Kawasaki announced today a big addition to its flagship of its ATV line, adding power steering to its 2012 version of the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS. Although the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system highlights the changes, Kawasaki also highlights features such as a more-powerful V-twin engine, new double-wishbone front suspension, six-spoke cast alloy wheels and new bodywork featuring wide-stance styling cues covered in Realtree APG HD camouflage for hunters who value stealth while out in the woods.

New Electronic Power Steering
Kawasaki is notes the addition of Kawasaki’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to the Brute Force 750 4x4i is designed to provide improved handling and ride comfort. The power assist function is triggered as soon as the rider turns the bars. Kawasaki explains that the control unit monitors inputs from the vehicle speed sensor and steering shaft torque sensor to determine the amount of power assistance required from the system’s electric motor. The assistance is greatest at slower speeds or when stopped, while there’s less assistance as the vehicle speed increases.

The EPS assembly also acts as a damping system, as Kawasaki explained the added inertia of the electric motor acts as a stabilizer. It also reduces bump steer and kickback to the handlebars caused by wheel impacts. Kawasaki notes the entire steering assembly is repositioned, so movement of the differential due to throttle inputs in 4x4 mode no longer affect the steering assembly. Overall, these changes help contribute to improved handling. 

Engine Updates
Kawasaki also made updates to the engine, including a new cylinder head and increased compression ratio. The twin cylinders on the 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i’s upgraded four-stroke fuel injected 90-degree 749cc V-twin engine are fed via 36mm throttle bodies that are controlled by a 32-bit CPU. This system monitors coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure, throttle position, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle to deliver the optimum fuel mixture.

Kawasaki also uses a new, larger radiator that is placed high in the chassis for optimum protection against mud and debris. A larger radiator fan and larger-diameter cooling hoses and pipes help maximize cooling performance. A self-repairing circuit breaker and dedicated fuse for the new fan are employed as well to keep things cool.

The transmission also received updates, as the fully automatic, dual-range continuously variable transmission (CVT) is mated to the updated V-twin engine.  Kawasaki uses a new high gear ratio and a thicker belt made of stronger material designed to provide longer CVT belt life and reduced maintenance requirements. Revised converter weight and drive spring tuning offers improved acceleration characteristics and increased control during low-speed operation and a new layout and revised placement of the CVT air duct is more effective at helping prevent the intrusion of water and mud.

The two- or four-wheel drive operation is selectable by simply pressing a button on the handlebar. In four-wheel drive mode, the Brute Force ATV utilizes the limited-slip front differential to help maintain steering response and ease steering effort at the bars. The rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels with Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control by using a small control lever on the left handlebar. It’s a definite advantage when traversing deep mud, slippery uphill trails or large logs or rocks.

Suspension
Kawasaki’s new Brute Force 750 features a new double-cradle tubular steel frame featuring reinforcements at key areas like the front wishbone mounts, rear stabilizer mounts, engine mounts, and footrest mounts. This is designed to result in improved rough terrain handling and enhanced durability.

Kawasaki explain that the frame’s improved ability to absorb shocks when “sport riding on rough terrain” to improve ride comfort and make it easier to keep a faster pace during the ride.

Up front Kawasaki outfitted the Brute Force 750 with a new double-wishbone suspension with shock absorbers mounted at a more splayed angle between the upper and lower wishbones. Kawasaki says this was done to help minimize sag and allow a higher ground clearance once a rider sits on the ATV. The front suspension works in concert with its independent A-arm rear suspension. The front wishbones feature adjustable shocks with 6.7 inches of travel, while the IRS employs a torsion bar and provides 7.5 inches of travel. Kawasaki also chose to replace the dual rate springs in the front and rear suspension with new single-rate units. This was done to better complement the revised suspension geometry.

A Little More Style
Kawasaki did more than just update the performance of the Brute Force – it also upgraded the styling. Gone are the pressed steel wheels seen on previous models. In their place are new six-spoke cast aluminum matte black wheels. These premium wheels help give the Brute Force its 9.4 inches of ground clearance and transfer the power of the V-Twin engine to the ground.

Kawasaki also updated the Brute Force 750 bodywork that is molded from scratch-resistant Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO). The hood, fenders, bumper and headlight surrounds were all re-designed to provide a wide and rugged appearance. Other new design touches include dual wide-set 35-watt headlights which help provide excellent lighting for nighttime rides, and a new covered hood storage compartment large enough to hold two 16 oz. bottles. Also, new cargo racks featuring stronger tubing that is over 25 percent larger in diameter than previous versions and come equipped with tie-down hook points to help secure a load. The cargo racks can carry a combined total of 264 pounds.

Three 2012 Brute Force 750s
Kawasaki will offer a few different options for its new Brute Force 750 platform. The 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS SE is a Special Edition version that features Metallic Tungsten Gray automotive paint finish, unique graphics and a bright silver machined finish on the face of its cast aluminum wheels. The 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Realtree APG HD is just like the regular EPS model but the bodywork is covered in Realtree APG HD camouflage for hunters and outdoorsmen. Kawasaki says Realtree APG is printed using a high-definition imaging process that allows it to meld into hardwoods, pine thickets, prairies, river bottoms and other environments. The final option for ATV riders is the 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i.

Kawasaki has yet to reveal prices for the new models, but we’ll be sure to update that information as soon as it becomes available.