After owning a 2005 Prarie 360 for 10+ years, my FIL purchased a new 2025 Brute Force 450 4x4 just after Christmas. It had 2 hours on it and maybe a dozen starts when this malfunction occurred: He started it, drove it 300 yards to the barn to get something, left it running while he picked up his tools, drove back to the house garage, turned the switch off, and the unit remained running for approximately 3 minutes. The dealer is replacing the starter and solenoid under warranty. Additionally, the dealer is replacing the oil filter because the Kawasaki certified service technician has stated the engine oil smelled burned.

Is this a known problem for the 2025 Kawasakis ? How can the engine oil smell burned with only 2 hrs on it ? Is there a known manufacturing defect in these that doesn’t allow the solenoid to release ? Would the use of the master kill switch versus the ignition keyed switch matter in removing power from the solenoid control circuit ? Is the ATV safe to park in the house garage or is there a risk of fire from a solenoid sticking and causing the starter to overheat before failure. ? What would be recommended from KMC and dealer service before accepting this ATV again ?Just trying to keep my 80+ year old FIL safe and my wife happy. Thanks for any help

 

I don't know that model at all. New Kawasaki ATVs have just about gone from the UK market. Bayous were popular and Mules still sell well.

However, FIL probably just got one with a bad solenoid, if the actual solenoid sticks engaged, the only way to stop it is to remove a battery terminal, so fit an isolator if you are worried about it. Bad batteries can cause solenoids to stick, usually one with a dead cell, my theory is that the solenoid engages slower, allowing the contacts to arc, and weld together once engaged. They don't pop in when the bike is not being used, so it won't do it when unattended. Mechanic thinking oil is "burned" is a mystery to me.

 

Was the atv being pulled in and out everyday at dealer for display? That also alot of startups