I'm still breaking in my Brute Force 750. The manual recommends, in bold print, not to switch from 2x4 and 4x4 mode while the quad is in motion because you can damage the quad. Plenty of other quads out there can shift from 2 to 4 wheel drive on the fly while moving? Has anyone out there had any problems or caused any damage to your BF 750 from switching in and out of 4x4 while moving? I'm very cautious right now to make sure I'm stopped, but I can see this being a problem in certain riding conditions.....

 

Alright Demerick, here is a quick logical answer for you. The manual states that you have to stop to switch into 4wd because it is always safe. However look at it this way. Once the 4wd is engaged it usually requires rolling forward a couple feet to fully lock in, because of this even though you flipped the switch to 4wd it doesn't actually engage until you are moving. So why not just flip the switch when you are moving for faster engagement?

Many Kawasaki owners, myself included, have found that it is safe to engage the 4wd/2wd switch when you are moving 10 MPH and under. The stipulation that seems to confuse everyone is that you shouldn't engage it when the rear wheels are spinning faster than the front wheels for example: a 2wd spinout on ice or in mud. Engagement when the rear wheels are spinning will cause all sorts off forces of nature inside your differential, possibly causing a catastrophic destruction of your front diff.

 

MadLT, that's kind of what I figured about switching into 4x4 while moving slow (under 10mph or so), I just didn't know what the recommended or best practice was to actually flip the switch into 4x4. Why doesn't the manufacturer just say, don't engage 4x4 if traveling over xxxmph or if rear tires are spinning? Thanks for the feedback.

 

I tried Madlt advice on my BF and it works just fine, no loud noises, switchs without problem.

 

If you have read from the some of the topics prior to this, there are a lot of people that just don't understand. Even when you spell it out in detail some just don't get it. It is far easier for kawasaki to recommend stopping before engagement because.

1. There is a possibility that some owners will abuse the system and try to blame Kawasaki.
2. It is easier to explain, and it is very hard to misinterpret.

 

it is connected to a speed sensor that is why it will not engage until you are under 9mph i believe. also remember you cant go into 4wd if you are in reverse. if you are in 4wd already, 4wd then works but you cant shift it to 4wd while in reverse. always try to think ahead.