The
2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS
Utility 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 800-887-288.
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