Kawasaki Brute Force 300 Review & Trail Ride | Best 'Value' ATV on the Market

This is an owner review of the Kawasaki Brute Force 300 ATV. This particular one is a 2018, but the machines haven't changed since introduction in about 2012.
SPECS:
POWER
Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement: 271cc
Bore x Stroke: 72.7 x 65.2mm
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Maximum Torque: 15.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Fuel System: Keihin CVK32 carburetor
Ignition: DC-CDI
Transmission: Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch (H,L,N,R)
Final Drive: 2WD, Shaft
CAPABILITY
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: Independent double wishbone/5.2 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Swingarm/5.6 in
Front Tire: AT 22 x 7-10 Maxxis tubeless
Rear Tire: AT 22 x 10-10 Maxxis tubeless
Front Brakes: Dual 180mm discs
Rear Brakes: Single 180mm disc
Ground Clearance: 6.1 in
Starting System: Electric
Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gal
Turning Radius: 9.2 ft
Towing Capacity: 500 lb
Total Rack Capacity: 110 lb
Rack Capacity, Front/Rear: 44/66 lb
Lighting: (2) 35W headlights, 5W taillight and 21W stoplight
DETAILS
Frame Type: Double cradle, steel
Track Front/Rear: 33.5/32.7 in
Overall Length: 75.4 in
Overall Width: 42.5 in
Overall Height: 46.1 in
Seat Height: 33.3 in
Curb Weight: 535.8 lb**
Wheelbase: 45.9 in
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Warranty: 12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)12, 24, 36, or 48 months

[@cflip7452]

Your review made me go with the brute force 300 and you were spot on! Fun little atv and seems well built👍

[@ThomperBeThompin]

They sure are fun and capable machines for the money.

[@CQReview]

Great review! Well done!

[@frankmclaughlinsubscribe]

Thank's for a great review!

[@dbrhdwk1239]

The coolest design among ATVs, The most appropriate displacement, which is easy to handle, but not sold in Korea.

[@bigbigumms2661]

I have one and it’s PERFECT

[@DennisH22A]

Got a 2014 for the wife with 79 miles. It now has 1300 with 0 issues. Was a little skeptical about the kymco part, but I take care of my stuff. Since then I bought my son a kymco 50 2 stroke and my daughter an arctic cat 90. All kymco. Haven't had any issues yet after 4 years.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

They really are stout little machines. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another kymco in the future

[@mister-besten]

I got mine today and I love it

[@27Zangle]

Personally, I think the 300-400 class is the most fun. The prices are good, there is enough power for fun, they are efficient, and overall a lot of fun.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Just got back from a trip to GW national Forest on my Kodiak 450...man I love this little machine. A little more power would be nice, but I really like the nimbleness of the smaller chassis

[@27Zangle]

@@ThomperBeThompin - The Grizzly can be modded. Could the Kodiak 450 take similar mods and gain a bit more power. I'd imagine it would push the power output to mid 30's which would be perfect for that size machine.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@27Zangle there have to be some simple ways to mod this thing for more power, but there's something to be said for Yamaha reliability. I will likely keep it stock for now, and I can always ride my brother's KFX 700 if I get the power itch!

[@27Zangle]

@@ThomperBeThompin Nice! I like the smaller machines for expense and fun ratio, but at the same time, I love having enough power to not be that guy left behind between trail heads.

[@cledussnow9507]

You should try to get your hands on a number of different popular machines, like king Quad's, Honda's, a Grizzly, cheaper Polaris models. Even borrowing from people you know, your review was actually one of the best and thorough ones I've seen and not biased with quite a bit of action. I honestly place this review on par with dirtrax, except they absolutely love their CanAms no matter what. If you were a couple hours or less from WNY, I'd definitely lend ya my machine for the day to put up a review like this one. You're on to something with this content, seriously

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Well thanks man, seriously - I appreciate the comment. I'll have to start asking around. And GO BILLS! (been a bills fan all my life)

[@charredskeleton]

The orange Kawasaki lettering is a nice touch.

[@hphillips7425]

I thought that all the manufacturers were rebranding a kymco made ATV glad you verified that. They also make a 90cc for others as well. The only trouble we had with the 90cc is the automatic choke

[@Broknex]

Great review! I sure like that better than the Honda Recon! Awesome!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I'm sure the Recon is a great machine, but it's definitely not suitable for folks of my size (6' and 200lbs). I sat on one and instantly knew it wasn't for me.

[@gregrowe1168]

I owned an Ozark and a Recon, the Ozark was my pick of the 2. I've also had bigger machines too, current ride is an older King Quad 750. The smaller machines do have their advantages. Cost less, lighter, easier to fit in a pickup truck bed, uses less fuel, parts are cheaper etc. Being smaller they "feel" more powerful than they really are. I'd still have fun riding something like this.

