2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i Test Ride

www.dirttraxtv.com
In this evaluation, Dirt Trax Television Co-Host Luke Lester is aboard Kawasaki's fully jammed 2012 Brute Force 750i 4x4.
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[@TheTrouts]

I thought the diff lock leaver was dumb at first, but after a while I started to really like it.

[@dankruger2890]

my to cents, the brute is FUN. really FUN. I am 39 years old and have owned a lot of different motorcycles, 700 king quad, Yamaha big bear, and 850 Polaris. test drove the Grizz at the same time I bought the brute around a track at the dealership. grizz just didn't have the low end torq.

[@heatmoon]

how you like the big bear?

[@lucasfromdavalley]

Haha this is lies, the yamaha has much more low end than a brute

[@Joe-mp4nw]

@@lucasfromdavalley Lol no it doesn’t!

[@OsvaldoAriciaga]

I got a 2008 750 brute force and still is great. When my cousin and I dragged raced my 750 popped up. I went 55mph it’s hella fun

[@JohnRiordon]

What's wrong with the Dif Lock lever? If it was always locked, wouldn't this cause more wear&tear on the front assembly?

[@ghendo750]

I love my 2012 brute, I had a 2009 which I loved as well. My new one has tons of mods. Elka stage 4, muzzy duals with the digi tuner, warn winch, full ricochet skids. Brutes are great quads.

[@dankruger2890]

Greg Henderson Thank you. What a fun wheeler

[@Joe-mp4nw]

Do you still have the quad today? Any issues?

[@jameshogg601]

@@Joe-mp4nw fuel pumps are weak but that seems common with fuel injection quads. 15,000 miles on the engine no rebuilds yet.

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

8 years later they are still the same haha, my dad just bought a 2021 model and though I so love it, it is very outdated. He got the camo one brand new for 10k out the door

[@rob4263]

That's a great deal! Where did he find that deal?

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

@@rob4263 from procaliber in Vancouver wa

[@rob4263]

@@brandondannys-menary3678 just called them. Spoke with big Jeff. They don't have that deal. Not sure how your dad got that kind of deal but congrats to him!

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

@@rob4263 yeah he got the assembly fee taken off. We are friends with one of the workers. Originally they're 10.5k plus 500 assembly fee i think

[@pnwdweler4100]

@@rob4263 I’ve bought a bunch of bikes from Jeff. We just picked up a 2023 BF from Power Motorsports in Sublimity, OR for $8999 out the door.

[@toejam52]

Oh yeah I always pack mustard in my atv storage compartments

[@trailblazeratv6306]

looks good !!

[@michaelvandusen5543]

I just got the 2019 brute it's only a 300 but so far I love it we took it out once 2 Flagstaff and it worked like a champ for it haven a 271 cc engine it's nice the wife wasn't 2 happy when I came back all muddy but I told her boys will b boys once I get the 300 paid off ima get the big brother the brute 750

[@jadenmassey7882]

I got the 300 to brother I’m about to trade it in on a brute 750 or a can am outlander but probably the brute force

[@shannondonaldson2045]

I am fixing to buy a brute force 650 or 750

[@andys70GMC]

I'll take a 'terrible' front diff lock lever over a split in half can am frame any day

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I dont understand why these aren't more popular??? Since I got back into riding ATVs and giving up the Harleys I noticed I never see anyone riding a Brute Force. I ride some popular areas of Kentucky ( Kentucky lake LBL, Black Mountain, ect) and cant recall seeing a single BF. Its the only Japanese company that offers a ATV with a V Twin engine thats like stomping the pedal on a big block V8 and Kawasaki is one of the best engine producers in the world. For those of us who prefer the quality and precision Japanese quads have over domestic brands I figured they would be everywhere!!! Is that wicked 750 V Twin not enough for people already???? I been riding for 25 years and its got more power than I could ever use. I rode a Polaris 1000 and it was a fun machine......but the grunt and sound of that Kawasaki V Twin was unique. V twins produce a different power curve, more torquey on the bottom end than parallel engines. Im just surprised I never see one on the trails. I guess everyone has the " who has the biggest CC" syndrome.

