While the competition sells some nice big-bore
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with single-cylinder
engines and four-wheel drive, the Brute Force™
650 4x4 comes with Kawasaki’s legendary
V-twin engine, a leading-edge 4x4 system and
angular good looks for about the same price.
The Brute Force 650 4x4 is powered
by Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed liquid-cooled
633cc, 90-degree V-twin engine featuring single
overhead cams and four valves per cylinder.
It is fed by dual 32mm Keihin carburetors drawing
fresh air from a snorkel intake located high
in the frame near the steering head. Together,
these powerplant features provide the rider
with industry-leading torque and smooth-running
operation unmatched by the competition.
Power is then transferred to
Kawasaki’s much-acclaimed fully automatic
continuously variable transmission (CVT). With
high or low forward gears, plus neutral and
reverse, this proven transmission functions
seamlessly, providing excellent control for
both low- and high-speed work or recreational
riding. Plus, the Brute Force 650 4x4 can also
be started in any gear, provided the brakes
are applied.
Complementing the CVT is a switch
on the right handle bar that gives the rider
a choice of either two-wheel or four-wheel drive
operation, and power is delivered to the wheels
by dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive.
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.
As expected, the Brute Force 650 4x4 includes
Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential
Control, a favorite feature often praised by
editors of the leading ATV magazines. By pulling
a small lever on the left handlebar, the rider
can deliver equal amounts of power to both front
wheels, a definite advantage for riders encountering
deep mud and slippery uphill trails or when
traversing over large objects such as logs or
rocks.
The Brute Force 650 4x4 braking
system also benefits from leading-edge Kawasaki
design. Dual front disc brakes with dual-piston
calipers are matched to 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.
Working in conjunction with
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 ATV.
Kawasaki’s 4x4 ATVs have
a well-deserved reputation for providing smooth,
comfortable rides and the Brute Force 650 4x4
carries on this tradition. MacPherson strut
front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel grace
the front end, while the aluminum swingarm rear
suspension features a fully adjustable spring,
piggy-back reservoir and 7.2 inches of travel.
Additional comfort is provided
by a large saddle and adjustable footpegs mounted
atop full-size floorboards. To help reduce unsprung
weight and further enhance the smooth ride,
the Brute Force rides on aluminum wheels.
The Brute Force 650 4x4 is wrapped
in tough-looking bodywork styled after its bigger
sibling, the Brute Force™ 750 4x4i. With
its modern, aggressively angled lines complemented
by cat-eye headlights, the bodywork is made
from Thermo-Plastic Olefin, which has an ultra-high
gloss appearance and is scratch-resistant.
Other features include front
and rear steel racks that can carry a total
of 264 pounds of cargo, and a tow hitch so it
can tow up to 1,250 pounds. Kawasaki engineers
also provided space inside the front guard so
it can accommodate a Warn 3000 winch or Super
Winch 3000.
The Brute Force 650 4x4 comes
with fully digital instrumentation, including
speedometer, odometer, dual resettable trip
meters, clock, hour meter, fuel gauge and 2x4/4x4
indicators. There is also a DC power outlet.
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