2024 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 LE EPS – FIRST RIDE
New style, lightly upgraded functionality, same old Brute Force
By the Staff of Dirt Wheels
Kawasaki teased us last year when their initial announcement of 2024 ATV and side-by-side models had one glaring omission: Where was the Brute Force 750? When first released years ago, the Brute Force 750 4x4i quickly became one of our favorite full-size 4WD ATVs, so what’s up with the disappearing act? However, the empty feeling in our gut was short-lived, as Kawasaki soon informed us that the bigger Brute would return to the Team Green lineup as a late release in 2024 with updates.
This got our imaginations spinning as the Brute Force 750 hadn’t seen much in the way of any significant upgrades in well over a decade. We probed and prodded our Kawasaki contacts for more information, but they remained tight-lipped, other than to say there were “changes coming even though ATV sales weren’t what they once were” for Kawasaki. We had to wonder if the fact that their ATV fleet, which had dwindled to this full-size 4×4, an entry-level 2×4 (Brute Force 300), and two youth models (KFX50 and 90), had anything to do with that. The new Brute Force 450 is coming in 2025, but Kawasaki still doesn’t give consumers many ATV options. But we kept that to ourselves, eager to see what was ahead for the Brute Force 750. Could it be more displacement? New suspension? Was a sport-focused 4×4 on the way?
WHAT’S NEW?
The 2024 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 emerged with a more contemporary and rugged look, which we liked. The outdated round halogen headlights were replaced with brighter and broader LED headlights, illuminating the path ahead. A bar-mounted LED pod light was also added, enhancing visibility at every turn. The front grill now boasts a more complete appearance with a removable insert that fills the open space reserved for optional winch installation.
After throwing a leg over the seat, which greeted us with a familiar feel and level of comfort, we spotted the new 4.3-inch color TFT display. It was bright, more prominent than before, and had heavy contrast, making it easy to read even while blazing down the trail at speed. Instrumentation includes the usual functions like a speedometer, 2WD/4WD drive indicator, and a fuel gauge. Additional information includes battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, and warning lights for issues concerning the CVT and EPS.
Steel racks now get plastic covers to steady heavy loads on all EPS-equipped models, and LE trims come with color-matched handguards.
FOUR TRIM LEVELS – WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
The most significant difference between the base model and the other trim levels is the lack of electronic power steering (EPS). The base model still gets the same V-twin power as the upgraded trims, it has a time-tested reliable CVT transmission, and new CST tires are mounted on 12-inch blacked-out aluminum wheels for $9,999. The base model is only available in Timberline Green color.
For $11,399, the Brute Force 750 LE EPS in Grayish Blue gets the obvious upgrade with speed-sensitive EPS. It also receives plastic cargo rack covers that work with Kawasaki’s KQR mounts to quickly connect cargo boxes and other Kawasaki KQR accessories. The rear rack is also slotted to hold two 5-gallon buckets that can be used for livestock grain, tools, or transporting building material hardware.
Brute Force 750 LE EPS models get further upgrades with color-matched handguards, upgraded two-tone (black and brushed aluminum) wheels, and the LE color and graphics package in your choice of New Light Sage Green or Cypher Camo Gray for $11,999.
Finally, the Brute Force 750 LE EPS Camo has all the same features as the other LE models, but it’s dipped in TrueTimber Strata Camo and has black aluminum wheels for $11,999.
HOW DID YOU TEST IT?
Kawasaki invited us to a section of the popular Paiute Trail system near Richfield, Utah, where we would experience a full day of riding with constant elevation change, fast roads, tight and twisty trails, and even a little snow. We would climb as high as 9300 feet and were greeted with more than enough obstacles to get an excellent feel for 4WD capability. It was cold but sunny, perfect conditions for testing ATVs! We skipped past the base non-EPS model and spent our entire day aboard the Brute Force 750 LE EPS.
HOW’S ENGINE PERFORMANCE?
The same as before, the engine is unchanged. This might be an unpopular opinion, but we like it as is. The 749cc V-twin engine has excellent linear power. Dual DFI 36mm throttle bodies keep the pistons lit and feel unaffected even at peak altitude. Some might say that’s how any EFI system should work, but we’ve tested plenty of machines that get noticeably bogged down above 6500 feet. That’s not the case with the Brute Force 750.
Kawasaki has a habit of overbuilding engines for reliability, and this engine is no exception. It has an extensive belt-driven CVT that has proven reliable since its inception. Engine braking offers excellent downhill assistance in high and low-range gears. Aside from riders who spend most of their time in mudholes, the 750 V-twin produces more power than even the most skilled trail riders will ever need.
WHAT ABOUT CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION?
Kawasaki informed us that if they had increased displacement, they would have had to build a new chassis to handle it, but a new chassis is just what we were expecting. On paper, it’s at the bottom of the class for width (46.1”), suspension travel (6.9” f/7.4” r), and ground clearance (9”). It closely resembles Suzuki’s KingQuad, but the Suzuki is wider. Other machines in the class easily beat it with longer travel, more ground clearance, and widths near 48 inches or wider. Many smaller displacement offerings from competing brands also best it with better chassis numbers, such as Can-Am’s Outlander 500.