[@joerutkowsky3261]

JohnnyRebKy because from what I can tell . They have some big issues . The air box intake is low and let's in mud and water . Some say that is the cause of the atv blowing smoke out the exhaust. Rings were fast . Again this is just what I have been reading . Because I was looking into buying one so I did some research on them. And there is a big issue with the kebec "I think that's what it is called" I asked lots of people on KZbin that has had them for awhile . And every one I asked said they would not buy another one . I still am on the fence on buying one . If you do but one do some research and make sure . But I wondered the same as you . On why there is not lot out there riding the trails .

[@michaelfrancis3558]

I bought a 2018 Brute Force 750 EPS in February of this year. When I was looking for a new ATV I was originally looking and pretty much set to buy a Yamaha Kodiak 700. The Kodiak 700 is pretty basic, no gauge pod, no diff lock, smaller bike physically. I've heard about a lot of problems with the Brute Force ATVs but everything I was reading was from caburated models and there was nothing all that recent was saying anything negative about the Brute Force. I read they changed emissions control stuff and a bunch of other changes. When I bought my ATV I got +3 years of warranty on top of the 1 year factory warranty. With 4 years of warranty that covers anything that is a manufacturer defect, it was hard to pass it up. I have not had a single problem with my Brute Force so far. It's fun, fast and powerful. I can only say good things about it and highly recommend it.

[@joerutkowsky3261]

Michael Francis thanks for the reply. I am looking to buy one . Just want peoples input. I do love the bf . I have a polaris now 500ho . And never had an issue with it yet lots of people diss on Polaris. I guess it's how you treat them for maintenance. Thanks again .

[@rzl07375]

I have a 2014 Brute and its been fantastic. I to wonder why these are not more popular. Basic mods make these things come alive to.

[@Joe-mp4nw]

@@joerutkowsky3261 Did you end up getting the brute? Any issues?

[@Ripu2]

@AUscw2011 No, the Brutes differential is a good one, some do not like the locking lever, as you have to hold it to get the front wheels to lock together.

[@heatmoon]

Also Brute Forces (at least used to) have a serious problem of engaging 4x4, especially in colder weather. But certainly that barely mattered, the light would just sit and blink. Good torque, good speed, and when the 4x4 is engaged its hard to stop, except like he said, lacky a bit of clearance. i like the sound of the v-twin too. but in cold weather (northern MN) pushing snow it seems that the front cylinder has a tendency to wear a bit faster and eventually need a new piston, or cylinder, or just a new motor. Its also cold blooded, no EFI on mine and takes a good long while to warm up, like 15 minutes before its running well enough to think about pushing snow. yes 15 minutes. that -10 below, many would say leave it at that temp, but when you got the only plow to get out of a mile long driveway you got to do it.

[@70sonicboom]

The Kawie diff lock is THE BEST diff lock on the market! Simple, fast, adjustable, reliable, incremental, and it works when YOU want it to! Spare me the complaints about "having to hold a lever". You've got fingers don't you?!

[@itsme78932]

Until the cable freezes up :P

[@gregrowe1168]

Your fingers are supposed to go around the handlebars, not be wasted gripping some lever. You need them for the brakes. In rough terrain, you're going to have a hard time holding onto that diff-lock lever as well. What would be nice is if it were like a parking brake lever, you pull it and it locks in place and unlocks when you pull it again. They even have a similar lever used for the parking brake on the 300 Brute, it only takes one finger to set the parking brake and then unlock it as well.

[@Ethan-ji4dm]

nah polaris has the best 4wd system

[@gregrowe1168]

I still think the Yamaha and Suzuki 4x4 systems are the best. Push one button for 4x4 and then flip a lever and push another for difflock. It takes 2-3 seconds to engage or disengage and stays engaged until you tell it to stop. I've never liked the on demand system Polaris uses. I don't like a sensor deciding when I need 4x4 and not. When I want 4x4, I want it. When I don't, I want to turn it off.

