UtilityOffRoad.com Presents:

2008 Kawasaki Teryx

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
(What I like, what I don't, and what I can live with)

What I like:

Suspension

On suspension alone I could rename this section "What I LOVE".  Hands down the Teryx suspension is the best stock suspension I have ever ridden, period.  Despite how simple the concept is, it has been overlooked by most for many years.  By keeping the front frame narrow (about 12") the front A-arms can be made longer giving you a long arm suspension on a stock machine.  The rear suspension includes gas charged shocks with reservoirs and provides a firm stance with beautiful flex and a matching spring rate for any obstacle at any speed.  The suspension sold me on this machine before anything else, and whomever designed this suspension truly understands the science behind it.

750 v-twin

In the ATV community the Kawasaki 750 v-twin is legendary, and this engine will certainly build a comparable reputation for unparalleled performance within the RUV community.  The power and torque of the 750 v-twin is consistent, abundant, and immediate.  On any terrain from any position in any situation at any rpm I always had more power if needed.  While thoroughly impressive in stock form, the aftermarket will surely release the potential of this monster.  Just the name "Kawasaki 750 v-twin" in and of itself truly speaks for itself with little more required.

Front Locker

Although I would prefer a limited slip differential in addition to the front locker, the front locker did its job very effectively providing 100% complete and immediate lock.  Few things are as important in rocks as the ability to lock your differentials, and this locker just works.

Sealed Rear Brake

I've never much cared for sealed brakes, but make an exception for this one due to its undeniable effectiveness.  My ability to stop the Teryx was never in question at any time.  The engine braking offered by the upgraded CVT was equally impressive and just made the entire ride both safer and more enjoyable.

Ergonomics

The Teryx is definitely a rider's machine.  The bucket seats offer both excellent support and comfort.  The controls are laid out nicely, easily within reach to fit almost any size rider.  Steering response is very good, nothing was difficult or uncomfortable to manipulate.

Teryx Tires

I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the 26" tires designed by Maxxis specifically for the Teryx.  While not superior at anything, they were great at everything which I'm sure is their intended purpose.  For a non-specific purpose tire, I was really particularly impressed by their performance while rock crawling.  Tires are typically the first upgrade for me on any new RUV, but if I purchased a Teryx I could see myself running these tires indefinitely.

Stability

One of the greatest assets of this machine is its inherent stability.  Front to rear and side to side stability are equally impressive.  Despite defying gravity, I never once felt like the Teryx was going to roll over.  With similar machines ranging from 50" to 60"+ and strong arguments promoting the benefits of each, I believe Kawasaki found the perfect compromise of fit and stability in its 58" track width.

What I don't like:

Carburetors!

I understand Kawasaki's reasoning in using carburetors (thus preventing the delay of the release of this impressive RUV) but I feel more of an emphasis should have been placed on developing an EFI system.  It cannot be argued that carburetors are more sensitive to extreme approach angles (common place in rock crawling) as demonstrated in the video below. 

Why EFI Video

The trails I typically ride can rise from 3,500' to 12,000'+ after just a dozen or so miles and for altitude changes like this EFI is clearly superior.  In all fairness the Teryx performs very well with carburetors; throttle response is excellent.  Despite the awesome performance of this machine however, I feel the use of carburetors instead of an EFI system will cause many buyers to wait until EFI is available. 

Exposed Radiator

Although covered by a light mesh, I feel the radiator is vulnerable to puncture from limbs and other debris commonly tackled while off roading.  A little more thought should have gone into protecting the radiator.

Engine Cover Access

Gaining access to the engine compartment requires a bit more effort than it should.  Let's be honest, push-pins are a pain (in the fingers) to deal with.  Although not particularly difficult to manipulate, its another step I'd rather not have to bother with just to access my engine compartment.

What I Can Live With

Diff-Lock Lever

While the drive shifter is very nice, the diff-lock lever requires a bit of effort to engage.  It's not difficult by any means, but I would prefer an electronic servo engaged locker to a manually engaged lever.

The gauge and cup-holders (standard on the LE models, available upgrades for the base model) are both very nice features, but I feel that the gauge should include a fuel gauge and both should be included even on the base models.

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