2012 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750
4X4i EPS
Ultimate ATV Features Power Steering, a More Powerful V-twin and Alloy
Wheels
Flagship of the Kawasaki ATV line, the muscular Brute Force®
750 4x4i ATV received a comprehensive round of upgrades for the 2012 model
year. An Electric Power Steering (EPS)
system highlights the changes, but is joined by other significant new features
like a more-powerful V-twin engine, new double-wishbone front suspension, six-spoke
cast alloy wheels and new bodywork featuring wide-stance styling cues. Like
always, dual-range four-wheel drive and a highly maneuverable chassis provide
amazing traction, handling and utility.
Thanks to revised
tuning, a new cylinder head and increased compression ratio, the 2012 Brute
Force 750 4x4i’s upgraded four-stroke fuel injected 90-degree 749cc V-twin
engine offers more power than ever, with enhanced low-rpm performance. The twin
cylinders are fed via 36mm throttle bodies that are controlled by a 32-bit CPU.
The system monitors coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure,
throttle position, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle to deliver the optimum
fuel mixture. Instantaneous fuel delivery and crisp engine response help make
the eight-valve engine a hit with sport riders. Despite the big power from the
engine, a light feel at the throttle lever helps reduce rider fatigue. This is
achieved by using a low spring rate for the throttle return springs and ball
bearings in the throttle bodies.
A new larger
radiator is placed high in the chassis for optimum protection against mud and
debris, while a new larger radiator fan and larger-diameter cooling hoses and
pipes help maximize cooling performance. A self-repairing circuit breaker and
dedicated fuse for the new fan also help keep things cool when the going gets
tough.
The addition of
Kawasaki’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to the Brute Force 750 4x4i
results in enhanced handling and improved ride comfort. Turning the bars causes
a signal to be sent to the electronic power steering control unit, initiating
power assist. The control unit monitors inputs from the vehicle speed sensor
and steering shaft torque sensor to determine the amount of power assistance
required from the system’s electric motor. At slow speeds or when stopped,
assistance is greatest; assistance is reduced as vehicle speed increases to
help ensure predictable handling. The EPS assembly enhances ride quality and
control by also acting as a damping system, even when steering input is
neutral, the added inertia of the electric motor acts as a stabilizer.
Likewise, it significantly reduces bump steer and kickback to the handlebars
caused by wheel impacts. The entire steering assembly was repositioned, so the
bottom of the steering shaft no longer connects directly to the front
differential. Movement of the differential due to throttle inputs in 4x4 mode no
longer affect the steering assembly, this isolation provides significantly
smoother handling.
An upgraded fully
automatic, dual-range continuously variable transmission (CVT) is mated to the powerful
V-twin engine. A new high gear
ratio and a thicker belt made of stronger material contributes to longer CVT belt
life and reduced maintenance requirements. Revised converter weight and drive
spring tuning offers improved acceleration characteristics and increased
control during low-speed operation and a new layout and revised placement of
the CVT air duct is more effective at helping prevent the intrusion of water
and mud.
Two- or four-wheel
drive operation is selectable by simply pressing a button on the handlebar. In
four-wheel drive mode, the Brute Force ATV utilizes the limited-slip front
differential to help maintain steering response and ease steering effort at the
bars. The rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels with
Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control by using a small control lever
on the left handlebar. It’s a definite advantage when traversing deep mud,
slippery uphill trails or large logs or rocks.
The front drive shafts of the
750 4x4i feature Cardan joints. Similar to U-joints, Cardan joints help absorb
torque fluctuations to the drive shaft, and the lightweight design helps to
reduce vibration. The small and compact rear final gear case and sealed rear
braking system are extremely rugged and efficient.
New six-spoke cast aluminum
wheels replace the previous pressed steel units and make a significant styling
contribution, while offering a more premium image and enhanced credibility on
the trail. Mounted with aggressive tires, the premium wheels help give the Brute
Force its 9.4 inches of ground clearance and transfer the awesome power of the
V-twin engine to the ground.
Completely sealed, the rear
braking system’s components are protected from mud, dust and debris. Its
compact size also provides more ground clearance than a conventional rear disc
brake system. The sealed rear brake and dual front discs bring the Brute Force
750 4x4i to a quick halt. Enhancing the highly effective braking is the
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, which helps slow the ATV when going downhill.
The 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i features
a new stronger double-cradle tubular steel frame featuring reinforcements at
key areas like the front wishbone mounts, rear stabilizer mounts, engine
mounts, footrest mounts, etc., resulting in improved rough terrain handling and
enhanced durability. The frame’s improved ability to absorb shocks when sport
riding on rough terrain boosts ride comfort and makes it easier to maintain a
higher average speed in a wider range of conditions.
A new double-wishbone front suspension
layout features shock absorbers mounted at a more splayed angle between the
upper and lower wishbones to help minimize sag and allow a higher ground
clearance to be maintained once a rider sits on the ATV. The front suspension works
in concert with its independent A-arm rear suspension. The front wishbones
feature adjustable shocks with 6.7 inches of travel, while the IRS employs a
leading torsion bar and provides 7.5 inches of travel. A combination of needle
bearings and ball joints in the lower rear A-arms gives the IRS unrivaled
suspension action, stability and excellent rider comfort.
New single-rate springs replace
the dual rate units in the front and rear suspension. The use of single rate
springs is preferable due to the revised suspension geometry on the Brute Force
750 4x4i. Complementing the suspension, the urethane seat foam is supportive
yet comfortable for long hours in the saddle.
An upright and comfortable riding
position enhances the rider’s ability to interact with the Brute Force 750 4x4i
and allows the rider to effectively scan the horizon or check the easy to read
automotive-style instrument panel. Its front bumper is designed to offer
effective hand holds for manhandling the Brute Force when the need arises.
Behind the bumper is a new set of bodywork molded from tough and
scratch-resistant Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO). The hood, fenders, bumper and
headlight surrounds were all re-designed to offer a wide and rugged appearance.
Other new design touches include dual wide-set 35-watt headlights which help
provide excellent lighting for nighttime rides, and a new ultra-convenient
covered hood storage compartment large enough to hold two 16 oz. bottles. New
cargo racks featuring stronger tubing that is over 25% larger in diameter than
previous versions and the addition of tie-down hook points on the cargo racks
make it easier –and far more reliable– to secure a load. The cargo racks can
carry a combined total of 264 pounds, making them more than ready to
accommodate the rider’s supplies, tools and/or outdoor gear.
The Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS
is also available in an SE version, featuring a premium quality Metallic
Tungsten Gray automotive paint finish, unique graphics and a bright silver
machined finish on the face of its cast aluminum wheels.
Underneath this strong
bodywork is a factory-installed plastic conduit for easy winch installation. A
large five-gallon fuel tank is located beneath the seat to help keep the center
of gravity as low as possible. Helping to keep weight in check, aluminum
footpegs are surrounded by tough full-sized composite floorboards.
The capable Brute Force 750
4x4i can also tow a hefty 1,250 pounds — all it needs is a standard hitch ball.
Other features include the waterproof storage box in the left front fender and
a storage pocket in the right front fender. Owners can expand the versatility
of the Brute Force with a variety of Authentic Kawasaki Accessories available
through Kawasaki dealers.
As with all off-highway
vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly and to
respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki
ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety
Institute (ASI). Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
(KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and
recreation utility vehicles through a network of more
than 1,400 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers
specializing in Kawasaki power
products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly
3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times
roll.™”, is recognized worldwide.
The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with
powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki
’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found
on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
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