Kawi's 750 Brute Force

[TUMBLEWEED]

Anybody running one of these machines?? I am

thinking of putting one of these beasts under me.

Gave away my Yamaha to a family member, and want

something fuel injected with a V twin to replace

it. I was hoping somebody here has some insight

into this big dawg.....

[Roofer]

IMO, best bang for your buck on the market. I have an '06. What would you like to know?

I have about 1200 miles on mine without a single problem.

[SomethingFishy*]

The brute is a stand up machine "literally" lot's of power. My cousin has one and loves it, everybody I know that has owned them seems genuinely happy with their purchase.

[SnoManX]

I know two guys that have them and them seem to love them. They are always the last ones to get stuck.

[jltimm]

You'll need the 2008 750 to get the fuel injection. The 2008 has a better, more controlled ride compared to the earlier Brute Forces from what I've heard also. The only negatives I've heard about the Kawi's is their 4wd is slow to engage, and some people have issues with Kawi's belt drive. They seem like a FUN wheeler though, I'd actually like to ride the 2008 750 Brute Force. They have the best sounding exhaust on an ATV that Iv'e ever heard!

[Roofer]

The '08's have fuel injection, new shocks, lowered ride height and ground clearance giving it a better ride and handling. They also have a sealed storage near the front rack. I have not ridden one.

I have been reading they have some trouble with the FI, with excessive mud and water.

I can't vouch for the '08 because the FI is brand new for '08. Besides that it is basically the same machine I have mechanical wise.

The cdi's work wonders for the carb models. The main reason I didn't trade up yet. I'm thinking they will go to a 800 or 850 here in a few months.

Also, I have to say, EFI means very little to me. I have yet to have an atv not start because of cold weather or anything else. These new EFI machines don't have Oxygen sensors, so the altitude argument is almost nill also. Really no difference, except you have a choke lever to deal with.

[TUMBLEWEED]

Thanks for all the replies guys!! I was wondering about

that belt drive tranny?? I want to pull an 8x8 shelter,

that I constructed using all light weight materials.

(One guy can easily pull it if there isn't much snow)

I also have a 1850 SportFish that might need to be

moved around the yard some. It claims to be able to

tow 1250 lbs??

I wanted a fuel injected model. My buddy's Polaris

is really cold-blooded, as was my older Yamaha.

Also, after getting my OptiMax I pretty much said

goodbye to carbs. Those who have gone the injected

route will tell you there isn't any any choice

going with other toys.

Planning on going Kawi's lime green too, for

the color. Now, if I can convince my hand to write

that check!!

Roofer, do you tow much with yours?? I assume it is

the same tranny.

[jltimm]

The belt drive tranny is pretty tough on most machines when used properly. Whenever your working the machine like towing,plowing, ect... use low range. I hear you on the F.I. I wish my 50 hp Yamaha 4 stroke outboard was a F.I. motor! I have a Suzuki Kingquad 700 with F.I. and really like the advantages of the F.I. Don't think I'll own a carbed machine again? The 2007 and older Brutes have 2 carbs to worry about.

[TUMBLEWEED]

Went and shot the breeze with the guys at

the Hopkin's Hitching Post. The only worry for

towing on the new Brutes, is tongue weight. They

have independent rear suspension. The max is around

100 pounds. I stood on the back of one, and am

over 210 pounds, but never bottomed out the suspension.

It is adjustable, and the one I was standing one wasn't

all the way firmed, so I should be okay. I will be riding

one later tonight, and will report back on what goes..

[SomethingFishy*]

Went and shot the breeze with the guys at

the Hopkin's Hitching Post. The only worry for

towing on the new Brutes, is tongue weight. They

have independent rear suspension. The max is around

100 pounds. I stood on the back of one, and am

over 210 pounds, but never bottomed out the suspension.

It is adjustable, and the one I was standing one wasn't

all the way firmed, so I should be okay. I will be riding

one later tonight, and will report back on what goes..

Kolpin makes an IRS lockout bar for around $60 at Cabelas.

[Roofer]

I don't think there is an class 1 atv with a higher tongue weight, although the SRA seem to handle it better. I have moved around trailers loaded with wood for deer stands. The brute tows the trailer and squats way less than the Sp500 I also have. The lock out bar like fishy said or a strap may come in handy if you feel it is too heavy.

I agree the efi is better, but I see very little difference between my carb brute force and the EFI sportsman.

Like already said, I always use low range for towing anything. Try to avoid a whole lot in reverse also. the low range is easier on the belt than the reverse gear.

What did they quote you for price. the last I looked about a month ago they were at 6599 for normal colors. Painted and camo was a few hundred more.

After you drive it and bring it home tonight.... I have some suggestions for you for hitches, and some aftermarket for it.

[TUMBLEWEED]

Where were you seeing the 2008 750i for 6599??!!

The best so far has been 7900.00 for the basic unit!!!!!

Another place was 8299.00 !! I am going for a winch,cover and some kind of warranty package. Then I'll need a set of ramps

to get it up in the truck. Anyone know who makes a good set??