[@mark0decker827]

I rode a 2021. In ocala Forrest. Nice unit. But seemed a bit top heavy. Plenty of power but squirrely in the dunes. Could use some more width for how tall she is. Great review sir. She did get pretty hot by my feet.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah I noticed that too, the tippy-ness factor. I actually quite like how twitchy the front end can be because it makes it easier to flick the back end around, but an inexperienced rider could easily tip it in a sharp corner that is off camber. These wheels have a less common bolt pattern which makes finding spacers more difficult. That ought to solve the issue though. Also, mine came a little bit tow'd in from factory.

[@R.N.GPerformance]

i have this machine and it has been very awesome and reliable i cant say anything bad about it i have added an exhaust and jet kit and she perked right up. i am 330lbs and hauls me just fine specs are as follows 271cc 11.0:1 compression Keihin CVK32 Carb witch is a very very good carb for best performance out of this machine run Premium fuel you will tell the difference. fuel capacity 3.2 gal it will tow 500 lbs overall for the money its a beast of a machine.

[@HooDRidEWhiteY]

Why did you choose this vs honda recon?

[@R.N.GPerformance]

HooDRidEWhiteY honestly when I bought this i was in a hurry and needed something by Friday i went on a Thursday what i really wanted was a CFMOTO 500 and they didnt have one on the floor ready to go so i got this for 3800 out the door i couldnt say no at that price and honestly i don’t regret it one bit. Its been a awesome little machine. Does everything i ask it too and the kids absolutely enjoy it also its a back up machine for us now. I didn’t go looking for this particular brand/model i just ended up with it. Do note that this is actually NOT a Kawasaki machine. It is a KYMCO Machine with the Kawasaki Branding on it. And KYMCO is a Chinese manufacturer but they have outstanding products at great price points. Mine is a 2017 everything except the oil,handle grips,exhaust,and jet kit is all stock machine. Nothing knock on wood has broken.

[@JerseyFrank007]

@@R.N.GPerformance Taiwanese...not Chinese. Kawasaki has them built to their specs which are the most robust out of the others like artic cat, tracker, and mxu.

[@R.N.GPerformance]

@@JerseyFrank007 the KYMCO models are build identical.

[@JerseyFrank007]

@@R.N.GPerformance ...not identical. If so...they'd be exactly the same!!! I will agree that some hard parts are the same ...but overall...each company provides their own specs to manufacturer.

[@HercsHepster]

Nice Review! We have the same machine (2015 model year) and it has been VERY reliable and TOUGH! I smoked the belt on a gnarly tank trap the first time out riding it, and the belt squeaks on takeoff now, but has not been replaced yet because she still goes well. The choke cable broke after the first year, but she hasn't been replaced yet because I can still get it to start. Will probably be replacing that this year. Very easy for beginners and fun for more experienced riders as well. The solid rear axle makes this thing feel very sporty and LOVES to kick the back end out in corners! Still have the original tires, they are basically bald and need replacing, but have held up very well (In contrast, the mushy ones that came with my 2018 Kodiak 700 are already in need of replacement and have had multiple failures. Been plugged and had to have one of the front tires tubed after a sidewall gash.) It has been flipped multiple times, one of which took out the speedometer and a zip tie is holding the dash in place, but has survived well. I was really surprised when I flipped it on a gravel road spinning brodies that the brake master cylinders were so tough! There are scratches on them, but no leaks. The parking brake, which can work well, has been left on so many times that it doesn't really work that well any more. It has been adjusted many times, but it is easy to drive with the parking brake on and has been a BUNCH. I know, owner error, but the design could be better. Bought it for the wife and the entire extended family and lots of friends have ridden it. It's not the fastest, does not have 4-wheel drive, but is a GREAT little quad, ESPECIALLY for the price.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I'm glad your getting some great use out of yours. I'm really loving mine still. Going trail riding on it this weekend! I hope mine stands up to abuse as well as yours has! And yeah....can't beat it for the price....

[@davidsammartano7920]

I have two of them. A 2015 and a 2017 so far they are awesome.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@davidsammartano7920 That's great to hear, thanks!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

How many miles did your stock tires last on the 300?

[@whosnext2005]

I notice the specs on there look a lot like my 99 kawasaki prairie I once had. It was a great machine and I wouldnt be surprised if yours isnt pretty much the same one. I sold it with 8,600 miles and that thing was awesome while I had it. I look forward to a long term high mileage review. However I know my motor was 276cc I believe and I'm pretty sure Kawasaki made it.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah I'm hoping for the same! We will see, these thing seem to be fairly reliable. This and the new Kodiak 450 I got replace a 1998 Kawasaki Prairie 400 4x4 that was in our families since new. Great machines, those prairies.

