Big-bore performance and features at a mid-size price

When shopping for a nice mid-sized all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it’s easy to find choices with a reasonable purchase price, single-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive. However, ATV shoppers have a better option; the Kawasaki Brute Force® 650 4×4, the stand-out performer in this class. With Kawasaki’s legendary V-twin engine, a proven 4×4 system and rugged styling — for about the same price as the rest — its value is even more apparent to those seeking a sensible yet powerful 4×4 ATV.

Moving the Brute Force 650 4×4 along is Kawasaki’s popular liquid-cooled 633cc, 90-degree V-twin engine with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It is fed by dual 32mm Keihin carburetors that draw fresh air from a snorkel intake located high in the frame near the steering head. This powerplant gives the rider plenty of industry-leading torque and an unrivaled smooth-running operation.

Matched to the robust V-twin engine is the fully automatic Kawasaki Automatic Powerdrive System (KAPS) continuously variable transmission (CVT). With low and high forward, neutral and reverse gears, this dependable transmission functions seamlessly, providing excellent control for both low- and high-speed work or recreational riding. Additionally, with the brakes applied the Brute Force 650 4×4 can be started in any gear.

Power is delivered to the wheels through dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive. The rider can select two-wheel or four-wheel drive operation via the handy switch mounted on the right handle bar. In normal four-wheel drive mode, the front wheels provide extra traction for adverse terrain, while the limited-slip differential allows the rider to make tight turns and reduces steering effort.

Best of all, with the Brute Force 650 4×4’s Variable Front Differential Control, the rider can deliver equal amounts of power to both front wheels by simply pulling a small lever on the left handlebar. This is a definite advantage for riders encountering deep mud and slippery uphill trails or when traversing over large objects such as logs or rocks.
The cutting-edge Brute Force 650 4×4 braking system design is a combination of dual front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and Kawasaki’s sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake system. As an integrated part of the shaft drive, the 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 ATV under certain conditions.
Plush and controlled rides are the Kawasaki 4×4 ATVs’ forte and the Brute Force 650 4×4 exemplifies this specialty. It does this with MacPherson strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and an aluminum swingarm featuring a shock with adjustable preload, a piggy-back reservoir and 7.2 inches of travel for the rear suspension duties.
Additional comfort is provided by a large seat and adjustable footpegs mounted atop full-size floorboards. To help reduce unsprung weight and further enhance the smooth ride, the Brute Force rolls on aluminum wheels.

Leading the conveniences on the Brute Force 650 4×4 is a DC power outlet to provide quick and easy power for electrical accessories. Its fully digital instrumentation includes speedometer, odometer, dual resettable trip meters, clock, hour meter, fuel gauge and 2×4/4×4 indicators.

The modern, aggressively angled lines of its Thermo-Plastic Olefin, ultra-high gloss appearance and is scratch-resistant bodywork are complemented by bright cat-eye headlights. Kawasaki engineers also provided space inside the front guard to easily accommodate a 3000-pound capacity winch from Warn or Superwinch.

The Brute Force 650 4×4 also comes with front and rear steel racks that can carry a total of 264 pounds of cargo, and a hitch bracket that enables the ATV to tow up to 1,250 pounds. Owners can expand the versatility of their Brute Force ATV via the extensive line of Authentic Kawasaki Accessories, available through Kawasaki dealers.

Features
633cc Liquid-Cooled, Four-Stroke V-Twin Engine
- Kawasaki’s original V-twin engine
- 90-degree, V-twin engine with four-valves per cylinder produces massive torque yet is exceptionally smooth running
- Electronically managed Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system helps to slow the ATV under certain conditions

Transmission and Powertrain
- Fully automatic Kawasaki Automatic Powerdrive System (KAPS) continuously variable transmission (CVT) has high and low forward gears plus reverse
- Selectable four-wheel or two-wheel drive
- The limited-slip front differential permits tight and easy turning
- Rider can utilize the Variable Front Differential Control for maximum traction on difficult terrain

Brakes
- Dual-piston caliper front disc brakes provide aggressive stopping power
- The industry’s original sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear braking system
- An integrated part of the shaft drive, the virtually maintenance-free rear braking system is protected from mud, dust and debris

Chassis
- Tough and rugged body style
- Aluminum swingarm is sturdy and lightweight, and the shock absorber has adjustable preload
- MacPherson strut front suspension provides a smooth, comfortable ride
- Full-size floorboards are comfortable and help protect the rider’s feet from mud and debris

Amenities
- Cat-eye headlights add to its clean and aggressive look
- A digital instrument panel provides the rider important information at a glance
- Front and rear steel cargo racks can carry a combined weight of 264 pounds
- It can tow 1,250 pounds
- Standard winch-mount can accommodate a 3000-pound capacity winch from Warn or Superwinch

Specs
Engine: Four-stroke, V-twin, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve
Displacement: 633cc
Bore x stroke: 80 x 63mm
Compression ratio: 9.9:1
Carburetion: (2) Keihin CVKR-D32
Starting system: Electric with recoil back up
Ignition: DC-CDI
Transmission: Dual-range CVT plus reverse with Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
Final drive: 2×4 / 4×4 shaft
Frame: Double cradle, tubular steel
Front suspension / wheel travel: MacPherson / 6.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Aluminum swingarm and single shock / 7.2 in.
Front tires: AT25×8-12
Rear tires: AT25×10-12
Front brakes: (2) Dual-piston disc
Rear brake: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
Overall length: 86.0 in.
Overall width: 47.7 in.
Wheelbase: 50.9 in.
Ground clearance: At center of chassis, 9.0 / at rear axle, 7.3 in.
Seat height: 33.9 in.
Total rack capacity: 264 lbs.
Towing capacity: 1,250 lbs.
Curb weight: 648.3 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal.
Lighting: (2) 45-watt headlights, taillight, brake light
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, hour meter, fuel gauge, 2×4 / 4×4 indicator light, neutral indicator light, reverse indicator light, low fuel warning light, low oil warning light
Color choices: Woodsman Green, Sunbeam Red, Super Black and Lime Green
MSRP: $6,899

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 at 4:32 pm and is filed under Buyers Guide, New Quads. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.