[@SAVAGECUMMINS]

I'm a brute owner and I don't love it or hate... yes it works, it's quick and easy but there is times where it's a pain. what if you get stuck in the mud and are walking beside it pushing, one hand on the throttle, other on the rack pushing=no hand to operate the diff lock... that's my only complaint, I personally love yamaha's push button

[@bassin1217]

Kawasaki Brute Force750EPS by far. Can Am is more expensive and a lesser product IMO, Brute Force's 750 V-Twin is arguably the best ATV motor ever, solid frames, sealed wet rear brake, and a ton of storage. IMO, for a utility ATV, it's the 2012 Brute Force 750EPS or the Grizzly 700 EPS. It's all personal preference, but if you have a can am, it will be in the shop, guaranteed. I have 3 buddies with them, all have seen shop time within 2 years and the oldest is a 2009...

[@Dreded1000]

The best example I give for why the diff. lock is superb is when I was driving up a extremely steep sand hill and hit a rock which turned me a bit I was able to release the diff lock slightly and turn away from a 5' drop I was now headed towards, on any elec diff lock I would have had to stop and risk rolling down, Also a quick note the cable driven rear brake grabs far better with less force than any hydraulic disc brake out there and has much less to go wrong(no hydraulics, no exposed discs).

[@rcmike09]

I live being able to decide if the front is locked or not.

[@tuggod73]

I have one of these and I love it. Hasn't given me any trouble at all. My buddies Renegade is always breaking. Say what you want about the Brute, but IMHO it is a kick ass machine and anyone who disagrees can suck my nuts.

[@Devlins10]

Hahahaha yep

[@Boostertz]

10 years later, nothing has changed

[@normski262]

Any ideas how to remove my seat . Managed to somehow put it on slightly twisted, so the back hooks, one is in correctly, I think, the other is not, release lever is stuck in the up position, and now I cannot get the stupid seat off.

[@woofy548]

Biggest issue with the Brute is the horrible stock tires. They're almost not even safe. I love the diff lock lever. Its quick and easy don't evethave to take your hands of the handlebars.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Are they still unstable ? I want a Rincon but not doesn't have EPS so I'm looking to see what else is out there

[@Joe-mp4nw]

Get the brute over a Rincon...you won’t regret it. The only reason the brute is unstable is because of the horrible stock tires...They’re like balloons. a good set of new tires will fix this issue.

[@My17A]

I have had my Brute now for over and year and have nothing but steller performance for 1700 km's. Not a single issue. Had three Outlander's prior and I'll take my Brute over any of them.

[@Joe-mp4nw]

You still have the bike? Any issues as of today?

[@My17A]

@@Joe-mp4nw Not any more Joe. Great bike, exceptional engine, but traded her in on a Grizzly a few years ago. I think I had about 6000 kms on it. Not a single issue. I wish they would update the Brute Force. Not a single change since spring 2011!

[@Joe-mp4nw]

@@My17A That’s awesome to hear! Were you riding hard? I’m Hopfully going to be getting the 2021 model when they come out. And yes they 100% need an update. Better headlights, better seat, better stock tires, etc... just subtle changes and this bike would be perfect. I love the dif lock on it and hope they never change it.

[@My17A]

@@Joe-mp4nw No I don't ride my machines hard. I don't baby them, but I don't bury them to the racks in mud etc...

[@hckingquad4579]

Why do they not review the king quad?

[@WielerOutdoors]

can we see a kfx 700 review?

[@JBodine67]

Check out my vids on the Kawasaki KVF 360 4x4 with the variable-lock differential control... I find a variable locker works better than a full locked switch.A variable control lever is used only as much as needed,and is controlled by the rider.It is better all-round;especially when engaging at higher speeds.

[@Dreded1000]

because we are young hoodlums that like to do wheelies... honestly its for mud and snow use, need that power to sling mud out of the lugs.... also here in BC we have a lot of cross ditches dug into the roads we ride and if you happen not to see one its nice to have the power to lighten the front end and sail over the gap rather than hit the other side hard and hurt your wrist.

[@Kandalf8989]

No I think Luke mean the terrible difflock, is when you moving you body in some deep mud, and you can't apply difflock while moving your body. For example you moving your body to the right side it's impossible to apply the difflock that on the left handlebar . But on the other side it's good that you can easily hold it and you are fully locked.)

