Hey gang,

I'm looking for some input on my up coming purchase.
I do mostly slow speed (less than 20 mph) cruising in dry washes and rocky canyons, some highspeed gasline and power line runs too. I wonder how the KFX 700 does at slow speeds. Does the belt tend to get hot? I currently have a sportsman 500 h.o. and have finally had it with the noise! I really like the looks of both the KFX700 and the BF750 but I'm somewhat concerned about the tie rod problem. I plan on keeping which ever machine pretty much stock, except for maybe the tie rods. I need it to be as bullet proof as possible. I travel great distances from camp by myself, so I must have absolute reliablity. Also, the cooling system must be robust enough to handle 110+ degree ambient temps in the summer.
So, what do you guys say, are either of these machines worth a go?

 

I can't speak for the BF but I run my KFX at low speed a lot. It works just fine. It will go either 4 or 40 just fine. I haven't had any issues with overheating but then again I haven't run it in temps over 80 degrees either.

 

I didn't even know a KFX700 will go under 40! I'll have to try it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Linedog, I cannot comment on the KFX but as for the BF it is one bad mother. I picked my 05 Brute 750 up 2 weeks ago from my dealership and I couldnt be happier. Low speed to high speed it handles both nicely, mid-range torque is awesome. Last weekend I ran the 4-wheel drive down the creek for about 3 miles, poped up on the bank and ran it at about 65 across the field for a mile. It is nice to be able to do both. I noticed that you mentioned rock canyons, do you do much of the off-trail riding? If so, the IRS of the Brute is awesome for uneven ground. As far as the tie-rods go, you can get a set from Diamond G for about $170 and forget about them. I personally havent had a problem yet with mine but I am sure that I will form what I have heard in here. It is just something that you have to factor into the cost. If you can find an 05 Brute that will be your best deal. I picked mine up for $6,240 out the door, tax included. $5,850 without tax is not a bad price for this machine. I am not sure about your temperature situation, I live in Indiana so I cant help much there. Hopefully some of the guys on here that ride in the hot stuff can give you some advice. Good luck and let us know what you get!!

 

I think they are both great machines, and either way you decide to go, you will be more than happy.

 

buy a honda these VTwins are addicting, you will never be able to keep it stock lmao The brute gets my vote, its extremely fast and its 4 wheel drive. Either one would be a good choice. but I would take the 4x4 if there is alot of trails.

 

Linedog,

Since you said you'll be doing mostly slow speed stuff in washes and rocky canyons, I'll say go with the BF.
Ill share last week's experience with you. I was out with my BF650 SRA, a Honda Foreman, and a BF750. We went up a stream that I am positive a KFX (or any 4x2) would not have made it up.

The locking front diff on the Kawasakis is incredible. There were a few situations where I had some front tire slippage. All I did is pull "the magic lever" and it pulled me through like a tractor. The Foreman 4x4 that was with us needed "manual intervention" about 5 times. The BF750 needed help once - but I think it was because it was it's maiden voyage and the rider wasn't familiar with the use of the diff lock. Even with the SRA, my 650 needed no help along the way.

I also have a KFX400 - it's a great machine, but for the real technical stuff - get the BF.

Rick

 

Hey ajd187,
Have you had any probs as far as ground clearance, seems like the shaft drive is a huge advantage over a chain in that aspect.
Also, what about the headlights, I get quite a few rides where I don't make it back to the truck until well after dark, my sportsman has the high beam on the bars and low beams are fixed, what do you like or dislike about the fixed headlights? Also, how about maintaining the bike. I hate spending a day and half tearing off plastic just to change a spark plug. Or the 27 zerks that I have to deal with.

Its a been a tough call as to which bike to get, I'll go ride them both at the dealer this weekend and probably end up tossing a quarter to decide. Don't think I'll be disappointed which ever way I go.

 

No problems with ground clearance. I have only gotten high centered twice, and both times it was because I went somewhere I didn't belong to begin with. Meanwhile I've watched friends on YFZ450s get high centered in stuff tghat I blasted right through.

The lights work fine. I've ridden at night a few times and haven't had issues. Actually they probably work really well because my night vision stinks and I still have not had any problems.

Maintaining it hasn't been an issue. You can get to the front plug without moving anything. YOu'd probably need to move a few things to get to the rear one though.

 

To get to the rear cylinder plug on the V, you have to remove the seat, rear plastic, and the little plastic strip.


Not too bad, took me maybe 30mins total to take off the plastics, change plug, and put plastics back on.

It all really depends on what you want to do. Id personally go with the V, but that's just me. It will do fine slow, but, once you start riding it, I don't think you will want to go slow on it. As for the BF, that all depends on what you want to do and if you go through any deep mudholes, etc.