I just purchased a 2008 750i Brute Force and just one of the things I compared the Brute Force with was ground clearance. Now after owning it for a month and been out a few times in all conditions from snow, mud, and desert. I really do see what 1" can really do. My buddy has a Polaris 700 and yes he has 27" tires on it and he has about 3" more clearance than I do and the only thing he did was tire replacement. I am getting jealous so I have to inquire about this. The stock Brute comes with 25/10/12 where the Polaris comes stock with 26". Seems like Polaris has an advantage to me without gain in overall height. I really don't want to sacrifice the stability and overall ride height because I will choose to get stuck all day rather than roll it. What is your opinion about replacement tire size? I am not asking which tire brand or model but what size should I go with? If I go with a 26" do I need a lift kit? I hear that if you go with a 27" you need a lift kit (true/false?). Confused and need your advice. - Did I get the wrong ATV?

 

Well this is just from my experience. I have an 05 brute 750 with 27" mudlites.
I have never rolled it or even thought I was going to roll it. No you do not need a lift kit to put up to 27". I have a friend with a 650 brute 28" tires and he had to get a 2" lift just to have enough travel space to keep from taking out his finders.

As I was saying thought with 27" tires no lift and I have a little under 14" of center clearance.
I also run a little higher pressure than the tire recommends but with the recommended 7lb. I have spun a couple tires right off the rims. So I started running any where from 10 to 12lb. and I ain't lost a tire since.
Hope this helps.
As far as if you bought the right bike.
I ride with Can-Ams, Polaris, yamaha, and one other brute.
Out of all of them the 2 brutes (mine and a buddies) hang with and beat most of the other threw the mud. I love my brute wouldn't trade it for nothin.

 

Thank you for your thoughts! I have been researching the new ITP Terracross XD tires and I think that I will upgrade to a 27" tire with 14" wheel after the stock rubber. I think that Kawasaki should have put 26" tires with the 650 and 750 models just so their numbers would be better comparable to others.

Its really good to hear that you have been with others and the Brutes fair well.

I crossed a stream this spring just after buying it and got stuck over a rock and couldn't get off of it with out getting off the quad and it was very cold water so I just had a rope thrown to me and pulled out from a little Eiger 400. I guess I showed that I am a newb to the n'th degree. Since then I have been thinking about the ground clearance since.

 

Just remember ground clearance is just that you are that much higher and you have to use your brain that much more. I've never rolled mine but I'm not reckless out on the trail either.