Is Kawasaki Brute Force Reliable? Our Investigation

The Kawasaki Brute Force is one of the most versatile ATV models of its maker. The ATV has been in production since 2005 and has only received minor updates along the way. This can be viewed as a positive thing though because that means it is performing well so far.

Kawasaki's strategy of only introducing gradual updates over the years has worked perfectly well for the Brute Force because it already has a proven track record defined by its power, dependability, ride comfort, and durability. Its maker is simply putting into practice the adage, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it", on this one.

As of 2022, the Brute Force Range has been streamlined to focus on the trim that truly matters to customers. In doing so, it phased out the non-EPS model so only the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS remains.

Generally, the Brute Force has garnered positive reviews from buyers. However, it's not without its mix of problems after years of abuse and accumulation of regular wear and tear. In this article, we will try to check if the ATV can truly deliver the promises of Kawasaki in terms of its power, utility, and reliability. We will also discuss the key issues that have tarnished the reputation of the vehicle along the way.

To cover every crucial detail about the Brute Force, we will present to you the following:

• Key Specs, including the engine type, body design, and performance of the ATV to serve as a benchmark in our assessment as to whether or not the promised performance translates to the actual experience of riders
• Common Problems of Usersbased on reviews, forums, and our actual experience with the ATV
• Our Takebased on actual road tests with the promised performance data from Kawasaki in mind

Key Specs

Before we proceed further, let's see what makes this amazing ATV tick by examining its key features. Pulling up the brochure of Kawasaki for the 2022 Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS, here are things you can expect from it.

• Engine

The 2022 Brute Force is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, V-twin engine with a displacement of 749cc. It has a bore of 3.35 inches and a stroke of 2.6 inches with a compression ratio of 9.3:1. Meanwhile, the unit makes use of ducted fuel injection (DFI) with the 1.42-inch throttle for better power and thermal dynamics within the engine.

• Body Design

The 2022 Brute Force is 86.4 inches long, 46.5 inches wide, 48 inches high, and with a wheelbase of 50.6 inches. Its frame is made of high-tensile tubular steel with a double-cradle design weighing a total of 699 lbs. on stock and fitted with a five-gallon fuel tank. The paint finish can be in Bright White, Super Black, or Fragment Camo Gray.

The Brute Force is composed of double-wishbone front and rear suspensions. The front brakes are handled by a pair of seven-inch dual hydraulic discs with two-piston calipers, and the rear is managed by a pair of oil-bathed, sealed, multi-discs infused with an independent park brake each.

Equipped with the recommended all-terrain tires with sizes 25x8-12 in front and 25x10-12 in the rear, the Brute Force has a ground clearance of 9.4 inches.

• Tech

The Brute Force is highlighted by its electric starting system and Electronic Power Steering (EPS). For the illumination of its path and traffic indicator, it uses 35W headlights, 5W taillights, and a 21W stoplight.

• Performance

The engine layout of the Brute Force allows a torque of 42.7 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. Kawasaki's brochure doesn't mention anything about the horsepower of the 2022 Brute Force but it is estimated to be around 50 ponies. The power is directed to a selectable two-wheel or four-wheel drive train with variable control front differential lock, and shaft.

Thanks to a powerful engine combined with quality engineering, the ATV can withstand a total weight of 242 lbs. on its rack and it can also tow up to 1250 lbs. of equipment. Without cargo, it is estimated to fetch a top speed of 69 mph.

Kawasaki doesn't have figures on the fuel economy of the Brute Force but estimates based on the 350-mile tracked ride of its 2016 model say it averages 15.4 mpg.

Common Problems of the Brute Force

Since the Brute Force has stayed true to its core with only minor upgrades in its production run, some of the problems that plagued its older models may still be relevant to the 2022 model. Thus, we examine the key issues experienced by users in their ATVs from 2005 to the present.

• Corroded Connectors

Corroded connectors are one of the most common problems with ATVs. If not properly maintained, they can cause all sorts of electrical problems, including shorts and intermittent power loss. The best way to prevent this is to regularly clean and lubricate your ATV's connectors.

Start by using a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the connector. Then, apply a small amount of electronic contact cleaner to the exposed metal surfaces. Allow the cleaner to evaporate completely before reconnecting the connector. Next, put a little amount of dielectric grease on the exposed metal surfaces. This will help prevent future corrosion.

After that, reconnect the connector and test for proper operation. If you find that your connectors are severely corroded, you may need to replace them. Be sure to use the same type of connector when replacing them.

• Four-Wheel-Drive Won't Activate

If clicking the switch to activate 4WD doesn't do anything, immediately check the wirings, connectors, switch, and fuses of the ATV. See to it that the wirings, connectors, and fuses are attached well. Grime can also block the proper operation of the said parts so remove any traces of them carefully using the methods presented in the previous part. However, if you notice that any of the mentioned components are already worn out or busted, replace them right away.

• Belt Slip

This can be caused by environmental factors such as water, mud, or dust accumulating in the inner components of the ATV, especially when it is constantly brought on the trail. A simple way to solve this is by cleaning the parts where soot appears to have gathered, and for a good measure, install mudguards or accessories that will shield the crucial parts of your ride to prevent foreign objects from getting stuck in the belt area and to keep it dry all the time.

This can also be a result of incorrect installation, improper adjustment, or wear on the belt. For the first two, simply fixing them would do the trick, but the latter already calls for a replacement.

• Radiator Fan Stops Working

The faulty operation of the radiator fan can cause the power unit of your ATV to overheat. At worst, it can ruin the engine or cause a fire in your ride. Some factors may contribute to the problem like dirt clogging the vital parts of the radiator, corrosion, low coolant, and electrical issues.

Before anything else, ensure that all the parts of your radiator are clean and dry. See to it that everything is connected properly. Top up its coolant if it's already below the recommended level. After that, check the fuse for the fan circuit. If it is blown, change it with a new one. If the fuse is not the problem, then check the wiring harness for any loose or damaged wires. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the fan switch, motor, or relay, whichever you find defective.

Our Take

For a starting price of $9,999 (excluding destination charges and varying from one dealer to another), the Kawasaki Brute Force certainly lives up to its name. It is brute enough to tackle rough terrains with its powerful engine coupled with a very responsive transmission and aided by an all-wheel-drive system. There are no signs of struggling for power even when you have it on a low hill climb.

The handling of the Brute Force is head-on even in rocky situations, thanks to its EPS. There are only minimal vibrations from the engine and during off-roading but they are on tolerable levels. Meanwhile, the brakes really do a great job in applying the appropriate stopping power for this mammoth of an ATV. You will appreciate the inclusion of the more comfortable seats and easy start function in the latest model, too, because it makes every ride very convenient rather than a chore.

Some areas in front are susceptible to dirt accumulation and water exposure when off-roading in wet conditions though. So, it is advisable that you get as much protection as possible from accessories that can mitigate the entry of foreign objects into the exposed areas like mud guards or other coverings. Aside from that, no other problems manifested.

Final words

Lastly, we just love the overall engineering of the Kawasaki Brute Force because it is versatile enough to handle tough jobs on the ranch or farm, and it can also be turned into a recreational machine on the trails. Whether it's work or play, we highly recommend this.