We've got the full scoop on what Kawasaki has cooking for 2016 as far as ATVs are concerned here:

Kawasaki Reveals 2016 ATV Line - ATVConnection.com

 

So basically nothing new. They could have put the 800cc engine in the Teryx in the Brute Force. And introduced another utility model in the 500cc range. With the new models by Yamaha and Can-Am, Kawasaki is going to be left behind. I predict a very poor year in sales for them. Whoever is in charge of R&D is asleep at the wheel.

 

The 300, and youth quads are all made by Kymco correct? They have scaled back their off road bikes and sport quad offerings in the last few years, and pretty much continue to neglect the dual sport and cruiser categories. They continue to dump all their money in sport bikes and motocross bikes yet they don't gain any ground in the market. Hello?????

 

Did I hear crickets? Kind of a, "Move along, there's nothing here to see", scenario. Come on, Kawasaki! You can do better than that.

 

Here in the UK the diesel Mule is about the most popular side by side, though Gators and Rangers are running them close. There are very few Quads of over 550cc sold in the UK so it looks like Kawasaki are nearly out of the Quad market over here. The KVF 360 and 400 were never very popular, anyone know why?

 

That is one big gap, either get a 300, that Kawasaki does not even build themselves (and calling a 271cc a 300 is a stretch I think, it's closer to a 250 than a 300 if you want to round off numbers) or jump into a expensive Big Bore 750 Twin.

Kawasaki does not know the mid size bore 400-550 are usually the largest sellers?

You really do not see a lot of Kawasaki 4x4 period out on the trail or in back off trucks I notice, but with their very small selection that would be normal.
When I do see Kawasaki ATVs they are usually old discontinued models like the Bayou 300/400 then new ones.

 

Been saying for a long time now they need to offer a 450 and 600 model between the 300 and 750. I think I heard them once say the reason for not having more of a lineup is so they can focus on making what little they do offer better (that's probably what a company spokesman would say if asked). I've been with Kawi for all my ATV's but I have no use for jumping from my 400 to the 750 which is why I'd probably go with Yamaha or AC next time.

 

Too rich for my blood................

 

They need a 500cc Brute Force to fill the gap. That's a very competitive segment, the 500cc 4x4 utility class that they have chosen to completely ignore. The Brute Force 750 is still a great quad but many don't want to spend that much. The 300 is too small as the only other model offered. Its a great base model, might even be the best of the small utility machines but not made for real work and no 4x4 option. A 500 class machine is something that would really bring up Kawasaki's overall sales and bring more customers into the dealers.

 

I would sure not call it great or best since it's not made by Kawasaki and is just a re badged Asian ATV.
The 250 Ozark or Recon would be much better because I think Suzuki and Honda actually are the only ones who build there own small bores now.

Its the same difference between a Yamaha 300 Grizzly and 350 Grizzly they may sound close but the difference is Yamaha actually builds the 350 and the 300 is a Asian subcontracted ATV with a Yamaha sticker on the side of the tank.