Overhauled and Updated Kawasaki Brute Force 750 LE EPS Evaluation

Summary

The 2024 Kawasaki Brute Force LE is reviewed, highlighting its unchanged engine and chassis but with updated bodywork, LED lighting, and a 4.3-inch color display. It retains its 25-inch tires, 2WD/4WD toggle, and diff locker lever, while the suspension and brakes are basic. The 749cc V-twin engine is powerful but the suspension struggles on challenging terrain. Priced at around $12,000 US, it's competitively positioned in the ATV market.

Takeaways

• 🏍️ The 2024 Brute Force model has received bodywork updates and rider control enhancements.
• 🛠️ The base engine and chassis remain unchanged from previous models.
• 💡 New features include taller fenders, full LED lighting, a handlebar-mounted light pod, and a 4.3-inch full-color display with Bluetooth.
• 🔗 The display offers connectivity to the user's phone and the KOWI app.
• 🛑 The winch cover is a new addition, but no Brute Force models now come with a winch.
• 🔄 The same CST 25 by 8 and 25 by 10 tires are used, wrapped around 12-inch wheels.
• 🚫 The reviewer suggests Kawasaki should consider 26-inch tires for better ground clearance to remain competitive.
• 🔲 The 2WD and 4WD actuation and diff locker controls remain the same, with a toggle switch and lever respectively.
• 🚫 The enclosed wet brake at the rear is criticized as outdated, with a suggestion to move to disc brakes for better stopping power.
• 🔨 The double Wishbone suspension is basic, with 6.9 inches of travel at the front and 7.4 at the rear, which is less than some competitors.
• 💺 The seat height is 35.2 inches, providing a comfortable and near-perfect ergonomic fit for the reviewer.
• 🏁 The 749cc V-twin engine is praised as the most powerful in its class, with excellent torque and throttle response.
• 💰 The Brute Force LE is competitively priced at around $12,000 USD and $14,000 CAD, positioning it as a top-tier package in its lineup.

Q & A

What year was the last time the narrator rode a Brute Force before the 2024 model?

The narrator last rode a Brute Force in 2012.

What updates did the 2024 Brute Force receive?

The 2024 Brute Force received new bodywork, taller fenders, full LED lighting, a handlebar-mounted light pod, a 4.3-inch full-color display with Bluetooth connectivity, hand guards, plastic covers over traditional steel racks, and a new cover for the winch location.

Are there any changes to the engine and chassis of the Brute Force in the 2024 model?

No, the base Brute Force platform engine and chassis are unchanged in the 2024 update.

What are the tire specifications of the Brute Force?

The Brute Force is equipped with CST 25 by 8 and 25 by 10 tires wrapped around 12-inch wheels.

What is the narrator's opinion on the ground clearance of the Brute Force compared to its competitors?

The narrator would like to see the Brute Force using at least 26-inch tires to remain competitive, as comparable trims of the Grizzly and King Quad feature 26-inch tires and have more ground clearance.

How does the narrator describe the operation of the diff locker on the Brute Force?

The diff locker is actuated via a lever on the left-hand side, which the narrator finds to be low tech and outdated but effective for short bursts.

What is the narrator's opinion on the rear brake design of the Brute Force?

The narrator is not a fan of the enclosed wet brake design and suggests it's time to move to disc brakes at all four corners for better stopping power.

What are the suspension travel measurements for the Brute Force?

The Brute Force has 6.9 inches of travel in the front and 7.4 inches in the rear.

How does the narrator describe the power of the 749cc V-twin engine in the Brute Force?

The narrator describes the engine as the most powerful in its mid-board Japanese-built ATV category, with plenty of torque and aggressive throttle tip-in.

What is the price range of the Brute Force LE in the US and Canada?

The Brute Force LE is priced around $12,000 in the US and CAD 14,000 in Canada.

What additional features does the narrator suggest Kawasaki should consider for a higher-tier package?

The narrator suggests Kawasaki should offer a package with 14-inch wheels, more aggressive 26 or 27-inch tires, a winch, and higher-end adjustable shocks.