I just puchased a Brute which happened to be the first one from my chosen dealership. When one looks into the front fenderwell area, it is a clear shot from the tire to the engine/exhaust pipe. I mean that there is nothing in this area on either side to prevent mud/debris from entering the engine area. There are some plastic tabs with 3 holes on each side in front of the floorboards that look as if something is supposed to attach here. Am I missing some inner fenderwell plastic or are all of the Brutes built this way?

 

When I was at the dealer I noticed that as well, so I guess that they are all like that. And I didnt think there was 2004 BF's (your sig).

 

It's my opinion that kawasaki rushed in making the brute force, I'm curious to see what changes they will make for next years model. The fan shroud for the radiator is absoulutely useless, I extended mine out to the bumper to help with splash protection. Don't get me wrong I think the machine is awsome, it's just missing little details here and there that could make it better

 

I saw those same tabs you are referring to and asked two different dealers the same
question, "Is there some type of optional splashguard you can add?". Both said no.

 

I am not sure why those tabs are there, but I will be using them to make my own splash guards to protect the engine and radiator.

 

Any concerns about overheating issues? The general consensus seems to be that the
splashguards were left off to prevent overheating. I'd be interested to see whether
fabricating something to fit under the front would affect heat escape. Let us know how
it comes out.

 

Hey BF owners,

I have had my BF for a couple weeks now, and love it of course. Got a few questions though. Have you experienced any engine sputtering(choked up sounding) when cruisin around 10-12 mph. It seems like mine does not like to run at this particular speed. Any slower or faster it runs great? Also, mine seems a bit cold blooded like it takes a while to warm up? Anybody had a chance to check out the range of the gas tank with normal trail riding? I am going up riding in the woods of wisconsin this weekend and just curious. Other than this, i think the power is very strong, especially the midrange. Don't have 10 hrs on it yet, so I have not been much over 30mph. The ride/handling is fine for me.

Thanks for your help,

Brandon

 

There have been many threads concerning this at Highlifter in the Kawi forum. You may want
to stop by and read through them.

 

Mine does this too, I think it is because it is still running to lean, mine would sometimes backfire also then I richened it up a little with the air fuel mixture screw and it helped, I didn't go quite far enough though. Mine sucked a lot of gas when it was new, but now with over 40 hours and 350 miles fuel milage is much better.

 

In reply to milage question. In my riding conditions (alot of mountains, rocks, ruts at about 4500-9500 feet) I am going to be getting pretty worried at about 55 miles on my machine from what I have seen so far. The fuel gauge on this machine is very fickle and takes some getting used to. Seems to read low on descent an high on ascent. Much more variation than my Prairie