I was busted getting my helmet too. The little Mrs was wondering what I was up to?? The couch or garage may

be an option, if I pull up with it tonight!!!

Thanks for all the replies.

[Roofer]

After a winch, cover, tax, license, and setup you will be close to that price.

6599 I saw at Bristows and the dealer in East Bethel. This was plus tax, license, and set up fee.

6599

Winch $350 + maybe 50-100 install

Cover~200

setup 150

license~50

tax----480

About 7900

Sleeping in the garage will be best, next to the brute.

When I bought mine, I bought all the accessories separate. I hate giving the dealer money for accessories.

[Roofer]

BTW, a 4 year warranty can be bought online for about $250 less than from the dealer.

Most of the aluminum ramps I have seen are pretty nice. Just pick out the one you like. They are between $125-$200.

[TUMBLEWEED]

I will probably check out a few more shops trying

to save a buck, so I can get a motel room after

sleeping in the garage for awhile.

Seriously,

thanks for all the tips Roofer. I may even check out those places you mentioned. Really, the wife is pretty much okay

with the toy buying to an extent. She does get a little

cranky when I start adding items to the list though!!

Hey, I figure if I work six days a week, there just has

to be toys to play with in the down times...

[TUMBLEWEED]

Roofer.. yup 7200.00 out the door at one

of those two dealers you refered to!! Winch

and cover will have it under what the "locals"

are coming in at..Great info dude!! This site

is ###1.

[Dave S]

TUMBLEWEED,

congrats on the successful find. Hopefully things work out for you in the end.

One thing to keep in mind:

It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission.

Or like the Nike moniker says: JUST DO IT!!

[SnoManX]

Just bring it home with all the accessories already on it and tell her that it came that way!

[TUMBLEWEED]

Well, went down to ride one yesterday after work.

First the demo unit had a dead battery, we jumpedit

and I pulled out and gave it some throttle. It felt

a little sluggish and was bogging down a little. I made another pass through the lot,this time really nailing it.

Same thing, then the belt LED on the dash came on

It was the only one back in the testing area, so we moved

some stuff and pulled out the floor model.

Fired it up and made my way back out to the small run

that was out back. Man what a change. I couldn't believe the power band on the thing. All the two wheel and four wheel

stuff checked out, as did the system for making it all wheel

drive. It also has an engine braking system that was nice.

Did I say this thing was fast?? An understatement for sure!!

There was no nailing it in that confined of area, with other people riding around, so that will have to wait til later on.

All in all, I am pretty satisfied, though that belt LED unit

got me wondering how much was from getting beat on by all

who rode it, or a problem with the design?? I am still

going down tomorrow and most likely will get the lime colored

unit that I had them bring in from the warehouse for me.

Hey Roofer, how do you go about getting the extended

warranty on line??

[Roofer]

If the belt light was on, it was tripped and has to be reset. I have not had that with mine, but it can be reset easily on your own. It automatically trips at 100 hours also. I can't post links here, but there are posts on the net to help you out. I can explain more if you want, but that's the jest of it.

The extended warranty can be bought on hsolist. As long as it is a kawasaki warranty, it is good at any dealer. I'm not too worried about it with all the info on the net, but with that new fuel injection, it might be a well $400 spent.

You think it's fast now.....that is just stock...

[jltimm]

The 4 wd works on them, but you have to engage your 4x4 before you hit the tough spots. If you engage the 4x4 after your stuck in 2wd, you may have to move a few feet to get it to engage into 4 wd. This is just some info I've read on other forums, and have seen a couple times myself. On another note, if they make a CDI for the new F.I. Brute it will really be quick!

[Roofer]

No cdi yet for the FI.

It really woke up my '06.

[Dave S]

The demo unit that you drove probably had 10 hours on it. I think after the break in, the belt light comes on at 10 hours, then like Roofer said, again at 100 hours.

I saw an ad for the 650 BF for $5999 in the Outdoor News this week. Not a bad price considering many 500 class machines are this much.

[TUMBLEWEED]

Update on Brute Fuel injected unit....

Got there last Friday with a bud's construction trailer.

Drove the machine around the lot a few times, then

brought it to my place. Put it in the garage until

Sunday morning. Went to load it up and it wouldn't

start!!@@#@!!@@. Yup, turned over with no start.

Checked the obvious things, kill switch, neutral switch,

and parking brake safety. Nothing. It is going in

as soon as the place opens up.

If it turns out to be a fuel delivery problem, I am

going to be ticked off. They wanted an answer to

getting an extended warranty today too. Well, I didn't

sign up on this Kawasaki to be a field tester on their

design for them. Especially if its on my dime too??

Sometimes it's best to let a design get a few years

on it. I hope I haven't jumped the gun here. I will

post back when they see what is the deal on the Brute..

[Roofer]

You shoulda bought an '07!

haha just jokin'

One simple thing is that it will not start in gear unless the brake is on, but you say it turned over. That means no fuel or no spark. I'm sure it's something with the FI, but I don't know what. I hope it's something simple. If not, take it back and get a different one. You have 3 days.