[@jeremiahthomas1385]

It's got a pull state too I like it

[@brendanfitzgeraldd]

To the point, no babbling and bullshit with 5 minute intro video lol I like your stuff

[@dave434]

I think it will work fine for me. Now if I just find one!

[@VladimirLyamzin]

Отличный обзор !

[@ThomperBeThompin]

спасибо!

[@raidroblox1494]

How much does it cost

[@juanslyfe6163]

Can this quad fit behind my Ford F-150?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

It could tow your f150!! But seriously, yeah it will fit. It'll fit in probably any pickup bed.

[@trd_blacktaco]

What would you pick if you could only have one: Kodiak 450 or Brute Force 300

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah, the Kodiak for sure. That said, if your budget is only 4k, you cannot go wrong with this little brute force 300. I just did 150+ miles on it at Hatfield McCoy (video will be out today) and it rocked. But, it's less capable than the 450.

[@johncantone40]

I'm thinking about buying one

[@dannyboiii9038]

me to

[@dannyboiii9038]

ps i bought one i love it

[@JerseyFrank007]

@@dannyboiii9038 .. I bought 2 for the kids....LOVE'EM

[@SK-cj6it]

Just bought a 2022 for my granddaughter. I'm reading the owners manual and the break in hours. Would you say that it is pretty imperative to follow them Closely? She is itching to ride this quad wide open!!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I took the time to follow the break-in procedure exactly as the manual advised to. That said, I bet you could easily cut that break in procedure in half and be totally fine. Check the valves a couple times in the first 50 hours and you're probably all set, let her rip!

[@SK-cj6it]

@@ThomperBeThompin Thanks! I want her to get our money's worth out of it so I will try and stay within the given parameters. That is a lot of hours to log going slow for a 13 year old kid.

[@alittlebitofeverything5090]

I just looked at one today. Nice machine for the money. The rear differential has a lever on it, but I do not know what it does. Do you?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

No levers on the rear diff that I'm aware of. Perhaps it was the diff breather mechanism you saw? Normally they run a small diameter hose from the rear diff up the frame to somewhere high to allow the differential to breathe if it is submerged in water. This prevents water getting sucked inside. These use a tiny little stubby but expandable rubber chamber instead of a long hose. I've seen them on other ATVs by other manufacturers.

[@alittlebitofeverything5090]

@@ThomperBeThompin Thanks for the quick reply.

[@joshuagraham6644]

They were designed by kymco. The kymco 300mxu is basically identical

[@toby621]

yep and cheaper with 3 years waranty not 1

[@crabjoe]

What's about the shortest person that can ride this? I'm looking or a quad for my preteen son.. The 90's are just to small and I'm worried this 300 might be too large. I might have to go into a Chinese 150, which I really don't want to do.

[@bullets4brekfst884]

I think the honda recon 250's are a bit smaller than this plus you get that honda reliability. When I was his age I was definitely riding larger machines than I probably should have but my dad always stressed riding within my limits and eventually I was riding 250 and 450 motocross bikes when I was 14,15. To this day everytime I throw a leg over a motorcycle I can hear my dad's voice saying "brains and balance".

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I would still consider this machine. My wife is 5'4'' and has no trouble riding it. Plus, your son could grow into both the size and power of this thing. That said, the Honda Recon (250 cc) is another great option to explore.

[@JerseyFrank007]

This is a solid option...he'll not out grow it for years and years.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

The tires GripperBeGrippin

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I officially nominate this for KZbin comment of the year!

[@isaacc9908]

Just so I can have a size comparison. What's your height? 2:20 he says he's 6ft

[@jamesstillgames]

isaac c the. delete the comment if your question is answered.

[@juanslyfe6163]

Hey man can you fit 2 adults on this quad? Can I get reply

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yes you can, but it's a slight tight fit. it will all around two adults no problem, but if you get up to any hills definitely use low gear, cuz you will fry the belt

[@R.N.GPerformance]

Hauls me n my wife great.

[@drumrooster]

If you had to pick Recon or Brute Force? ??

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Brute force. The recon is fantastic, but way too small for me.

[@drumrooster]

@@ThomperBeThompin as far as performance?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@drumrooster I think performance is going to end up being pretty similar. The recons are a tried and true torquey little group of machines. Ergonomically though, I couldn't ever ride one for a very long period of time such as down at Hatfield McCoy trails. If you're trying to throw a rooster tales and lift the nose up with the throttle then neither of these machines are going to work.

