I started a thread yesterday in the Utility ATVs forum, and haven't gotten a lot of response on it. I don't want to start a duplicate thread here, but can any of you that can lend your wisdom or experience with the CVT in the Brute Force 750 (or other machines that may share this tranny) please check it out? It's titled "Brute Force 750 or Grizzly 660". Thanks very much in advance!

 

Sure, I'd love to!

- I beleive the BF CVT system is the same one that was on the 700 Prairie.
- It is a noisy unit compared to some of the others.
- It has been very reliable for me. I have 1200+ miles on my Brute and my trusted dealer checked it and it is still within factory tolerances. I'm running c-series rims and 26" 589's too!

- I have not had any slippage or strange behavior out of mine.
- I think it's a great system and always seems to be in the right "spot" for whatever riding I'm doing which includes everything from mudding to high speed hardpack riding.
- Engine braking is very strong, maybe too strong at times but you get used to it.

Here some tips to make the belt last longer and run better:

- Use low gear for mudding, towing, work, snow riding, etc, etc. do NOT be lazy and just leave it in high all the time. I use low gear almost 50% of the time.

- If you a wheel kit any bigger than 27" I would look at clutch upgrades.

- Do not bury the bike in deep water or it will suck in water and that can cause problems. Apparently, the belt wil dry itself by revving the engine in Neutral, but I prefer the other method which is to keep out of really high water!

- Take the bike in to your dealer and have the belt inspected at least every 1000 miles or 100 hours and replace it when needed.

Overall, I'm happy with the tranny and I actually was skeptical at first...

Hope this helps...

Mike

 

Thanks for the reply, Mike! From what I understand, much of the noise of that tranny is due to the straight-cut gears. I think they can handle more torque than the helical gears more commonly used, but are inherently noisier. I need to spend a little more time "borrowing" my buddy's Grizz and then see if I can find a Kawi dealer that will let me test ride a Brute. By the way, yours sure looks tough with those tires and rims!

 

The same basic trans has been used on the Prairie 650 and 700, Brute Force 650 and 750, Suzuki twinpeaks 700, Arctic cat 650 V2 and possibly the smaller praries.

You sacrafice a little maintenance for the huge modification capabilites.

 

What do you mean, maddog56? Please excuse the dumb(?) question, but this will be my first ATV so I've got tons to learn! Regardless of what I end up with, I will probably buy a shop manual and try to do as much of my own maintenance as possible. Thanks.

 

The kawasaki clutch, IMO, is much more tuneable to the rider's preferences than the other cvt systems on other bikes. You do have to check your belt periodically however for the correct deflection, or belt positioning and ride location. I have had my machine for about a year now, but it doesnt have very many miles on it so I havent seen the need to check it. I'm not sure what the guideline is, but its more of an issue with the kawi system than others.