[@muddrider2014]

2012 kawaski brute force750i eps or 2012 can am outlander 800r xt i cant decide

[@top40productions]

As someone below asked,.. Where is the King Quad reviews? Maybe I missed it, maybe it's just too awesome and would shame the Can Ams and Polaris too much

[@CndianShreder]

is this the one jake media did?

[@dash11111111]

agreed 100%! i thought i was the only person that noticed that

[@jlightning2178]

I love mine but it likes to overheat if you don't keep the rad spotless

[@stevelazewski4713]

koolakron kronic same here I got a brute force 300 and it loves to heat up if I get anything in the rad

[@adamdoesthings3795]

Is this atv reliable more than a Polaris or Can am

[@off-roadnpew2183]

Adam Does things about the ame. I had a 2010 for a year and never had any problems. Got a popo now

[@branthudson4553]

Defently last longer have seen forst hanf

[@RossMKF1]

Does anyone know how much horsepower this has?

[@michaelkorey344]

2018 brute force or 2018 grizzly? Looking for advice!!!

[@chasestringer9619]

Michael Korey can’t go wrong with either.

[@chadchancey2141]

Brute force hands down! Too many issues with yamaha on the 16’s thru 18’s suburu was involved in the engine building on these. Had my 17 brute with zero issues. Awesome power & performance.

[@DirtObseXXion]

Did you pick yet?

[@Joe-mp4nw]

What did you end up getting? Any issues? I hope you got the brute! Haha

[@Newfiebulletvideos]

I like the diff lock lever.

[@clintharris8323]

PLEASE DIRT TRAX CAN YOU TELL US IF THE 2015 BRUTE FORCE IS TO GET THE 800 TERYX ENGINE STYLE AND FOX SHOCKS!!!!! AND WILL YOU DO A REVEIW ON THE TERYX 800 SOME TIME SOON !!!!!

[@dirttraxtv]

Clint Harris You want the exact same things we do! Ever since we first rode the Teryx 800 we thought that mill would be amazing in the Brute. Fox clickers would be welcome too. Check out our website for a report on this very topic and stay tuned. Hoping we'll see something like this soon!

[@dizzlerizzle2775]

the steering problem comes from the trashy tires they come with, the wheels are too soft and roll on the side walls

[@dizzlerizzle2775]

@@jonlough3074 i dont have that atv i have a kingquad with the same tires, and the tires were snatchy for me. and the side walls sucks

[@andys70GMC]

Waited 4 months for a diagnosis and a fuel pump

[@01hondascott]

2:25 my kind of trail riding, i live and ride for these tight trails that wind through the trees , i dont know where enuff of them are, all the riding areas around here are logging roads mostly

[@scubasteve728]

mann i want one time to get rid of my 07 prarie

[@elvis_pardo8722]

Shit sounds supercharged

[@TheMan16111]

but can ams are so expensive even used.

[@tuggod73]

That's understandable. What's wrong with the Brute?

[@tuggod73]

If that's true, then why are you riding a canned ham now instead of the Brute?

[@Vinkosket]

jamaha no.1

[@dankruger2890]

Not enough low end power.

[@Dreded1000]

time for a new shop...

[@andys70GMC]

The brute has been in the shop since May. Gotta ride the wifes Ham or nothin.

[@RossMKF1]

You can just tape it around lever and handlebar!

[@bradwaterhouse6318]

Lol, Diff lock lever is a joke. Had it on my 06 and they still have it on the 21 model. 06 was a great machine but come on keep with the times. up grade the thing. motor and trans is great. Add a 1000 to the mix. Kawasaki, Yamaha Suzuki, Honda even need to up there game for the enthusiast! I run a can am 1000XT , great today features, But even them spend lots on it then have to up grade the crap out of it!

[@70sonicboom]

I like the older BF design but this new one looks like a 1970's era garbage truck or something. Gotta be the ugliest atv on the market right now.