[@royaltonstar404]

Nothing said about 4x4 or 2x4?

[@ledivinrs]

Look in the bio, 2x4 :)

[@JerseyFrank007]

Still own this unit? If so...can you go into more detail regarding skid plates? Thanks.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yes I do. I'll try to make a quick video all about the ricochet off-road skid plates. Bottom line up front, I highly recommend them even though they're expensive.

[@JerseyFrank007]

@@ThomperBeThompin.. understood. Just purchased 2 of these bikes for my twin girls. I haven't picked them up so I have no idea what the stock skids look like. Your videos helped tremendously in the buying process. Appreciate the content.

[@JackBannister2008]

7:23 trying to do a wheelie

[@zowiewowie4458]

can you seat a passenger on the relatively comfortably?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

So obviously it's not a two-up machine, but yes you can easily fit a rear passenger on there comfortably. Additionally the rear rack is placed where you can hang on to it as hand grips.

[@zowiewowie4458]

@@ThomperBeThompin awesome thanks for letting me know

[@markojagar6658]

You need to do a speed test !! I wanna know the top speed on this thing loking to buy one!!! Nice rewiew you need to do more rewievs 👌

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you man, and I will do more tests. For the record, I've had this thing over 45 miles per hour many, many times. It has a claimed top speed of 52 mph which I have no doubt it will achieve with a full size adult. More reviews to come for sure.

[@markojagar6658]

@@ThomperBeThompin cann you drive it on the streata cann you buy a registration to drive normaly lika a car ?

[@boostedgoldrush1196]

It tops out at 80 kilometers per hour

[@bradenperdue2961]

50mph at the rev limiter

[@DennisH22A]

Limited to 52mph. I weigh 220. Gets there fine unless you are at elevation.

[@valleymoto10]

Can I carry another person on it or will the quad explode

[@ThomperBeThompin]

you both with explode, with joy and happiness

[@jeremymarvel2051]

Link for the hitch reciver?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

This is the one I got, "Curt 45006 Bolt-on 2-in ATV/UTV Hitch Receiver Adapter": www.amazon.com/Curt-45006-Bolt-Tongue-Adapter/dp/B004QEJ624/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=curt+trailer+hitch+receiver+atv&qid=1606571898&sr=8-5

[@ashlieh]

Just got one and I hate how the engine sounds as if it needs a gear shift. I grew up on standard. So this engine gets hot fast!! Why?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Surprisingly, this engines water cooler fan kicks on way, way less than my Yamaha Kodiak 450s does. The Yamaha fan kicks on almost every ride even in the winter time. And it's a 2020. It makes me wonder if there are slight variations in the sensors for each one of these machines. That's the only thing I can think of that could explain the slight differences

[@briancaldwell1798]

I'll stay with the honda recon. That thing sounds like an riding lawn mower coming through the woods! I like seeing wildlife before they run 10 miles away from screamer!!!

[@russia2670]

Is it a 4 wheel drive?

[@getmoney112]

2wd

[@joeygsta]

What’s the top speed on it mate?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Tough to say really. Reported top speed is about 52 mph. That said, I haven't had the terrain to fully test that. I can easily get it up to 40-45 mph, then I run out of road. One of these days I'll do a proper top speed test. I think the way they setup the gearing really takes full advantage of the admittedly smaller powerplant. Decent power down low, then it tapers off a bit as you get moving, but still impressive.

[@unlockwall]

What kind of mileage are you getting per tank ?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Haven't quite figured that out yet. It seems to be right on par with the Kodiak 450 which has an extra .5 gallon tank. Going on a longer trip soon - I'll comment after that, but so far pretty respectable.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Just got back from Hatfield McCoy trails and though I did not calculate actual miles per gallon, I found out that this unit is very fuel efficient. It can go farther on a single tank (3.2 gallons) than my 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 450 can (3.7 gal). I have a feeling it could easily do 75+ miles on a single tank assuming you're not mudding or in the sand.

[@unlockwall]

@@ThomperBeThompin 235km till it runs dry.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@unlockwall Holy Schnikes!! that's great fuel economy. I wouldn't be surprised to get that, in the right conditions.

[@unlockwall]

@@ThomperBeThompin this is riding in all conditions top speed roads and slow trails and mudding.

[@juanslyfe6163]

Can you perfectly fit 2 adults on this atv?

[@RustyVigero2005]

You can fit 3... 2 on the racks, and you on the seat.

[@juanslyfe6163]

Noah Morphew thank you for replying man I’m getting one next month!

[@Anonymouso283]

Hey Juan! Did you get your Brute yet? If so, how is it?

