Buyers seeking a middleweight workhorse ATV that also offers a comfortable and refined ride should look no further than the Kawasaki Brute Force® 650 4x4i. Its combination of independent front and rear suspension and V-twin power means it can easily handle both outdoor chores and a fun trail rides. All this is available in a surprisingly economical package.

Power and plushness

Buyers seeking a middleweight workhorse ATV that also offers a comfortable and refined ride should look no further than the Kawasaki Brute Force® 650 4x4i. Its combination of independent front and rear suspension and V-twin power means it can easily handle both outdoor chores and a fun trail rides. All this is available in a surprisingly economical package.

The Brute Force’s 90-degree V-twin puts out ample low-to-mid range torque and high rpm power, perfect to meet challenges presented by adventure enthusiasts and outdoor sportsmen. Power is transferred from the engine to the wheels through a fully automatic, dual range continuously variable transmission (CVT). With low and high forward, neutral and reverse gears, this dependable transmission provides excellent control for both low- and high-speed work or recreational riding.

Two- or four-wheel drive is selectable by simply pressing a handlebar-mounted button. In four-wheel drive mode, the rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels with Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control by pulling a small control lever on the left handlebar. This is a definite advantage for traversing deep mud, slippery uphill trails or large objects such as logs or rocks.
Prudent use of aluminum in the construction of the front exhaust pipe cover, two-piece center exhaust pipe cover, and the muffler cover helps keep the weight down. Other features designed to enhance the Brute Force 650 4x4i’s power-to-weight ratio include drilled transmission gears to lower their overall weight.
 
An optimized caster angle for the front A-arms provides both light and responsive steering and excellent ground-following abilities. The 650 4x4i shock absorber spring rates and initial preload settings for both front and rear are set to deliver excellent ride comfort. Further ride enhancement comes from the plush urethane seat foam.

Like its Kawasaki IRS-equipped brethren, the rugged, take-on-anything styling of the Brute Force 650 4x4i will both attract onlookers and satisfy owners. It shares front/rear racks, skid plate and head light cover with its larger sibling. Designed for easily manhandling the Brute Force when the need arises, the 650 4x4i sports a steel front bumper.

Stopping the 650 4x4i is a combination of dual 200mm front discs and Kawasaki’s sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake system. As an integrated part of the shaft drive, the enclosed rear braking system is sealed in the aluminum swingarm where it operates in an oil bath. This protects the brake pads from mud, dust and debris, and is virtually maintenance-free.

Enhancing the high-performance brakes is the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system, which electronically monitors ground speed and uses the engine’s compression to help slow the Brute Force 650 4x4i under certain conditions.

The able ATV can pull a hefty 1,250 pounds, and it can carry a combined 264 pounds on its front and rear racks. Owners can expand the versatility of their Brute Force 650 4x4i via the extensive line of Authentic Kawasaki Accessories, available through Kawasaki dealers.

As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly and to respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887.