Kawasaki Brute Force 300 Review

July 2nd Update: Took the Brute trail riding. It easily kept up with my buddies Polaris 500, it jumped well and went through about any terrain I pointed it at. Super fun and super capable on the most challenging trails.
2021 Brute Force 300 Review, (same from 2011 to 2024). Did I miss anything or get anything wrong? Let me know with a comment. Don't forget to Subscribe! Also leave your comments on what you liked, did not like, would like to see in the future. I read all the comments and will do my best to reply to any questions. WARNING- I reply to all comments in a similar fashion to the tone contained in the comment.

[@CKDMJ]

I just traded the Brute Force 300 for a Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS. This machine was great in the two years I owned it, went places I never thought it would, always started and no issues aside from basic maintenance. If your thinking about this quad you will not be disappointed and it will do whatever you need it to do. My family will be missing the Brute and we may buy another in the future for my wife.

[@rzl07375]

I have one and love it. I have a couple much bigger machines with 4x4 but this machine is so much fun. I think it's the solid rear end and the lighter weight make it more playful. I take the 300 on trail rides quite a bit unless I need 4x4 option. With a few more HP this thing would be killer for what it is. I think Im gonna try and squeeze a few more ponies out of this lil 300.

[@CKDMJ]

Will likely get another one for my wife eventualy!

[@mikelegend5776]

This review was perfect. Ive been torn over if I want this particular atv and your review was perfect. Thank you

[@CKDMJ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevenbp101]

Had to come back and watch again. Good review thanks. I think you’ve sold me. Thanks it looks great. The size is perfect to go in my camper cargo trailer.

[@CKDMJ]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@TheReviewPigeon]

my wife was looking at this model; fits her perfect as well. looks like it'd be perfect for some woods trail riding that isn't requiring you to go up massive hills

[@CKDMJ]

It will do hills as good as anything 2WD can, carries my big butt up them anyway.

[@jayden92312]

Thanksfpr posting this video i just bought mine right now i just got out the dealership sad part didnt bring it home the mechanic was gone so they could do the safety inspection on the atv and oilchange and all the good stuff picking it up tomarrow cant wait to ride it thanks for the info it was realky helpfull

[@CKDMJ]

You are most welcome and hope you enjoy your new toy! :)

[@chrisclay2422]

Cool. Do you have any advice for the capabilities of low gear towing? What can you get away with without damaging the transmission? Thanks

[@stevenbp101]

Nice review, thanks. Enjoyed it.

[@CKDMJ]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aviatuber1308]

Great review mate. Cheers!

[@CKDMJ]

Much appreciated!

[@cflip7452]

This is a great well built atv! We have the exact model and surprised me how well built it is. Your spot on on the heat from exhaust! Wear shorts at your own risk lol

[@CKDMJ]

My little one clued me on the heat, it melted his shoe! lol

[@michaelbrewster8689]

Just bought me one last week for a first time 4 wheeler rider I love it. I get up to 55 on the road easy to turn i love it. Seat is extra comfortable hardly feel bumps great bike

[@CKDMJ]

That is awesome!

[@chrisclay2422]

Do you have any recommendations for dues and don’ts on this in terms of went to ride it in low versus hi. I know they say in the 20 hour break in. You should go pretty easy on it. And what are your thoughts on calling small implements? Thanks

[@CKDMJ]

Low is for working/pulling or occasionally pulling up a step or tricky incline from a stop. For 85% of all your riding you will be in high. As far as do and donts just keep it maintained and if you do dumb stuff like I do sometimes, don't let your radiator fins get clogged up with mud! lol Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@qlappz]

Looking at buying the same model. Thanks for the review.

[@CKDMJ]

No problem 👍

[@CrayCrayM0nk]

I loved this and great to know since I’m new to this but wished you could have explained the clutch more

[@CKDMJ]

There is no clutch! lol It has a CVT, so no clutch or shifting.

[@ilovesunoco]

Great review, thanks!

[@CKDMJ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@frankberkbigler8425]

Perfect review. Thanks.

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for watching!

[@ckdmj1]

Fun stuff!

[@chrisreibold1634]

Override for reverse is for more wheel speed when needed, such as mud etc.

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for the feedback and watching! You're awesome. :)

[@quinnturla375]

Perfect review

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks!

