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Pros: Just about everything. Power, looks, handling, etc. Great quad...would recommend it to anybody who wants a big-bore utility ATV.
Cons: The suspension could use a little work. Stock tires are horrible.
I bought my Brute Force after selling my Kodiak 450. The Brute is an awesome ATV, and has possibly the highest bang-for-your-buck factor in the big-bore utility ATV class. Overall, I give the Brute Force 650 4x4i 5 out of 5 stars. It is truly an exciting, fun, and useful quad. Here's my in-depth review.
Overall
The Brute Force continues to amaze me every single time I ride it. While there are quads that are faster, smoother, and easier to ride, the Brute Force seems to combine these traits into one great package. On top of that, it really is an awesome looking quad. Just by looking at it, you can tell that it is powerful and strong.
Performance
The main attraction here is the 633cc V-Twin engine. It produces an absolute ton of power throughout the entire powerband. The CVT transmission works very well with the engine, too. You will never find yourself waiting for the quad to change gears or hit the sweet spot in the powerband. The transmission is quick, responsive, and almost flawless. Combine the V-Twin and the CVT and you have one hell of a combination. One ride on the Brute Force and your right thumb will be addicted to power.
Handling
Handling/steering is, while not one of the Brute's strongest parts, not bad at all. However, with the stock tires, steering is borderline difficult and tiring. I decided to upgrade to aftermarket wheels/tires and the widened stance combined with the improved tread and stronger sidewalls drastically improved the Brute's handling abilities (and traction has greatly improved as well). Right now, it handles just about as well as my old Kodiak 450...a machine that is extremely nimble.
Comfort
The Brute Force is a very comfortable quad to ride. The seat could be softer, but it the shape makes up for it. The handlebars are in a perfect position for the rider, and the throttle is in a perfect spot as well. The floorboards keep your feet well supported as well as covered, and all controls are in easy reach. While all of these features make the Brute Force a very comfortable machine, it is the rear suspension that provides the most in terms of comfort. The IRS (independent rear suspension) responds very well to the terrain and has a good deal of suspension travel. It soaks up the bumps and obstacles very smoothly as opposed to its brother, the 650 SRA (solid rear axle).
Quality
The Brute Force seems to be very well built. I have had no quality issues as of yet and hope to have none in the future. If the Brute holds up as well as it should and has, quality will be top-notch.
Reliability
The only reliability factor that prevents the Brute from earning 5 stars here is starting it in the cold weather. EFI (electronic fuel injection) would help here, but the Brute still cranks and starts soon enough when the choke is used. The Brute has yet to fail me in terms of reliability (knock on wood).
Fun Factor
If an ATV is meant to be fun, the Brute Force is the king of them all. The power is addicting...you will find yourself constantly hitting the throttle in order to break the rear end free (which is very easy and an absolute ton of fun). I highly doubt that there are other 4-wheel-drive utility ATVs that work this well and are this much fun. If I could award the Brute 6 stars in this category, I would.
Other
What most people don't know about the Brute Force is that it is a true workhorse when you need it to be. It has the ability to tow, carry, or haul almost anything you need it to. Hook a snow plow up to it and I'm willing to bet that it would plow a 100-yard long driveway covered with 2 feet of snow with ease. The Brute is very handy and can really work when you need it to. Also, the 4WD (4-wheel-drive) system is very interesting. While it takes a long time to engage (and you can't go into/out of 4WD while moving...you have to be stopped), it works very well. Flip the switch from 2WD to 4WD, and you have 4WD with an open front differential. If you're in 4WD and need extra traction, pull the yellow differential lock lever on the left side of the handlebars and you have 4WD with a locked front differential (which provides the best traction possible). In 4WD with the differential locked, the Brute is just about unstoppable.
The bottom line
Overall, the Kawasaki Brute Force 650 4x4i is a truly amazing machine. The V-Twin engine, IRS, and appearance all make it a great quad with the power to back up its menacing looks. I rate the Brute Force 5 out of 5 stars. It is hard to find a utility ATV that is more fun and a better worker than the Brute Force.
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