The Miles and Meadows riding area would serve
as our test bed for this model as we headed
out for a lengthy trail ride. The first thing
we noticed was how comfortable the seat was
and how well a varying size of rider actually
fit the machine. Entry level should mean cramped
and this model excels at comfort for its class.
Tackling the trail system was a breeze as we
continued on at speeds that went from a slow
crawl to wide open over terrain that offered
smooth trail to rock infested sections. The
suspension and power are well matched and provided
a very fun ride for even our experienced rider.
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Mines
and Meadows riding area features a unique
riding experience with guided tours inside
an old coal mine, which we had the opportunity
to explore on our test ride |
Water and mud protection were excellent and
when over an inch of rain fell the night before
our ride, testing its capabilities would be
an easy task. Our rider continually put the
Kawasaki Brute Force 300 in every water hole
he could find and mud sections were easily handled
within reason, it is easy to forget you aren't
on a 4x4!
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The
Kawasaki Brute Force 300 fender design
provided excellent mud & water protection |
Rider protection was excellent as the built
in fender splash guards kept the muck off our
rider and the built in floorboards handled the
rest. The fenders do a great job as well and
their styling really make this model stand out
amongst others in the class.
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The
Brute Force 300 surprisingly offers plenty
of power for 300 class utility ATV |
The mating of the lower profile rear tires offered
the ability to slide through a corner while maintaining
control and a big smile. Those just getting into
the sport or want a dual purpose ATV should have
no problem putting in hours of work or pleasure
aboard the new 300. The thumb throttle is very
easy on the rider and all controls easily reached
which is paramount to a new rider. Seat to peg
height works well and the machine responds instantly
to rider input.
Power overall was found to be good, and you
could tell the power delivery was slated towards
the bottom and mid range. We tackled some hill
climbs that tested its ability and it did well
albeit a bit lacking on the steepest of accents
that in all honesty an entry level rider shouldn't
even attempt. Again, its hard to keep in mind
you are on a small bore machine as it rides
like a mid size model.
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The
Brute Force 300 disc brakes provided excellent
stopping power |
The brakes as stated are an extreme positive and
they preformed flawlessly, even on very steep
down hill sections. Ground clearance is acceptable
as well and its needed as rocks the size of bowling
balls can really do a number on your riding pleasure.
Being narrower then the larger machines had us
zipping in and around obstacles in a flash as
the Brute Force 300 feels very nimble.
Overall, we felt 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force
300 is an excellent addition to the Brute Force
lineup with a price tag that is very affordable.
It should fit in quite well out on the trail
or around the farm at a price that is competitive
while offering features of a much larger and
more expensive utility ATV model.