[@ralph324]

The rack ratings you've mentioned are accurate per Kawasaki... however, I weigh about 130-135 lbs and have stood on the front and rear racks without issue. They're heavy duty steel racks, mounted directly to the frame with steel bolts. I would guess the ratings may be more related to preventing top loading / a top heavy situation that makes the ATV ride more unstable or prone to tipping.

[@CKDMJ]

Your right, they are strong and suspension load or balance tip might be the reason for the rating. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@hectorjorge7610]

Es muy bueno,tengo uno y lo disfruto en la playa de Pinamar,Argentina

[@hal511bm]

Thank you for the excellent video and very good information .

[@CKDMJ]

Glad it was helpful! Feel free to check out some of my other videos but be warned they are not all as helpful or good! lol

[@gmodesike]

Perfect video. Thank you

[@CKDMJ]

You're welcome!

[@bucknakedbullfrog]

Excellent review.

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for watching

[@THACOLLECTA]

thorough video

[@CKDMJ]

Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed.

[@dampafextractionsofficial]

Man, this is the exact same as my 2016. I love it. But I'm ready for a 750 4x4. Great bike overall.

[@CKDMJ]

Would not mind the 750 but cannot afford that investment!

[@dampafextractionsofficial]

@@CKDMJ same

[@benenov]

I bought one of these this past winter. Any time I put it through a bit of water (nothing higher than the floorboars), it will randomly die about 15-20 minutes afterward and will continue to do so every 5-10 minutes. I've tried greasing the spark plug boot with dielectric grease, but I think I'm gonna have to take it and get it checked. This has been happening since I bought it.

[@CKDMJ]

Dang, that sucks! Most likely it is getting water in the fuel or water is shorting out a connector that is improperly sealed. Best of luck getting it sorted.

[@safarijonas3490]

The stator shouldn't get wet.

[@CKDMJ]

The stator should not get wet as the case is sealed with the exception of the CVT box. Even the pull start had an oring to keep water out.

[@ellathompson6308]

ty for this im getting one

[@CKDMJ]

My plesure! :)

[@frankmclaughlinsubscribe]

Thanks for the down to earth review, I have really enjoyed mine

[@CKDMJ]

Our pleasure!

[@wperkins225]

It rocks!! It's also a Tracker 300 and an Artic cat 300 made by Kymco!

[@CKDMJ]

Yes, engine is actually cast with a Kymco logo on it lol. Best looking version of it but the Tracker has a better park brake. Loved this quad though, would go almost anywhere.

[@wperkins225]

@@CKDMJ I almost went with the Brute but went with the kingquad 400 4x4 sitting right next to it. Another very underestimated quad!

[@CKDMJ]

I went to buy a King Quad 750 and ended up with a Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS.

[@wperkins225]

@@CKDMJ The Suzuki may not be as sporty as the others, but it definitely brings something to the table!

[@lukedrake9595]

Just picked the same one up. I love it. It’s only a 300 but it does everything I need it to.

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for watching and the comment! We just got ours too. I remember when I was a kid a 300 was HUGE! I agree, I mainly work mine and it does everything I ask without issue.

[@chrisclay2422]

Any thoughts or advice on low gear in terms of towing capacity, what you can get away with, maybe a small trailer or a disc for making a food plot? Thanks

[@CKDMJ]

I usually work mine with a Gorilla tailer/wagon but I have hooked my 4 by 8 trailer to it as well and filled it with downed tree wood. It is speced at 500 pounds towing but in a pinch it can do more just would not push it passed that too often as you can tell it struggles with a big trailer load. I alway use low gear and low speeds when carrying heavy loads. Low tops out at about 10 MPH without getting the revs up to high.

[@yardley1740]

Anyone know why the lights won't turn on? I move the switch and nothing so I'm not sure if I have to press another button or if the wires aren't connected to the switch

[@CKDMJ]

The switch has to be in the light position and the engine running or they will not come on. If they still do not come on then there is a problem.

[@mikeyspeeds1056]

I had this on my list until I seen a KZbinr using his in water then up hills. The belt started to slip so bad it would not go up the hill at all. The other on my list was a Honda Recon which is what I have owned for a few years now with no belt.

