Big-bore performance and features at a mid-size price

When shopping for a nice mid-sized all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it’s easy to find choices with a reasonable purchase price, single-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive. However, ATV shoppers have a better option; the Kawasaki Brute Force® 650 4x4, the stand-out performer in this class. With Kawasaki’s legendary V-twin engine, a proven 4x4 system and rugged styling — for about the same price as the rest — its value is even more apparent to those seeking a sensible yet powerful 4x4 ATV.

Moving the Brute Force 650 4x4 along is Kawasaki’s popular liquid-cooled 633cc, 90-degree V-twin engine with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It is fed by dual 32mm Keihin carburetors that draw fresh air from a snorkel intake located high in the frame near the steering head. This powerplant gives the rider plenty of industry-leading torque and an unrivaled smooth-running operation.

Matched to the robust V-twin engine is the fully automatic Kawasaki Automatic Powerdrive System (KAPS) continuously variable transmission (CVT). With low and high forward, neutral and reverse gears, this dependable transmission functions seamlessly, providing excellent control for both low- and high-speed work or recreational riding. Additionally, with the brakes applied the Brute Force 650 4x4 can be started in any gear.
 
Power is delivered to the wheels through dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive. The rider can select two-wheel or four-wheel drive operation via the handy switch mounted on the right handle bar. In normal four-wheel drive mode, the front wheels provide extra traction for adverse terrain, while the limited-slip differential allows the rider to make tight turns and reduces steering effort. 

Best of all, with the Brute Force 650 4x4’s Variable Front Differential Control, the rider can deliver equal amounts of power to both front wheels by simply pulling a small lever on the left handlebar. This is a definite advantage for riders encountering deep mud and slippery uphill trails or when traversing over large objects such as logs or rocks.
The cutting-edge Brute Force 650 4x4 braking system design is a combination of dual front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and Kawasaki’s sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake system. As an integrated part of the shaft drive, the rear braking system is sealed in the aluminum swingarm where it operates in an oil bath. This protects the brake pads from mud, dust and debris, and is virtually maintenance-free.

Enhancing the high-performance brakes is the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system, which electronically monitors ground speed and uses the engine’s compression to help slow the Brute Force ATV under certain conditions.
Plush and controlled rides are the Kawasaki 4x4 ATVs’ forte and the Brute Force 650 4x4 exemplifies this specialty. It does this with MacPherson strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and an aluminum swingarm featuring a shock with adjustable preload, a piggy-back reservoir and 7.2 inches of travel for the rear suspension duties.
Additional comfort is provided by a large seat and adjustable footpegs mounted atop full-size floorboards. To help reduce unsprung weight and further enhance the smooth ride, the Brute Force rolls on aluminum wheels.

Leading the conveniences on the Brute Force 650 4x4 is a DC power outlet to provide quick and easy power for electrical accessories. Its fully digital instrumentation includes speedometer, odometer, dual resettable trip meters, clock, hour meter, fuel gauge and 2x4/4x4 indicators.
 
The modern, aggressively angled lines of its Thermo-Plastic Olefin, ultra-high gloss appearance and is scratch-resistant bodywork are complemented by bright cat-eye headlights. Kawasaki engineers also provided space inside the front guard to easily accommodate a 3000-pound capacity winch from Warn or Superwinch.

The Brute Force 650 4x4 also comes with front and rear steel racks that can carry a total of 264 pounds of cargo, and a hitch bracket that enables the ATV to tow up to 1,250 pounds. Owners can expand the versatility of their Brute Force ATV via the extensive line of Authentic Kawasaki Accessories, available through Kawasaki dealers.

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