2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 300

An Economy-minded Sport Utility

October 10, 2011

They say good things come in small packages. And in the case of Kawasaki’s all-new Brute Force^® 300 sport utility ATV, that cliché rings true.

Replacing the venerable Bayou^® 250 in Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed ATV lineup, the Brute Force 300 offers wide-ranging utility and sporting capability in a surprisingly affordable package. Here’s an all-around ATV that’s not only loads of fun to ride, but also delivers a high degree of work ethic and everyday versatility, whether you’re fence-fixing on the farm, plowing snow or trail-hopping with the family.

The versatility begins with an advanced, liquid-cooled, 271cc SOHC, four-stroke engine designed to pump out gobs of low- and mid-range torque – the sort of power that’s easy to use and plenty satisfying. Just push the throttle lever and away you go; no muss, no fuss.

Power is routed to the rear wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with centrifugal clutch. The Brute Force 300 is the only machine in its class with this feature. Again, a push of the throttle lever is all it takes; once it’s in gear, no hassles. Transmission and CVT ratios are tailored for optimum power delivery in the speed ranges appropriate for a smaller-displacement ATV. These ratios also provide just the right amount of engine braking, which helps to tame tricky downhill trails and make slowing down an easier proposition.

Primary braking power comes from hydraulically activated triple disc brakes, one disc for each front wheel and a third fitted to the rear axle. All three 180mm discs are squeezed by single-piston calipers controlled by a pair of handlebar levers. Braking and acceleration traction is provided by grippy Maxxis tires jointly developed by Kawasaki and Maxxis for maximum traction, balanced handling and optimal wear characteristics.

Much of this balanced handling comes via the Brute Force 300’s double wishbone suspension setup with 5-way adjustable shocks up front and a similarly adjustable damper working through a swingarm in back. Optimized damping and spring rates result in a comfortable ride in a wide range of conditions, while one of the widest tracks in its class results in capable steering and confidence inspiring handling.

But what brings all this modern technology together is the Brute Force 300’s rugged, big-ATV styling, which was modeled after its larger Brute Force siblings. Whether you call it a family resemblance or sibling rivalry, the result is plenty impressive, with tall, beefy fenders that offer superb protection from mud and debris, and angular styling that looks both modern and aggressive.

Cockpit accommodations are generous and comfortable, with a wide handlebar for easy turning and enough room for larger riders. Grip weights help reduce engine vibration, while the half-waffle grips offer enhanced comfort even after hours in the saddle. And that saddle, by the way, sports super-thick cushioning – just the thing when you want to ride for a good long time.

The Brute Force 300 sports many other features, including a digital instrument pod showing all manner of useful information, a handy DC electrical socket, a gate-style shifter and a handy parking brake. There’s tons of overall carrying capacity, too, with dual rack carriers (44 pounds of capacity up front and 66 pounds in back) and a pair of handy compartments, one up front and another built into the right fender. Towing capacity is a surprisingly capable 500 pounds, and there’s even space and a mounting bracket behind the front grille for a Warn^® winch. An electric push-button starter with a backup recoil unit offers maximum starting convienience, while the footpeg/floorboard design does double duty, offering riders plenty of room for their feet and helping increase the 300’s mud resistance when the going gets sloppy. Finally, a 3.2-gallon fuel tank means this stellar combination of fun and utility will last a good long time between fill-ups.

All in all, you won’t find a better outfitted ATV in the entry-level class. It may not be an open-class ATV, but there’s plenty of guts and ability to tackle just about any task or riding situation. See? Good things do come in small packages.