Since the Brute Force 650 is essentially the same as the 02 and 03 Prairie 650, can anyone give me there opinion on the reliability? I've done some research and the Brute Force 650 looks like the best value around. I have some old dirtwheels and other magazines from 2002 and 2003 and the Prairee was winning the big bore shootouts against the Grizzly 660 and Sportsman 700.

The Brute Force has to be the best value considering the 2002 List Prices and 2005 List Prices

2002 Prairie 650 $6,999
2005 Brute Force 650 $6,599

2002 Grizzly 660 $6,999
2005 Grizzly 660 $7,199

2002 Sportsman 700 $7,399
2005 Sportsman 700 $7,299

The Prairie beat them in shootouts head to head when they were the same price and now the Brute Force 650 is hundreds less. Is this not the absolute best value in 4x4s? Plus you get the advantage of stylish new plastic, but existing technology so you don't have the first model year problems.

I haven't made the purchase yet, but I am 99% sure on the Brute Force 650. Anyone know what kind of price I should pay (excluding tax and registration, but including setup, prep, and any other paperwork fees)?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

Brute650,

I think you may be right one this one especially if you want a SRA machine. Another "Best Buy" machine is the Suzuki Vinson. Yes it's 150cc less than the BF but IMO it's better in just about every other area. It's also a couple a hundred cheaper and has a very very good engine too just not quite as much pep as the BF. IMO it also looks better. Let's not forget that it won every 500cc class shootout it's entered and if I say so myself did very well in the open class (700cc) shootout too.

I'm not knocking the BF by any means because it's a great quad. If you need/want the extra power then get the 650 but take a look/ride on the Vinson before you put down the money. Good luck and happy trails.

 

I picked up a new 2005 Brute Force 650 today. I didn't get a chance to ride it yet, but it looks great in the garage. Now I just need some free time to ride it. With 5% sales tax and $30 registration it came to just just over $6,000 out the door. I am convinced that this is the best value in big bore 4x4s.

It is cold riding in Wisconsin so I plan on getting a windshield. Anyone know of one that fits well? The dealer had some universal ones, but I would have to cut the plastic around the speedometer to make it work and there is no way I am cutting into my new machine.

 

Some of us have switched to using Motorcycle cruiser style windshields. They work great to block the wind in the face and because they dont go all the way to the ends of the handlebars they are 1) not getting whacked and cracked by branches in the cold and 2) they dont interfere with the front mounted cargo boxes. See the bottom right Pic on my picture page. This one was from Dennis Kirk and it was around $78 I believe. Universal type. Its our 2nd year with these and nobody has broken one - cant say that for the std ATV windshields we have used before -
And.... THese cruiser windshields are a hard plastic - much much much more durable to scratches.

 

I checked out the pic with the motorcycle cruiser windshield and it doesn't look too bad, but with the plastic around the bars on the Brute Force, it will be hard to find a universal one that fits. I think I need a winshield specifically for the Brute Force, unless I cut the plastic (which I don't want to do).

 

I see now what you are saying about that plastic on the handlebars. Not much thought was given to a windshield in the engineering of that feature.

Personally I dont care about cutting up plastic. Its only plastic and a replacement isn't to tough to get if you order it before its 2-3 years old. If done right - it can still look good - and now be functional. Most of whats cool on my quad was never designed for it - just welded or cut , bolted or screwed on and made to fit. Order the new plastic and give it a go.

 

Looks like I am not the only one who thinks the Brute Force 650 is the best value in ATVing. I just got the April issue of ATV Action magazine and they had a Best Under $7,000 4x4 Shootout and the Brute 650 won hands down.

Here is quote from the article:

"Getting as much performance as the Brute Force 650 offers for $6,499 (mis-quote list is $6,599) makes it one of the best deals in ATVing, but this machine offers more than tons of power and a budget price. It's refined, has a proven record for toughness, and it's a blast to ride. This isn't a utility machine that can do a little sport riding on - you can race this thing! When an ATV comes along that lets us save money and beat our buddies, we know we've got a winner"

What makes it even better is I paid only $5,700 plus tax and registration for mine!

 

I got my 2005 KQ 700EFI with a 2500lb Warn winch for 6696 OUT THE DOOR...

I thought that was an excellant price..

Best of luck and have alot of fun with your new BF.