On the trail, the ride is plush over rocks and cross ruts. It presents a very comfortable ride on moderate trails and fire roads. But as the trail becomes uneven and challenging, the width of the machine doesn’t lend much confidence to the rider. We were much more cautious than usual when overtaking obstacles, straddling ditches, and navigating downhill off-camber turns. Body roll becomes more apparent, with only 5-way preload-adjustable shocks offering limited adjustability.
As the snow got deeper in spots, ground clearance became an issue with occasional high centering. The Brute Force comes with 25-inch tires on 12-inch aluminum wheels, whereas most competing machines run 26 or 27-inch tires with 11 or more inches of ground clearance. While buying taller tires might seem the obvious fix, more height would create more body roll and impair handling with this narrow chassis. In short, it needs to be wider.
DO YOU LIKE THE CONTROL FEATURES?
Thumb throttle tension is light, never presenting any soreness after a full day of riding. EPS assistance is spot on whether navigating tight S-turns, railing a sweeping corner, or sitting still. We also prefer dual-hand brake levers for added control, especially on hills, which the Brute Force has. The brake feel at the rear is spongier due to the sealed oil-bathed multi-disc system, which takes some getting used to, but the system is pretty much maintenance-free. Front hydraulic disc brakes work perfectly.
Seated and standing positions are comfortable, even for taller riders. Controls are easy to reach, but we have one complaint about the 4WD controls – that variable diff-lock lever. Especially with EPS, there’s no need for a varying degree of diff-lock engagement. The last thing we want when climbing a rock face is another lever to fumble with while hanging on to the bars. You can’t feel how much lock the front diff engages through the lever anyway. We prefer a system that fully locks the diff electronically or manually when needed.
HOW CAPABLE IS IT?
Although the rack and towing capacities are not the best in class, they are close enough. With a combined rack capacity of 264.5 pounds and a towing capacity of 1250 pounds, they more than meet the requirements for most jobs. We like Kawasaki’s KQR system for quickly attaching and removing Kawasaki accessories, like cargo boxes, to the racks. Even with the new plastic rack covers, Kawasaki provides multiple anchor points for strapping down gear.
One feature ranchers and farmers will appreciate is the circular grooves molded into the rear rack cover. There are two of them for strapping down 5-gallon buckets filled with feed, fertilizer, tools, etc. There’s also plenty of sealed personal storage for smaller items located inside the front rack and on the front fenders.
HOW DOES THE BRUTE FORCE 750 LE EPS COMPARE AT $11,999?
The Suzuki KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE+ is the most comparable machine but slightly wider at $11,399. Yamaha’s Grizzly 700 EPS is 48.4 inches wide and has more travel, 11.3 inches of ground clearance, and 26-inch tires for $11,399. The Can-Am Outlander 850 DPS is 48 inches wide and has more displacement, wheel travel, 11 inches of ground clearance, and 26-inch tires for $11,849. The Polaris Sportsman 850 Premium also has more displacement, is 47.6 inches wide, boasts a foot of ground clearance, has more wheel travel, and gets 27-inch tires for $12,199.
FINAL THOUGHTS?
The new styling and the addition of LED lighting are impressive, and the latest color display is much easier to read. However, the changes are primarily cosmetic and don’t offer much in terms of function. The outdated chassis and suspension are where the changes were needed. A new design would also complement the performance of this great engine. To be blunt, we expected more from Kawasaki. They have the capability to build a machine that can compete with the likes of the Outlander and Sportsman in terms of engine and suspension performance – and can do so with the excellent level of reliability we’ve come to expect from Kawasaki. So, when Kawasaki tells us ATVs aren’t selling as well as they once did, we can’t help but ask – could you just try a little harder?
2024 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine… 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement… 749cc
Bore x Stroke… 85.0 x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio… 9.3:1
Maximum Torque… 42.7 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Fuel System… DFI w/ two 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition… Digital DC-CDI
Transmission… Automatic CVT H-L-N-R
Final Drive… Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ variable diff lock, shaft
Front Suspension… Double wishbone/6.9 in
Rear Suspension… Double wishbone/7.4 in
Front Tire… AT 25 x 8-12
Rear Tire… AT 25 x 10-12
Front Brakes… Dual hydraulic 176mm discs with 2-piston calipers
Rear Brakes… Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
Ground Clearance… 9.0 in
Starting System… Electric
Fuel Capacity… 5.0 gal
Steering… Rack-and-pinion w/ EPS
Turning Radius… 10.5 ft
Towing Capacity… 1,250 lb
Rack Capacity F/R… 88.0/176.0 lb.
Lighting… LED
Frame… Double-cradle, high-tensile tubular steel
LxWxH… 86×46.1×47.6 in.
Wheelbase… 50.6 in.
Seat Height… 35.2 in.
Curb Weight… 732.1 lb.
Warranty… 12 Month Limited Warranty – Kawasaki Protection Plus 12, 24, 36 or 48 month terms extra
RELATED ARTICLE
https://dirtwheelsmag.com/long-term-test-kawasaki-brute-force-750-4x4i-eps/
