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2012 Kawasaki
Teryx4 750 4x4 UTV
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2012 KAWASAKI TERYX4
750 4x4 UTV / RUV
::CONTINUED::
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| To
put the V-twin engine power to the ground
Kawasaki used a CVT transmission with
a centrifugal clutch assembly |
The Teryx4’s 90-degree V-twin engine is
also super-smooth, its perfect primary balance
keeping things comfortable for driver and passengers
all ride long. Routing all that impressive and
usable power to the wheels – and ground
– is the latest in modern drivetrain technology:
a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a
category-first centrifugal clutch assembly and
an electrically selectable 4WD system featuring
instant-switch access to 2WD, 4WD and 4WD+Front
Differential Lock system. The CVT is well known
for its quick response and direct engine “feel”
in sportier riding situations, where engine power
is used to control the chassis while turning and
in rough conditions. The key to the Teryx4’s
dual-mode personality is its category-first centrifugal
clutch, which offers an extra degree of precision
slow-speed power manipulation and smoothness,
which is ideal for tricky terrain (rock crawls,
etc.) or slow-speed work where precise throttle
manipulation is key. The oil-bathed clutch design
also contributes to improved CVT belt life by
lessening shock and belt deflection.
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| Switching
from 2WD to 4WD is easy as just turning
a switch on the dash |
The electronic 4WD system allows drivers to
easily change between three different drive
modes for most situations they find themselves
in: 2WD (light steering) for maximum sporty
performance, 4WD for enhanced traction while
keeping steering relatively light, and 4WD+Differential
Lock for maximum traction situations. A dash-mounted
switch makes switching between these modes easy,
and changes occur instantaneously so the driver
remains in complete control at all times. So
whether it’s climbing a slippery and rocky
uphill trail, negotiating a wet stream bed,
hauling lumber for fixing fences on the farm,
or hauling butt down a wide-open two-track,
the Teryx4’s got the traction and drivetrain
mode to handle it.
All this superb handling ability is aided by
a number of factors, including a wide-track/wide-body
chassis design that contributes to superb cornering
characteristics. A wide track resists the body
roll that accompanies cornering forces, and
helps the chassis cope with rough terrain at
speed. The Teryx4’s mid-ship engine placement
also helps by centralizing the vehicle’s
center of mass and minimizing the inertia that
accompanies direction changes.
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| The
Electronic Power Steering makes the Teryx4
Handle much better in rough conditions
& takes less effort to control |
The
Teryx4 uses an independent rear suspension
with with fully adjustable, gas charged,
reservoir shocks |
Of course, sport-focused independent suspension
helps, and the Teryx4’s got plenty. Again,
engineers opted for a dual-mode design; that
is, the suspension works in a comfortable way
with four passengers aboard, but also performs
like a sporting RUV in a solo mode or with a
single passenger. It’s a difficult combination
to get right, but high-grade componentry helps
out. Up front are high-performance single-chamber
gas-charged and preload-adjustable shocks complemented
by an anti-roll bar, which allows an ideal front/rear
roll balance and added ride comfort. In back
are fully adjustable shocks with piggyback reservoirs,
which offer additional oil flow for cooler temperatures
and more stable damping performance.
With all this speed and handling potential,
excellent brakes are a must, and the Teryx4
delivers in a big way.