[@juanslyfe6163]

Greekgodx I actually didn’t man I went with a Honda Recon Es! The day I went to the dealer ship they didn’t have any brute forces. They told me the next time they would have a brute force it would be in 5 months and I couldn’t wait that long. The recon is a great and powerful machine!

[@Anonymouso283]

@Juan’s Lyfe Great purchase man! I bought my son a Recon (footshift) around January! You will love it. It’s a solid machine. Great work, great fun, nimble, small, etc.

[@coltwinchester6124]

A friend won a 2023 Kawasaki 300 Brute Force. She has no use for it, so she is selling it for $4,500. It's in San Antonio Texas.

[@michaelrichards8014]

I have one of these Kawasaki Brute Force 300 and I love mine in low hear I pushed a full size extended cab Silverado with mine in low heat of coarse

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah, the more I ride mine the more I'm impressed with it. It's quickly becoming my favorite machine to mess around on.

[@spyder000069]

Since this isn't a full bred kawasaki at this price range seems like the cfmoto 400 may be a better choice.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That is certainly a good comparison price wise. Those CF motos are gaining in popularity.

[@R.N.GPerformance]

it most def is a better choice i actually went to my dealer to get one and they were 2 weeks behind so i grabbed this kawasaki and no complaints here. i also own 2 Zforce machines check out my channel to see those. im a huge CFMOTO Fan

[@PownadoChaser]

No fucking way a CFMOTO is a better choice.

[@leoamzul2621]

can you attach a plow to it

[@ThomperBeThompin]

sorry for the late reply, but yes - you can attach a plow. I've seen pictures and other videos that demonstrate this, but I'm not sure how easy it is. This 300 has a mounting plate ready to go for a winch.

[@markojagar6658]

Is the engine good ?? Any one knowes?

[@TH33.]

Marko Jagar ya

[@lawrencegraham0]

They are pretty reliable little motors

[@carsonjohnson1845]

It’s easier to say them then write them

[@anthonysuarez3511]

I have a 21 brute force 300 and in low gear I’ve got it to 20 and that wasn’t full throttle

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Maybe I just didn't give it enough beans

[@fordhilly2116]

I got a 2023 got 40 miles already in the shop

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Dang that sucks. I had over 700 miles on this one when I sold it and she was running perfectly still. Hopefully it's an easy fix.

[@fordhilly2116]

Runs perfectly fine when it's cool once it gets to operating temperature like something's holding it back

[@jaywinters2483]

It’s a KYMCO engine- keep it!

[@losteden]

no 4wd?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

No, not on this one. Not an option either, but you'd be surprised what it can get through.

[@rix_5615]

U from Nova Scotia

[@koltongrandy6236]

Sounds like u have her in low

[@toby621]

i just brought 2021 model and it is a bitch to start when cold and its still warm here in australia have to play around with choke to get it to cold start when worm starts fine anyone else had this problem when new let me know 👍

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That's a bummer man, I actually had the opposite experience. Mine started surprisingly well in very cold temperatures with only the slightest bit of choke. I'm talking about 15 to 20° f. Hopefully it's something simple for you like a choke adjustment!

[@toby621]

@@ThomperBeThompin yes hope so it going back to the shop and it staying there until they get it to start easy or they can refund it a new bike should start good thanks for your reply 👍

[@markdebassige9485]

I'd buy this if kawi made the motor and it was 4or with low gear.

[@tylers.3218]

well it still has a low gear but it’s 2wd

[@tedsamuels3203]

I want my 4 wheeler geared low . Cause, there ain't no kiddy trails where I go ? Matter of fact, there ain't no trails ? And 🙃 if you try going over 30 mph ..See ya at the emergency room or they'll be sending you flowers 💐 somewhere else ? I don't want a 4 wheeler for the race track . That's why I like the Brute Force 300 small enough to get in between the trees 🌳 and geared low enough to crawl up and down those steep hills. Some of these 4 wheelers are as big as a side by side 😳 🤔 Why didn't ya , just buy a utv ? No , I like a small 4 wheeler geared low with lots of power 💪 something that will crawl up the steepest hills and geared low enough to take me slower back down ? Like I said there's no trails where I go .So , you gotta be ready for the unexpected things in front of you ? So , remember that if you're super 4 wheeler expert 🤔 I'm always riding at night with a dog box on the back with couple hounds in it and that's why I chose the Brute Force 300 to get me back from point A to point B safely ?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Um, thanks?

[@jaywinters2483]

Thanks for making a good video & not trying to be a Stephen Spielberg by ruining it with music. (Otherwise I wouldn’t watch)