[@retr0rider458]

Me to. What do you think? This or a recon 250?

[@CKDMJ]

I drove mine through a stream and soaked the belt. I could have drained the water out and allowed the internal fan to blow it out, but I did not know that at the time. It still pulled well but I could not go over 20 MPH until it dried out.

[@CKDMJ]

Cannot lose with a a Honda! I have heard they have shifting issues but I do not own one so I cannot say. Price is about equal. Did notice there is not winch spot on the Honda where the Brute has a spot to mount one pretty easily. Gave to also factor in that ATV's are hard to get right now (at least in the US), so you may have trouble finding what your looking for if you are too picky.

[@natedagreat6704]

Man I’ve got one of these and if it was 4 wheel drive it would be so much better

[@CKDMJ]

True but it would also be much more expensive and possibly underpowered if it were 4WD. I am sure there are many similar that are 4WD though, but again, gotta pay out for that.

[@popspickup5480]

I bought a 2021 brute force 300 a few months back and it does all I need it to do, I looked at the bigger 4x4’s before I bought the 300 but I didn’t need 4 wheel drive that often and really didn’t need that much power , So I couldn’t justify paying a lot more for something I would seldom need, I’m 63 , disabled and fighting cancer and the brute force 300 does everything I need it to , before I got sick I was all about big and powerful but my big ass Harley days are long gone, enjoy life while you can because it sucks to get old and sick, F&”k You Cancer

[@natedagreat6704]

@@popspickup5480 yeah I mean personally where I live I need 4x4 as I live in Colorado and the terrain get rough over here

[@CKDMJ]

Other that knee deep mud I have found little terraign I could not get through with this little quad. For those rare times I have a winch on the front to snatch myself out of a jam.

[@dj-ul5sw]

I wrapped my pipe worked perfect don't even feel anymore

[@CKDMJ]

Great idea! Thanks you for sharing.

[@grandcrappy]

Do a riding video. Happy trails!

[@CKDMJ]

I will soon

[@CKDMJ]

Planning on doing one as soon as summer comes and I do not have to be at work during the day.

[@briangarrow4271]

thank you this helped looking into buying a quad is it reliable?

[@CKDMJ]

Yes it is!

[@briangarrow4271]

@@CKDMJ good good thank u!

[@grandpa7278]

I'm looking for a utility quad, have a 660 Raptor, something for the family to ride. Found a Suzuki King Quad used, 450hrs, they're asking $4500. ...but if I can get New? Only concern, those belt drives!

[@CKDMJ]

Drive belts seem fine, two years in and no issues. Polaris uses the CVT system too and they seem bulletproof for the most part. The belt is pretty easy to access also, so if there was ever an issue or it just wore out, you could get to it easily. Thanks for watching.

[@porksnipes2646]

The override on that brute is mainly incase you get stuck in some mud and need to reverse more aggressively.

[@CKDMJ]

I kinda get it now but when I was new to automatic ATV's it was lost on me! :) Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@CKDMJ]

For the couple of folks who gave the thumbs down, please comment and let me know what it was that put you off. Probly would not change anything but just curious if you noticed something ugly or incorrect or if you were just being a butt?

[@stogie0608]

this was a good review. You’ll always have people thumb videos down for no apparent reason. maybe some thumbs down so similar vids don’t appear on their recommendation. Ima watch your channel see if you have this thing in action, aside from reviews like this I like watching it in action . Helps me determine wether to get this or something else. Thanks for the review.

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for stopping by as well as the comment!

[@KevinsCoffee]

just got a new brute force 300 but it cant make it past 15mph, any idea on if there is a limiter or govenor?

[@CKDMJ]

Odd? Are you perhaps in low gear? That is about the top speed in low gear. No limiters that I am aware of. I have not gotten as fast as some others but it hits 40 MPH without much issue.

[@applenuggets662]

I always owned Chinese atvs, we decided to buy this atv, I’m just finally glad to have a “real atv”, finally glad to have something reliable, the only thing I don’t like abt it is that it’s not 4WD, but hey I’m not complaining

[@CKDMJ]

Been a good quad so far and did not break the bank!

[@efrainortiz6192]

,my wife has 2021 and she love it

[@CKDMJ]

Was a good little quad!

[@footballpro5256]

What do you think the max incline this machine could climb?

