2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 300

Press Release

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.

For 2012, the entire steering assembly was repositioned so the bottom of the steering shaft no longer connects directly to the front differential housing. 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 A-arm 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.

Engine

• New cylinder heads provide a higher compression ratio which contributes to increased low rpm torque. Mid-high rpm performance is excellent, as always, but the extra low-end torque enhances performance when launching from a stop
• New camshaft profiles with revised timing and increased valve lift further contribute to the revised engine’s power delivery
• New stainless steel exhaust pipes feature revised lengths and two additional pass-through holes inside the muffler to help boost engine performance
• New rubber muffler mounts help minimize stresses on the exhaust system
• New thinner auto compression release (ACR) shaft helps reduce friction where it meets the camshaft and a stronger ACR return spring offers improved starting characteristics
• New starter gear is made of stronger material and uses deeper teeth for increased durability
• Aluminum cylinders are Electrofusion-plated for light weight, long wear and excellent heat dispersion
• Revised top and oil rings for the pistons (piston grooves were modified accordingly) help prevent oil consumption and reduce blow-by gases
• New 33.5 Amp alternator offers increased output to help ensure sufficient current to operate the electrical system and accessories. Regulator capacity was also increased accordingly
• New larger radiator is placed high in the chassis for optimum protection against mud and debris
• New larger radiator fan and larger-diameter cooling hoses and pipes help maximize cooling performance from the new radiator
• A self-repairing circuit breaker and dedicated fuse for the fan help keep things cool when the going gets tough
• New tuning for the Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) system matches the revised engine characteristics and helps improve off-idle and low-rpm response
• Dual 36mm throttle bodies are controlled by a 32-bit CPU, which monitors coolant temperature, air intake temperature, throttle position, air intake pressure, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle to help ensure the perfect air/fuel mixture
• Low spring rate for the throttle return springs and ball bearing-equipped throttle bodies minimize friction and enhance throttle action
• Engine can be started in any gear when a brake is applied
• Air for the CVT and engine enter from a reverse-facing snorkel located beneath the handlebars to help protect against water and mud
• Access to the air filter requires removing only one cover

Chassis/Suspension

• New stronger double-cradle frame features additional reinforcement at critical points (front A-arm mounts, rear stabilizer mounts, engine mounts, footrest mounts, etc), resulting in improved rough terrain handling. The frame’s improved ability to absorb shocks when sport riding on rough terrain and the increased ride comfort make it easier to maintain a higher average speed in most conditions
• Offers 9.4 inches of ground clearance
• Revised steering assembly relocates the bottom of the steering shaft so that it is no longer directly connected to the front differential. Movement of the differential housing due to changes in throttle application in 4x4 mode no longer affects the steering assembly, resulting in significantly smoother handling
• Fitted with pre-routed tubing and mounting brackets for easy winch wiring and installation
• Double A-arms and a preload adjustable shock at each wheel provide superior ride comfort and ground following ability
• Independent rear suspension provides 7.5 inches of travel
• Re-tuned shock settings minimize sag and enable a higher ground clearance to be maintained once a rider sits on the ATV
• Lower rear A-arms feature a combination of needle bearings and ball joints for smooth suspension action, stability and excellent rider comfort
• Upgraded rear stabilizer rods use thicker-walled tubing for increased lateral stability
• Torsion bar helps minimize body roll

Additional Features

• 12-volt electric outlet offers convenient power for accessories
• Aluminum footpegs help minimize weight
• Trailer hitch bracket with 1,250-pound towing capacity is standard equipment

Specifications

Quotes

MotorCycle-USA----"Good over-rev lets the Brute be trail ridden effectively in Low range up to speeds around 30 mph. Our 180-pound tester spent equal time swapping around the two-speed transmission. For a rider that heavy it takes considerable aggression in order to keep the BF 300 running in the upper midrange of High range. Fortunately, the handling and suspension are capable of withstanding serious abuse. "