ATV Review – 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 300
Entry level gets more interesting with the all-new Baby Brute
By Nick Nelson
For 2012, Kawasaki replaces the seriously outdated Bayou 250 with the all-new Brute Force 300. The new Brute is designed to be an incredibly versatile machine, with utility and sporting capability that will make it as comfortable on the trail as it is on the farm. The 99 Brute Force 300 is only 0 more than the Bayou and is feature packed to the point of being on a completely different level.
This versatility begins with an all new, advanced, liquid-cooled 271cc SOHC four stroke engine coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission with a centrifugal clutch. The engine is designed to pump out plenty of low to mid range power, just where you need it, and the CVT puts it smoothly to the ground with just the push of the thumb throttle. No shifting, and no searching for power. Electric push button start is backed up by a very dependable, twist-lock sealed recoil starter in case the battery is ever run down. The CVT clutch is similar in design to the one found in Kawasaki’s flagship utility, the Brute Force 750 and it makes the Brute 300 the only machine in it’s class to feature a CVT.
Highly tuned transmission and belt converter ratios get the most out of the small displacement engine, while also helping to slow it down with just the right amount of engine braking for technical down hill descents. The little Brute also comes with an awesome, class leading hydraulic disc brake system. The triple disc brakes are activated by separate front and rear hand levers as well as a separate foot pedal for the rear. The disc brakes are a major upgrade as the long standing Bayou was still using outdated drum brakes at both ends.
In order to keep the wallet-friendly Brute as fun as it is functional, Kawasaki opted to go with a sport quad inspired double wishbone front suspension set up and swingarm in the rear. This sporty suspension with 5-way adjustable shocks can provide a controlled ride in a wide range of conditions. It is a huge improvement over the Bayou’s single a arm set up.
One of the coolest features of the Brute Force 300 is the little brother body styling. With tall beefy fenders, the 300 not only looks just like a ¾ scale version of it’s big brother, it also keeps the mud and debris out of the engine compartment and off the rider, just like a full size 4WD version. The Brute 300 is classed to replace the Bayou 250 but is sized similarly to the prairie 360 that is one class higher. While the 300 platform is quite a bit smaller than the 650 or 750, its ergonomics are layed out to comfortably fit a full size adult. Handlebar height/bend, and floorboard to seat height was carefully designed to provide a comfortable match with any rider in the 5 to 6 foot range.
The Brute Force 300 comes complete with many utility type features and accommodations that will make it a great choice for farmers, ranchers, and hunters. The mini-Brute comes with a digital instrument pod to monitor all sorts of useful information, as well as a very handy DC electrical socket. The 12V DC socket can become very handy when connected to a spot light while working at night or even as a charging point for a cell phone or GPS. The little 300 is truly capable of pulling its weight in the fields, with a 44 pound carrying capacity on the front racks and 66 pounds of capacity on the rear, as well as an included tow hitch with a capacity of 500 pounds.
The racks include plenty tie down pins to simplify tying down whatever cargo might be hauled on the Brute’s racks. Users will also appreciate the large water resistant front storage and the integrated drink holder on the front fender. Kawasaki even included space and a mount for a WARN winch behind the front grille, making it easier than ever for potential customers to accessorize their little Brute.
Specs
Engine: 271cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled single; SOHC, Bore x Stroke 72.7 x 65.2mm
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Carburetion: Keihn CVK32
Ignition: Direct Current CDI
Starting System: Electric
Transmission: CVT Two Speed Automatic w/reverse
Drive Train: 2WD shaft drive
Chassis
Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone; 5.2-in travel
Rear Suspension: Swingarm; 5.6-in travel
Front Brakes: Dual 148mm hydraulic disc
Rear Brakes: Single 148mm hydraulic disc
Front Tires: Maxxis 22 x 7-10
Rear Tires: Maxxis 22 x 10-10
Dimensions
Length/Width: 75.3 x 42.5
Seat Height: 33.3 in
Wheelbase: 45.8 in
Ground Clearance: 6.1 in
Fuel Capacity: 3.17 gal
Wet Weight 535.7 lb
Rack Capacity: 44 lb Fr./66 lb Rr.
Towing Capacity: 500 lb
Other
Instrumentation: Digital LCD multifunction display: speedometer, odometer, coolant temp and fuel gauge
Lighting: Dual 35W headlights & 21W/5W brake light
Color Choices: Aztec Red, Super Black
Contact:
Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA
www.kawasaki.com
We have lots more photos in the forums, so head over there and let us know what you think of Kawasaki’s “little” beast:
http://forums.atvconnection.com/kawasaki/340444-2012-brute-force-300-photos-review.html#post3069738
