If you like serious exploring, you will love the Brute Force 750i

It is hard to believe that it is already time for the 2005 Models.

To start it all off, Kawasaki invited us to ride the all-new 2005 Brute Force 750i 4X4. Yeah, I said 750 - the biggest 4x4 yet.

Last year we got the Prairie 700 and from Polaris, the Sportsman 700. Kawasaki ups the ante again with a 749cc machine for 2005. But this is NOT just a pumped up Prairie - this is an all new machine with a brand new "IRS" - Independent Rear Suspension. (The Kawasaki Prairie 700 will remain in the lineup with it's solid rear suspension.)

While we are big fans of the Prairie 360, 650 and 700, Kawasaki felt that many riders were demanding an independent rear suspension.

The new IRS is a fully independent dual a-arm configuration with leading sway bar and 7.9 inches of travel. Incorporated in the new IRS is the Kawasaki sealed braking system with a new differential. The a-arms use a combination of needle bearings and ball joints to provide smooth suspension action.

Check out the storage pockets built into the front fenders

Styling

We're honestly not sure we like the new look. I think it will be a LOVE or HATE thing for most people - it is definitely different. Along with the new angular styling (think Batmobile meets a Tank...), is a new color called Desert Yellow. We are not sure where the yellow comes from - we have seen a lot of things in the desert, but nothing in nature comes even close to this gray/yellow. (In fact, now that we think about it, we have seen some naturally occuring things this color, but they generally happen when a newborn calf doesn't get the right nutrients from mom...) Luckily you can also choose from the good ol' standards Hunter Green, Aztec Red or Realtree Hardwood Green Camo.

We do really like the new storage pockets that are incorporated into the front fenders. Very handy.

We had to look hard, but did find a spot to play in the mud. The desert yellow does look better covered with mud!

Ergonomics

We felt immediately comfortable on the new Brute Force. The only complaint some riders may have is the width of the seat, due to the big 750 Twin. The advantage to this width is that even with the new taller seat height, we did not feel too high or tippy. After a full day of riding it still felt just as comfortable as when we started. The gauges were easily visible and all the controls were placed properly.

Performance

The Prairie 700 was already at the top of its class - the Brute Force 750 extends the lead even further.

The power is incredible, with immediate throttle response. It is fun and FAST. The power band is useable throughout, even if you are riding at slow to medium speeds. The engine braking works perfectly for steep downhill descents. Top speed should be very close to 70 MPH. This motor and tranny combination works well and will be very hard to beat. The only thing we can think of that would make it even better is the addition of EFI to replace the carbs.

Medium-speed trail riding was an absolute blast on the Brute Force 750i.

Suspension

We have not been big fans of the IRS suspension found on most of the big bore sport utility quads and have preferred the straight axle suspension on the Prairie 650 and 700. Well, the new IRS suspension on the Brute Force just may convince us to change our minds.

This has to be the best IRS suspension found on any of the big bore quads.

The suspension did not seem to dive or roll into the corners nearly as bad as most other IRS suspensions we have tested.

The Brute Force did not seem to push as much as we have experienced on other models. You can mange to get it to slide a little, but not like the Prairie. For all-out competition use, the suspension on the Prairie may still be a better choice but for trail riding this may be the best IRS suspension yet. After a full day of riding we found the suspension worked well at most all speeds and conditions. We look forward to spending some more time on it when we get one for a long term test.

Summary

The only thing we found lacking in the Brute Force 750i is its looks. After a full day of riding, we only wanted more seat time. All the testers had as big of a smile on their faces as we did.

The competition will have their work cut out for them to keep up with the Kawasaki Brute Force 750i - literally.

Full Specifications for the Brute Force

Photo Gallery