If you have been researching the market for an ATV, you already know that with a major purchase you want the best bang for your buck – especially given today’s economy.

I have always been impressed with both the Kawasaki ATV and UTV lineup.  In my experience, Kawasaki provides a quality product with many options while still maintaining a competitive price point, a factor which we consider in nearly everything we purchase.

I was invited to test ride the new 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i ATV.  One notable difference with this year’s model besides the re-engineered power, precision handling and cosmetics, is the introduction of electronic power steering (EPS).

2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i EPS, MSRP $9,999.00

With the introduction of the Electronic Power Steering, Kawasaki was able to improve the handling characteristics of the Brute Force 750i by significantly reducing steering shock and kickback.

One of the most significant changes in the 2012 model is the introduction of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) .

Along with the EPS, changes were made in the Brute’s steering assembly and front end geometry as well as in the location of the front differential which helps steering even without EPS.

Here are some Key Features of the 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i EPS

Walk Around

As soon as you walk around this new sport-utility ATV, you will immediately notice the new body style.  Larger racks with integrated, ergonomic grab handles make it easier to move the machine or scoot it out of the way.  Tie down points to better secure your gear are featured on the front and rear racks.  Kawasaki also increased the rack rating to 88 lbs for the front rack and 176 pounds for the rear. There is an integrated box located on the front of the machine suitable for small tools or drink bottles; however, it would be difficult to access if you had gear and equipment mounted to the front rack.  The controls are standard and haven’t changed much.  Switching to 4×4 is quick and easy.  Kawasaki still retains the lever to lock in the front differential – an exclusive feature that allows riders the ability to control the amount of torque to the front wheels in the limited-slip front differential.

Kawasaki also upgraded the front and rear racks with the integration of grab handles and tie-down points.

Cast aluminum wheels are now standard equipment on the Brute Force 750i.  These wheels look great and offer a superb look over the conventional designs.

Cast aluminum wheels are now standard equipment for the 2012 Brute.

Here are the 2012 Brute Force Specifications

 All Aboard

For the rider who wants to cruise leisurely down the trail, the new, improved seat is wider towards the rear providing exceptional comfort while the front of the seat gives you a chance to ride a little more aggressive and still be comfortable.

Upgraded seat provides all day comfort.

The handlebar placement was natural and comfortable as well.  The switches and controls were easy for me to reach, but they could be an issue for a rider with smaller hands.  The new and improved thumb throttle design seemed to be a little out of adjustment on the test machine I chose, however, this is easily fixed with a few quick adjustments.

A flip of the switch and the LCD instrument panel lights up displaying all the information – speed, distance, fuel capacity, gear selection and 2×4 /4×4 modes – the rider needs.  There are also warning LED’s that alert the rider of an oil pressure, temperature or belt issue.  The instrumentation was easy to view at all angles.

The Brute Force 750i gives you all the information you need with the easy to read LED dash display.

Turn on the Ignition, And then Take Off!

Turn the key and push the start button and the muscular 750 V-Twin engine roars to life on the first try due to the electronic fuel injection.  You will hear the incredible sounding exhaust tone.   With my excitement mounting, I was eager to test the Electronic Power Steering.  I quickly flipped the shift lever into gear and began circling around and performing figure 8’s in 4×4 and with the diff-Lock engaged.  I was surprised at how easily the EPS maneuvered in the different 4×4 modes.  There is restriction for lack of a better word–“feedback” – when you squeeze the yellow lever on the left engaging the differential lock but it’s still extremely maneuverable.  When in standard 4×4, you will barely notice any difference in handling.  Satisfied with the initial performance, I was ready to hit the trails.

Power has been improved by using the cylinder heads from the smaller Brute Force 650.  While you may ask “Why did they use smaller stuff”, Kawasaki actually did this to decrease the combustion chamber volume which increases compression.  This is how Kawasaki achieves the larger 9.3:1 compression ratio.  This, along with some other internal engine modifications, gives the 750 engine better torque.

