distribute the best fitting and functioning accessory options. Everything from Funco long-travel suspension kits and bumpers to Muzzys exhaust systems, PWR radiators, Dalton clutch kits, ITP wheel and tire packages and Dyna ignitions can be ordered out of the Kawasaki Performance Parts catalog.
From a looks standpoint, both of the Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport models are stunners; the Monster Energy edition will surely turn heads and is bound to sell out everywhere, while the lime green model's plastic practically glows in the dark.
Being that Thad was on site and shares in my obsession with side-by-sides, I had plenty of opportunity to experience not only driving the Teryx, but the horror of being a passenger. As with any UTV/RUV/SxS your experience will be dictated by your seat in the cabin; in other words, there are two very distinct and differing points of view to consider: those of the driver and the passenger, and both are equally important.
From the passenger's side, the lack of adequate grab areas absolutely sucks. Passengers are relegated to holding onto two roll cage-mounted handles; the problem is the right-side handle inadvertently exposes your arm and elbow to just about everything you roll through (even with long sleeves my arm got hammered). The left-side handle is precariously placed up above and behind you and directly in between the driver and passenger seats. The problem is that you constantly feel as if your left arm is going to be yanked out of its socket. At six feet tall, I could barely reach both handles while bracing myself with my right foot. When you consider that most people buy these units in order to ride with a buddy or spouse, the misery of the passenger side is a real problem. The good news is the aftermarket offers a couple of clamp-on RZR-style bars that would easily remedy these woes. I for one wouldn't go for another ride without some sort of handle upgrade.
From the driver's side, the '09 Teryx does everything way better than you'd expect. The standout feeling is that of stability; the wide chassis, revised torsion bar and long-travel shocks combine for a nontippy feeling that inspires confidence. The Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport's throttle response was noticeably improved over the '08 model, and even in stock trim it was plenty fast enough to scare the daylights out of us. The adjustability of the suspension components allowed us to tweak every aspect of the shock performance and continually surpassed our expectations. To put it bluntly, the Teryx performs amazingly in the desert conditions.
Location: Northwest of Phoenix. Numerous OHV routes traverse the country between Lake Pleasant (east), Wickenburg (west) and Prescott National Forest (north). Boulders Staging Area is off Highway 74 between mileposts 11 and 12.