New 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4X4i EPS Utility ATV
New Styling, Power Steering, Frame, Wheels, Dash & More

The 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Utility ATV Features Power Steering, a More Powerful V-twin and Alloy Wheels

Flagship of the Kawasaki ATV line, the muscular Brute Force® 750 4x4i ATV received a comprehensive round of upgrades for the 2012 model year. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system highlights the changes, but is joined by other significant new features like a more-powerful V-twin engine, new double-wishbone front suspension, six-spoke cast alloy wheels and new bodywork featuring wide-stance styling cues. Like always, dual-range four-wheel drive and a highly maneuverable chassis provide amazing traction, handling and utility.

Thanks to revised tuning, a new cylinder head and increased compression ratio, the 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i’s upgraded four-stroke fuel injected 90-degree 749cc V-twin engine offers more power than ever, with enhanced low-rpm performance. The twin cylinders are fed via 36mm throttle bodies that are controlled by a 32-bit CPU. The system monitors coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure, throttle position, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle to deliver the optimum fuel mixture. Instantaneous fuel delivery and crisp engine response help make the eight-valve engine a hit with sport riders. Despite the big power from the engine, a light feel at the throttle lever helps reduce rider fatigue. This is achieved by using a low spring rate for the throttle return springs and ball bearings in the throttle bodies.

A new larger radiator is placed high in the chassis for optimum protection against mud and debris, while a new larger radiator fan and larger-diameter cooling hoses and pipes help maximize cooling performance. A self-repairing circuit breaker and dedicated fuse for the new fan also help keep things cool when the going gets tough.

The addition of Kawasaki’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to the Brute Force 750 4x4i results in enhanced handling and improved ride comfort. Turning the bars causes a signal to be sent to the electronic power steering control unit, initiating power assist. The control unit monitors inputs from the vehicle speed sensor and steering shaft torque sensor to determine the amount of power assistance required from the system’s electric motor. At slow speeds or when stopped, assistance is greatest; assistance is reduced as vehicle speed increases to help ensure predictable handling. The EPS assembly enhances ride quality and control by also acting as a damping system, even when steering input is neutral, the added inertia of the electric motor acts as a stabilizer. Likewise, it significantly reduces bump steer and kickback to the handlebars caused by wheel impacts. The entire steering assembly was repositioned, so the bottom of the steering shaft no longer connects directly to the front differential. Movement of the differential due to throttle inputs in 4x4 mode no longer affect the steering assembly, this isolation provides significantly smoother handling.

An upgraded fully automatic, dual-range continuously variable transmission (CVT) is mated to the powerful V-twin engine. A new high gear ratio and a thicker belt made of stronger material contributes to longer CVT belt life and reduced maintenance requirements. Revised converter weight and drive spring tuning offers improved acceleration characteristics and increased control during low-speed operation and a new layout and revised placement of the CVT air duct is more effective at helping prevent the intrusion of water and mud.

Two- or four-wheel drive operation is selectable by simply pressing a button on the handlebar. In four-wheel drive mode, the Brute Force ATV utilizes the limited-slip front differential to help maintain steering response and ease steering effort at the bars. The rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels with Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control by using a small control lever on the left handlebar. It’s a definite advantage when traversing deep mud, slippery uphill trails or large logs or rocks.

The front drive shafts of the 750 4x4i feature Cardan joints. Similar to U-joints, Cardan joints help absorb torque fluctuations to the drive shaft, and the lightweight design helps to reduce vibration. The small and compact rear final gear case and sealed rear braking system are extremely rugged and efficient.

New six-spoke cast aluminum wheels replace the previous pressed steel units and make a significant styling contribution, while offering a more premium image and enhanced credibility on the trail. Mounted with aggressive tires, the premium wheels help give the Brute Force its 9.4 inches of ground clearance and transfer the awesome power of the V-twin engine to the ground.

Completely sealed, the rear braking system’s components are protected from mud, dust and debris. Its compact size also provides more ground clearance than a conventional rear disc brake system. The sealed rear brake and dual front discs bring the Brute Force 750 4x4i to a quick halt. Enhancing the highly effective braking is the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, which helps slow the ATV when going downhill.

The 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i features a new stronger double-cradle tubular steel frame featuring reinforcements at key areas like the front wishbone mounts, rear stabilizer mounts, engine mounts, footrest mounts, etc., resulting in improved rough terrain handling and enhanced durability. The frame’s improved ability to absorb shocks when sport riding on rough terrain boosts ride comfort and makes it easier to maintain a higher average speed in a wider range of conditions.

A new double-wishbone front suspension layout features shock absorbers mounted at a more splayed angle between the upper and lower wishbones to help minimize sag and allow a higher ground clearance to be maintained once a rider sits on the ATV. The front suspension works in concert with its independent A-arm rear suspension. The front wishbones feature adjustable shocks with 6.7 inches of travel, while the IRS employs a leading torsion bar and provides 7.5 inches of travel. A combination of needle bearings and ball joints in the lower rear A-arms gives the IRS unrivaled suspension action, stability and excellent rider comfort.

New single-rate springs replace the dual rate units in the front and rear suspension. The use of single rate springs is preferable due to the revised suspension geometry on the Brute Force 750 4x4i. Complementing the suspension, the urethane seat foam is supportive yet comfortable for long hours in the saddle.

An upright and comfortable riding position enhances the rider’s ability to interact with the Brute Force 750 4x4i and allows the rider to effectively scan the horizon or check the easy to read automotive-style instrument panel. Its front bumper is designed to offer effective hand holds for manhandling the Brute Force when the need arises. Behind the bumper is a new set of bodywork molded from tough and scratch-resistant Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO). The hood, fenders, bumper and headlight surrounds were all re-designed to offer a wide and rugged appearance. Other new design touches include dual wide-set 35-watt headlights which help provide excellent lighting for nighttime rides, and a new ultra-convenient covered hood storage compartment large enough to hold two 16 oz. bottles. New cargo racks featuring stronger tubing that is over 25% larger in diameter than previous versions and the addition of tie-down hook points on the cargo racks make it easier –and far more reliable– to secure a load. The cargo racks can carry a combined total of 264 pounds, making them more than ready to accommodate the rider’s supplies, tools and/or outdoor gear.

The Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS is also available in an SE version, featuring a premium quality Metallic Tungsten Gray automotive paint finish, unique graphics and a bright silver machined finish on the face of its cast aluminum wheels.

Underneath this strong bodywork is a factory-installed plastic conduit for easy winch installation. A large five-gallon fuel tank is located beneath the seat to help keep the center of gravity as low as possible. Helping to keep weight in check, aluminum footpegs are surrounded by tough full-sized composite floorboards.

The capable Brute Force 750 4x4i can also tow a hefty 1,250 pounds — all it needs is a standard hitch ball. Other features include the waterproof storage box in the left front fender and a storage pocket in the right front fender. Owners can expand the versatility of the Brute Force with a variety 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 800-887-288.