Want to know what an ATV can really do before you buy? That’s our job. We subject every machine to real-world tests, from workdays to wild weekends. After putting the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i through the paces for a year, here’s the lowdown.
TESTING CONDITIONS
Our Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i test model was subjected to a variety of demanding conditions. It was used for both recreational trail riding and heavy-duty tasks like pulling a lawn roller or trailer. We tested its performance in diverse terrains, including mud, sand, and snow. The ATV was operated across a wide RPM range by riders with skill levels ranging from intermediate to expert and body types varying from petite to large.
OIL USED Mobil-1 Fully Synthetic 5w30
OIL FILTER Stock Kawasaki from dealer
AIR FILTER USED Stock Kawasaki air filter – Dual Density foam
AIR FILTER OIL PJ-1 Aerosol delivered Foam Filter Oil
TIRE PRESSURE 5 lbs. Fnt & Rear for hard trail, normal riding & work duties, 3 lbs. Fnt & Rear for sand
VALVE / HEAD No appreciable or noticeable loss of power, compression, or valve noise
COOLING SYSTEM No leaks. Maintains coolant level
SHAFT DRIVE No joint failures or excessive backlash on Cardan type CV joints
CVT CLUTCHES & BELT Minimal belt wear. Clutch still operating smoothly
4WD SYSTEM No failures in 4wd system to front end
REAR DIFFERENTIAL Maintaining recommended oil level with no leaks
EFI MAPPING Excellent starts at all temps. No backfire, no acceleration hesitation.
ENGINE NOISE No noticeable increase in engine noise
EXHAUST Exhaust and muffler still tight at joints, no vibration, very little discoloration, and negligible corrosion. Sound levels same as when new.
BATTERY Battery still holding charge and cranking cold engine quickly and easily, even at temperatures of 20 degrees F
SHIFTING Much improved over previous Brute Force models. Gear changes generally easy except when there is a load on the drivetrain such as on slopes.
CONTROL LAYOUT Good Control layout
DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION Excellent! Easy to read, and easy to use
LEVERS / THROTTLE / SWITCHES / SHIFTER Throttle has good feel and throw. 4wd button easy to use on thumb throttle housing. Shift lever has positive engagement. Key is easy to reach but out of way.
SEAT COVER & SEAT FOAM Seat has grippy, textured surface, and provides good support. Foam did not break down or take on moisture.
BODYWORK Excellent, high-quality plastic is pliable and durable. Resists scratches and can take an impact.
SPLASH PROTECTION Good protection from both front and rear fenders. Foot wells drain quickly. HOWEVER, with no center baffle splash from one front tire can cross through chassis ahead of engine and soak foot on opposite side.
LIGHTS Good illumination and spread from both front lights
OIL FILTER Good access on front lower section of motor – easy to change. Standard Kawasaki filter readily available, but high quality aftermarket filters available also at stores like CarQuest, Napa, etc.
AIR FILTER Excellent access, easy to remove. HOWEVER, we easily pulled the center threaded stud out of its molded plastic housing which leaves the filter unfastened. This could allow the filter to shift position during operation which would allow dirt to enter throttle bodies. We epoxied nut back into housing and placed half a tennis ball between lid and filter top for extra insurance against pop-out – See article called Kawasaki Filter Fix from August 2011 issue.
DRAIN PLUG Good access, easy to reach
DIP STICK Excellent access, easy to read
CVT COVER DRAIN PLUG Easy to remove for quick checks
ADJUSTMENTS Easy adjustments on cables, and for rear brake actuation lever
ELECTRICAL Excellent access to fuses under seat
SHOCKS Five-way preload adjustable. Good on most trail bumps but will bottom out with severe landings.
A-ARMS Good durability both on A-Arms and low maintenance pivot bushings
STEERING Very good in standard model. Excellent and smooth with EPS. (Electronic Power Steering) Calibration of EPS excellent at all speeds
TIRES Resistant to cuts. Clean out well in mud thanks to open pattern and a large pad on each lug provides smooth ride on hard pack trails. Good traction on rocks and slippery trails. Acceptable traction in sand or snow.
WHEELS Tough. Cast aluminum. Light weight and no leaks. Bulletproof!
BRAKES Front brakes adequate. Rear brakes spongy and weak. Takes lots of force at lever for full rear brake engagement
FASTENERS Metric with nylock nuts in many places. Some use of plastic push-pin fasteners which will become loose after a few in/out cycles.
PAINT & PLATING Good corrosion protection on frame thanks to powder coat. Zinc plating on all fasteners and some steel parts
STORAGE Excellent front and rear rack system with tough, powder coat finish and tie down loops. Dual storage compartments, one on left fender, one on front hood. Front hood compartment good sized but lid can come loose. We lost lid on way to ride site.
TALES FROM THE TRAIL
Kawasaki aimed to build a stronger, lighter Brute Force for 2018, and they delivered. Redesigned suspension geometry and independent rear suspension provide a smoother ride while maximizing ground clearance. New low-maintenance components, like A-arm pivot bushings and a rear torsion bar, enhance handling.
The five-way adjustable shocks handle most trail conditions admirably, but severe impacts can bottom them out. We found that slightly stiffer springs or a torsion bar could further improve body control during aggressive cornering. Overall, the suspension is competent and capable, but it reaches its limits when pushed hard.
HEART OF THE BRUTE FORCE
The 2018 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i packs a powerful punch. Its engine delivers instant throttle response thanks to a host of performance-enhancing upgrades. A redesigned cylinder head, camshaft, and piston rings boost low-end torque while improving fuel efficiency. A larger, higher-mounted radiator enhances cooling and protection, and a beefier 33.5-amp alternator accommodates power-hungry accessories. Routine maintenance is a breeze with easy access to the oil filter, air filter, and dipstick. We inadvertently popped the filter off its mount however but epoxied the nut back into its housing.
Power is transmitted to the ground via Kawasaki’s Automatic PowerDrive System (KAPS) CVT. The transmission offers High, Low, Neutral, and Reverse gears, and the clutch performance is exceptional. To protect vital components, both the air intake and CVT snorkels are positioned high in the chassis. A reinforced belt ensures durability.
ERGONOMICS and COMFORT
The Brute Force’s bodywork is impressively durable, showing excellent resistance to scratches. Controls are well-placed and comfortable, with a perfectly angled thumb throttle. The digital display is clear and informative, and the grippy seat provides excellent support. The floorboards shed water efficiently, but slightly taller foot pegs would be beneficial. While overall splash protection is strong, water sometimes splashes through the engine compartment and annoyingly soaks the opposite foot. Storage is ample, and the heavy-duty racks with new tie-down points are exceptional.
POWER DELIVERY, PERFORMANCE, and BRAKING
The Brute Force 750 delivers a satisfying V-twin growl without being excessive. Throttle response is instantaneous, and the clutch engages smoothly. Whether you’re hitting the trails or tackling chores, the engine is a reliable performer. Towing a trailer is effortless thanks to ample power and controlled delivery. Engaging 4WD is simple, and the front differential provides added traction when conditions worsen. Cornering is a highlight, with excellent power delivery and precise electronic power steering. While braking could be firmer, especially in the rear, the engine braking is impressive. The KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 4x4i effortlessly blends sport and utility, making it an exceptional ATV overall.
https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us
For our latest review of the newest Kawasaki Brute Force, check out:
https://atvillustrated.com/content/brute-force-750-2024-atv-review/