[@CKDMJ]

Not sure and have no way to measure but I have taken this thing places I was sure it could not go including mud, rocks and steep hills and it likes to go. It is not a $10K 4X4 quad but it gets the job done well all the same.

[@torredchc1768]

The brute force 300 is a capable atv for the price.

[@CKDMJ]

Indeed, goes almost anywhere!

[@nielmclaughlin9135]

Cool

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for watching

[@jeffbaker1891]

Just bought a 2024 model here in Canada

[@CKDMJ]

Sweet! Let me know what your thoughts are, I loved mine. Will likely be buying another for my wife eventually.

[@jeffbaker1891]

​@@CKDMJ225 klm on it. Really like it so far.

[@robertlopez3249]

What are those rubber covers on the middle of the tire don't no what they're called I lost one today on my brute Force

[@CKDMJ]

The things that cover the hub ends? I am not sure what they are called but I am pretty sure they are not important, most likely there for assembly purposes.

[@rhettalbert]

You can change the clock to reguler time its on the owners manler i leve it bc i cant figure it out but can you so you can show us

[@CKDMJ]

I get it back from the shop next week, will have to look into that.

[@FivexxXxx5]

Does anyone happen to know the tow ball hitch size for the 300?

[@CKDMJ]

I am using the same one as my truck, standard 2" ball.

[@FivexxXxx5]

@@CKDMJ Thanks

[@franknapolitano9144]

Have you had any issues with the drive-Clutch Belt ?

[@CKDMJ]

Kinda, I had a seal that was installed wrong at the factory, it leaked oil onto the CVT belt causing slippage. Kawasaki fixed it up and I have had no troubles since and that was a year ago.

[@williamhicks9905]

i have had mine over 50mph .it dont have the pulling power it should have and some complain about turning radiusmine is exactly like yours and same color i gave $4800 5 years ago

[@CKDMJ]

I really had no complaints with mine, it was a good quad for what it was. I would also go almost anywhere my buddies four wheel drives would go.

[@andrius2274]

Is it same as tracker 300 i keep seeying at bass pro shops ? Really wanting to buy an ATV here pretty soon. Tracker caught my eye.

[@CKDMJ]

They are both made by Kymco but each brand changes a few details of them. Essentially though it is the same quad but I am unsure who does repairs and warranty work on the Tracker brand. .

[@pmp2559]

@@CKDMJ are they all the same price?

[@CKDMJ]

@@pmp2559 No idea? Would have to go to some dealers and price them all out to see what the actual prices are.

[@williamthompson969]

I bought the kawasaki brand. The tracker was 600 more basically for the same quad

[@CKDMJ]

600 more for a lesser brand? That is crazy, I know they are almost the same but Kawasaki vs Tracker = Kawasaki all day long! Kwasaki stands behind their quads really well and there are dealers everywhere also, so good choice.

[@quinnturla375]

👍

[@toby621]

does yours vibrate bad at low speed mine has only done 50km since new it vibrates real bad from about 10kmh up to about 35kmh it realy gives me the shits to the point that i might sell it would like any feed back from anyone thanks

[@CKDMJ]

I do not have that problem at all but I did have something break in the transmission. Kawasaki and the dealer are taking care of it under warranty but ATV parts are really hard to get these days so its been down for a few weeks. Darn supply chain!

[@toby621]

@@CKDMJ ok thanks 👍

[@TheCallfam3]

You still like your brute force 300? Thinking about stepping up for my son.

[@CKDMJ]

Still love it!

[@TheCallfam3]

@@CKDMJ any problems when you are in water?

[@TheCallfam3]

I’m either going to step up to that or a Honda recon. For my son.

[@CKDMJ]

@@TheCallfam3 Well I submerged it crossing a three two to three foot deep stream. The belt got wet and it was slipping at higher speed. After it dried out it was fine.

[@sprc3352]

Isn't this quad the same as the Kymco MXU ? The engine built by Kymco , which has a great reputation as far as build quality ?

[@CKDMJ]

Yep, same as the Tracker from Bass Pro\Cabela's too. The only difference is the body and trim between the manufactures. I think Kawasaki did the best with final as it has nice racks, a cup holder and great inner fender design but those are all just details.

