Kawasaki is shipping Doug a new 750 Brute Force so it looks like the 550 is going back for sure.

Talked with the technician the other day and he can't find anything wrong with the ADC or the 4-wd staying engaged. He says he has put over 20 miles on it and can't get it to act up.

I wonder how much more he would know if he did experience the ADC not working on the front wheels than he knows from me telling him it doesn't? The ADC always works - it just doesn't work on the front wheels.

He told me he has it up on a lift and when the ADC is activated all 4 wheels are locked. I can't think of a better way to duplicate the conditions coming down a steep loose trail than putting it on a lift with all 4 tires off the ground and no load on the machine.

I seriously doubt I'll take the 850 in to get the ADC fixed on it or to get the idle speed reset even thought at times it can be a pain. Sometimes it's hard to start cold and I have to put it in park so I can open the throttle just a tad and turn the key at the same time but I guess I can live with that, the harsh clutch engagement and the occassional backfire.

I blame the idle being too low on whoever did the PDI. Someone didn't do their job and I'm paying for it.

Doug says the dealer and Kawasaki made him promise that the "Polaris Killer" won’t be riding the new Brute Force.

 

Sorry to hear of the continuing issues. I wish u could put a new 12 brute with ps through its paces and see how it compares.

 

I guess in the grand scheme of things the issues are minor.

If I do spend time on the brute force I would do the same as I have here and point out what I like and don't like and not really compair it to something else.

 

The ADC only works on the front wheels. It's the EBS that locks up the rear wheels and there is no on/off switch for the engine braking. I'm not taking a shot at you here, but I have to wonder if you really understand the ADC system and how it works. Again, I'm not saying you don't have a problem with both machines, but I have two with ADC and have had no problem with either one except when the fluid needs changed.
I know how you hate when someone disagrees with you, so I expect to hear your wrath over this post. I have had the 4wd stay engaged on the wifes 500. You just have to stop and back up a short distance and it will release. It can be difficult to duplicate that issue. I have only had it happen when in 4x4 and backing up in a steep or difficult spot. Some have mastered the art of doing it and purposely do it to get the true, locked in 4wd. Makes it hard to steer and wouldn't think it is good for the drive train as the front and rear have different gear ratios.

 

The best way to tell if only the EBS is engaging properly is to find a long steep hill with lots of loose rocks and gravel and point it downward with the AWD engaged and head down it at about 5 mph in High Gear. If the back tires skid and slip a lot the ADC isn't working. If the ADC is working, you can practically remove your hands from the handlebars (don't) and it will creep down the same hill nice and steady like there's glue on all four tires. The try the same hill again without the AWD button engaged and compare. There should be a huge difference in descending the same hill. The steeper it is and the more loose material on it, the more noticeable it is when the ADC is engaging properly. Do this a few times, if there's a glitch it should show up pretty quickly. If it's not engaging, it's highly likely it's just an electrical switch issue with the AWD, that will also manifest itself by not engaging or disengaging the AWD system right away or at all.

 

If I could edit my last post, I would delete one of my comments. Specta and I have been in touch, and all is good. I let a past experience cloud my judgement, and for that, I apologize. We don't always get smarter as we get older.
Any updates?

 

We moderators can edit a post if need be. Specta is a big boy and he's probably not holding anything against you, BobX2 if I've got him figured out. He's the kind of guy we all like going riding with, that can give and take with the best of them. I sincerely hope to get out to Utah again someday to ride those beautiful trails, and know, if I can, that I'd have a great guide... Right, Specta???

 

He probably went out on a 300 mile ride by himself and the Sportsman broke a belt in the middle of nowhere. Over the last two weeks he's battled the elements, bear, wolverine and mountain lion attacks with just Polaris tool kit and a section of broken drive belt. He's home now using his prodigious writing skills penning a future episode of 'I Shouldn't Be Alive'. He'll surface soon enough, be patient.

 

Bob - I have no idea what you're talking about.

 

You guys are great and thank you.

Sending the 550 back and I'm stuck with the 850 Touring EPS for a while.

Dealer said they can't find anything wrong with the 550 after putting 22 miles on it. Doug and I took them both out and we both experienced the ADC malfunctioning 3 out of 4 times down the hill -oh well. (the 850 has the same issue)

Been really busy with the season here in full swing. I posted a couple pictures and videos over in the Family ATVing Photos.

At this point after putting 1500 miles on the 550 and close to 700 miles on the 850 I can see no reason to buy a 550.

If any one of you ever make it out this way please make sure you get a hold of me ahead of time so we can spend some time out on the trails.