On The Trail

We were invited to ride the AOAA (Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area) located just an hour north of Harrisburg, PA.  (Check out our trail review).  The hills, switch backs and mud gave the Brute and I a chance to breathe.  The Brute Force suspension was soft and comfortable, however, I felt it had a little more body roll at higher speeds and required an adjustment to my riding style.  This may have been due to the tires or the shock settings.  Either way, it was an easy situation to fix.  The machine was very capable in tight trail sections and the EPS prevented kickback from roots and rocks which is an added surprise from a machine this size.

The Brute Force handles tight trail and technical sections very well.  Aiding in handling is an upgraded rear stabilizer bar allowing stability to be sufficient and confidence- inspiring for the large machine.  The 750 V-Twin engine offers plenty of authority to power slide through corners or lift the front end off the ground and charge through mud and over obstacles with ease.

Stability for a machine this size is aided with the improved rear stabilizer bar.

In order to put the tremendous power of the 750 to the ground you need a good transmission.  The 750 Brute accomplishes this with a newly engineered continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Kawasaki calls KAPS (Kawasaki Automatic Power System).  By changing one of the high gear ratios and utilizing a thicker belt made of stronger material, Kawasaki is able to offer longer life of the belt and less time between maintenance.  During my initial testing I noticed the CVT seemed a little whinier than the other machines, but this could have been due to break-in.

Longer belt life + Less Maintenance = More Riding Time!

The engine braking was smooth and dependable while descending steep hills.  Several times when coming into a hard corner, you could let off the throttle and actually feel the belt bite the CVT sheave and give out a bark.  I think for a casual ride the brakes would be hardly necessary.  But the 200mm front dual pistons and sealed rear wet brake will do a great job of bringing the Brute to a halt.

Even with the lowest ground clearance in the big bore ATV class the Brute’s 9.4 inches of clearance seemed adequate but, just in case the machine found its limit, the OEM skids were there to protect the frame from critical damage.

The intakes (both CVT and engine) are now mounted in a new location to prevent mud and water from entering the engine or CVT transmission.  In addition to better protection from mud and water, the Brute Force 750i now features a larger radiator, fan and hoses to insure the engine has maximum cooling performance.

The EFI seems to do its job at delivering fuel to the 749cc v-twin engine.  With each stab of the throttle, you can feel the G-forces pulling you however; it is an extremely manageable transition.  While traveling down the trail, I could easily keep the front end light and blast over whoops in the trail and the occasional puddle of water.  The torque and handling of the Brute Force 750i makes you wonder if this “Utility” is made for work or just sheer play.

The return back to the trailhead was bittersweet.  I was having so much fun but my body was telling me not to gamble and call it.  I kept trying to process in my mind something which I disliked about the Brute Force.  Yes, the CVT was louder than normal, but the overall machine fit me well, handled remarkably and was very comfortable.  While a few times I found the bottom of the suspension I knew that this was easily remedied by minor adjustments.

Obviously when given enough time, one can find fault with something, but for taking the entire day’s ride in perspective I can’t think of anything that could be targeted as a “deficiency” other than the CVT noise and perhaps a bit more ground clearance.

Final Thoughts

I have always been a fan of the Kawasaki product line, but disliked the previous 750 Brute models due to their handling characteristics.  At the end of the day, the 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i EPS left me with a feeling of satisfaction.  The new Brute is nimble and one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ridden in a while.

2012 Kawasai Brute Force 750i EPS

The manageable power of the 749cc V-twin engine in combination with the EPS allows even the novice rider to climb aboard and ride with confidence.  All the new refinements have contributed to a great machine to use, for work or play.  Four years ago, a doctor told me I would need back surgery.  The second opinion I received, was to just take it easy.  Nevertheless, I thought my quad riding days were over.  I can honestly say that a day aboard the Brute Force 750i EPS left me knowing I was out of shape, but not because of arm and shoulder fatigue.  I chalk this up to the forgiving EPS and great handling of the Brute.  What an awesome day spent on a great machine!

Stay tuned for our long term review and we’ll also transform the 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i EPS into the Ultimate Utility Quad.

Next Page – 2012 Brute Force Photo Gallery