[@SR-sg7qk]

What is the difference of the 2021 vs 2022

[@CKDMJ]

Not sure, maybe nothing? Can only speak on the one I have sorry.

[@andrus2744]

I think nothing too. Still 2012...

[@stephengalvan7722]

The power point is for your winch

[@CKDMJ]

Winches need more amperage than a power point can deliver. I installed a winch directly on the battery and have my power point for charging a phone or running a tire inflator. Thanks for watching and commenting, you are awesome!!!

[@gunsandrotors8704]

Its a shame they didnt make it a 4x4 the size is great for tight woods.

[@CKDMJ]

I think 4x4 would have knocked it out of the price range it is in. I know I purchased this quad because I could afford it, likely could not if it was 4x4. Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@josegaucin6007]

How much did it end up being $$$$$$$ please ?

[@CKDMJ]

I do not recall the totals and financing numbers. Would also depend on factors specific to you and your area like interest rates, availability and dealer fees as all can vary. Call your local dealer to find pricing specifics in your area. $4,599 is the base price without any of the other fees though.

[@sendit1158]

Put a aluminum or carbon fiber exhaust cover on it,

[@CKDMJ]

That would be cool!

[@jacemcclendon2700]

Is this machine still going strong? Any issues with working it hard, pulling stuff/kids riding them, abusing them? lol

[@CKDMJ]

It had a seal go in the transmission, they said it was a defect in how the seal was manufactured or installed in production. The seal leaked fluid onto the CVT belt causing severe slippage. They fixed it but due to the supply chain issue it took almost six months at the dealer, parts were almost impossible to get. There were many other vehicles with the same parts issue from all the brands, a Honda motorcycle had been there almost a year waiting on one part! It's back now and better than ever though. I trail it, use it to work in the yard and my boy is usually on the back and it gets things done!

[@jacemcclendon2700]

@@CKDMJ awesome man thanks for the response. To add to this I am a 2002 Kawasaki bayou 220 owner. I’ve had this bike since I was a kid and it has been absolutely tortured but still cranks up with one pull just have to fill her up with oil every time because all the seals are leaking but it’s pretty much like a self oil changing engine lol it doesn’t bother me to be honest so the old Kawasakis are absolutely tanks I can personally attest to this. But I’m actually looking into Hondas lowest tier 4 wheeler and it actually has a foot shifter which I would want over the automatic transmission which comes with all the slip and ya know more problems as you’re aware of. Anyways thanks for the info glad you got your bike fixed thanks a lot

[@CKDMJ]

Now that that seal is replaced there is no slip, it's much faster and seems more solid than ever! Hope it continues for years to come. Thanks for watching and the comments.

[@dj-ul5sw]

If you get stuck you would need override button

[@CKDMJ]

I did occasionally find a use for it after I rode more.

[@primeselect5510]

What you pay out the door ?

[@CKDMJ]

Prices are listed online, dealer fees will vary so you will need to ask your local dealer. I am just a guy who purchased one, so I do not know all the finance, surcharge and add on info per dealer.

[@primeselect5510]

@@CKDMJ I got a price out the door I just to see if it’s near towards what you paid to have an idea if they overcharging

[@CKDMJ]

@@primeselect5510 With finance, assembly and do on, yes I am sure I was overcharged! I do not know the numbers off hand but it's a seller's market as ATV's are not east to find with supply chain issues. So if you feel taken advantage of, we can have that in common! :)

[@primeselect5510]

@@CKDMJ they wanted 7,300 out the door !! What you paid ?

[@CKDMJ]

I think it was 6 after finance after putting $1K down.

[@alexyoder4666]

What is the top speed

[@CKDMJ]

No idea? I use it for working and trail riding so top speed is not really important to me. Google can most likely answer that for you though. Thanks for watching.

[@williamthompson969]

25 in low range 48 in high

[@CKDMJ]

25 in low? Man, that is pushing those revs up, would not suggest those speeds in low. I have hit 50 MPH a couple of times on flat road but high 40's are more consistant .

[@Sk8buzz]

That’s an ugly quad , looks are important too.

[@CKDMJ]

Thanks for comeing by and dropping your nagativity on my video! Capabilitiy and price were my concerns, you are more than able to go buy whatever pretty quad you like.