2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750 4x4 Second Ride Photo Gallery

2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750 4x4

Overall chassis balance is exceptional, which allows the driver to get away with erratic rally car inspired maneuvers that on other vehicles might put you into a tree.

Despite not being behind the driver's seat in months, we were quickly up to speed. The steering wheel itself is small, like you would find on a race car, and complements its light and responsive handling manners.

One of the best attributes of Kawasaki's Teryx is just how easy it is to drive.

Propelling the 1200-lb machine forward is a powerful 749cc V-Twin, the liquid-cooled mill ensuring proper combustion regardless of the riding location.

No doubt the accurate chassis is aided by the fully independent long-travel front and rear suspension. Whether it's a gnarly rock-laden hill climb or huge potholes dug up by ATVs, the Teryx's suspension has plenty of travel to absorb the gnarliest of hits all while delivering a plush ride.

Traction provided by the versatile 26-inch Maxxis tires is utterly amazing. In most of the trails we treaded on, 4WD wasn't even necessary. But when we did traverse really steep stuff, its use was as easy as a push of the dashboard-mounted switch (below 15 mph).

The hand control is manufactured by The Mobility Specialist out of Brea, California for $998.

For many persons living with spinal cord injuries, just getting in and out of a vehicle can pose a problem as high seats and awkward body contortions can prevent accessibility. Fortunately, the Teryx was engineered with a lower bucket seat and a door-less open cab.

For us able-bodied fellows propulsion is provided via the floor mounted gas pedal, but for Kleen it's his hands that do all of the driving. Mobility Specialties out of Brea, California manufactures a hand control that can easily be retrofitted to the Teryx.

The hand control allows a person to manipulate both the accelerator and brake via a left-hand operated lever. To accelerate, simply twist the throttle just like you would on a motorcycle. To stop, all you have to do is push inwards on the lever and the metal arm activates the brakes.

A photo of our group before the clay pigeon slaying began.

'I knew that my injury was never going to hold me back,' said Kleen, president of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). 'Being outside and enjoying the outdoors was something that's always been important to me.'

the lush, heavily wooded surroundings of western Iowa represent some unique challenges for the machine. It also simulates an environment which is far more common outside of the American Southwest.

One of many animals you'll see out in the Loess Hills area of western Iowa.

Our day began with a romp through narrow single track cut through heavily wooded hillsides at Timber Ridge Ranch in Castana, Iowa.