[@Dreded1000]

I have ridden atv's my whole life, here in BC we put them through their paces and ride HARD because we have equal amounts of wide open straight FSR and 3' deep mud pits, I would never consider another ATV after using the Kawi because of the AWESOME diff lock when driving down a trail and coming across a huge mud pit I don't have to take the risk of getting stuck half way because I didn't want to STOP to engage the diff lock, I pulled it on while doing 25mph+ and getting full lock + full momentum

[@dankruger2890]

I totally agree. What is everyone's problem. It's not a big deal to hold the level down, but it is a big deal to have to stop every time you need to use diff-lock. One can also buy an aftermarket part that can lock the lever down. Personally brute makes the most sensible machine if a guy likes to rides hard. Simply put, the Brute is a fun machine. BLURP

[@rumswigger]

well... i can lock in my diff at full throttle... try that with a yamaha and see what happens! ha

[@dankruger2890]

alex robichaud totally agree. its a no brainier I stop my atv for my wife to catch up and that bothers me.

[@tuggod73]

That would suck

[@jaywinters2483]

“Terrible front diff locker” shows you don’t know what you’re talking about. It was out there for the Forest Service for fighting forest fires in case you absolutely must get out of there. I LOVE it! If you’re stuck, there’s nothing like it out there & is precisely why I’m looking at a Kawi. You want it to be a sport machine. I take your videos with a grain of salt now. 👎

[@andys70GMC]

I bought the wife a 1000 Outty and wish I'd bought a Renegade xxc. The outty suspension is garbage, and the front frames are weak and the rear under the racks is broken in more than one place, and there are multiple missing or loose bolts throughout the frame. Extremely poor designs and quality control imo. That's what you get for a first year run I guess.

[@mossow71]

andys70GMC your talking about can am there junk

[@RossMKF1]

Can Am is very reliable all of my buddies with them have never had problems but one of them had a kawasaki brute 750 it broke down now he haas a yamaha grizzly

[@seanf5013]

completely ruined the headlights on the new one! Ugliest front end out there looked way better in previous model

[@double07091]

I know right I have the 08 model I this I was gonna buy the new 2015 model but I'm think I'm going with the can am renagade X xc because I like riding on trails but still being able to hit jumps

[@romper4444]

I know right, just a few changes and this would be the perfect atv. It's time kawasaki, get with it already. I still bought a 2022 model for wife but if u want my future purchases, then UPDATE THE DAMN THING!

[@torthwelldone8252]

1:23:45

[@torthwelldone8252]

This Time Is Not In Video

[@murphslife6481]

Broke-force

[@zorin40]

I just can't stand the mis pronunciation of ALUMINIUM and NUCLEAR to ALUMinum and NUkiller!Comeone guys it is still called ENGLISH not American so you can change things round.Especially Canadians - don't know where they belong speech wise...Just irritating when watching a review.

[@Joe-mp4nw]

Settle down bud

[@joebourdeau3188]

the brute rides hard and bouncy, i hate it. ill take me can am renegade 1000 xxc over this pile of shit anyday.

[@dankruger2890]

joe bourdeau I just bought a 16' brute and its not bouncy at all. its bad ass, with the best low end torq out there. My wifes 850 Polaris can't hit jump at low speed like the brute force. The power is there right now.. Blurp the sound of the exhaust is the best. I tested the Yamaha grizz on the track at the dealership and then road the brute. Oh ya, the brute had way more low end power that sold me. Having mass horse power past 20mph is easy to get from Polaris and Can am. Take off power from a dead stop is something to talk about. I am just happy with that thing

[@MrNiggaplz1000]

Don’t waste your time. It’s coming from a guy who owns a can am “wonder” machine lol

[@Dylanmccutcheon747]

Dan Kruger I have an xmr 650 and agree the power off the line just isn’t there ! I sat on a brute force today and I have a feeling I’m trading up very soon

[@tylerbrown5489]

It's not bouncy lmao mine is stiff

[@JBodine67]

I thought the 650 twin was way too much engine,but this 750 is an accident waiting to happen. An experienced rider unexpectedly stabbed the throttle while navigating a tight spot,and the bike reared up and came over. Too much horsepower on a 4x4...A single 500cc. is lots to do any job. I have a KVF 360 4x4 and it has 11 000 kms accident free,riding over rocky hills and through tight woods trails.Kawasaki makes a good bike,but I just can't see why a v-twin would be used...Unsafe.