2008 Kawasaki Brute Force 650i Reviews
Ask any outdoor enthusiasts about having fun, and the answer will likely involve riding an ATV. These 4×4 quads are built to withstand even the rockiest of terrains.
This is no exception for the Kawasaki Brute Force 750, which is surprisingly quite fast for a quad of its size. The Brute Force 750 might be an outdoor enthusiast's best friend, but how long can it withstand all those muddy trails?
We've come across a few issues that face the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 and what to look out for on these great quads.
Let's get started.
1. Belt Slipping
The Brute Force 750 is a marvel in the hilliest and dangerous terrains out there.
An off-road-ready quad is bound to get mud and dust in the quad's inner connections.
If a belt slips, it's possible that mud or water might've gotten into the belt and caused it, but that's not always the case. A sure-fire way to solve this problem is to get as much protection from water as possible.
Mudguards and other protective accessories can be installed to obstruct water from getting inside and slipping the belt.
Water isn't the only culprit for a slipping belt. Some riders of the Brute Force have experienced belt slips even when riding in dry conditions.
Slipping? These Could be Some Factors:
- New belt not set properly
- Belt not adjusted correctly
- The belt is worn out.
- Too much power to the wheels
Brute Force 750 owners had often noticed that the belt slipping occurred when the quad's wheels were stuck.
Accelerating to get out of the sticky situation is what resulted in the belt slipping.
This happens when the rider's input results in the power exceeding the friction of the belt. Because the belt cannot move the ridges on the clutch sheaves, it jumps the ridges and starts to slip.
The best way to check for this is to look at your clutch spring pressures and flyweights. In most cases, you'll find that one of these two is the culprit.
If the belt has been slipping for a while, it might be time for a new one. Getting the best belt out there won't solve the problem if it isn't installed correctly.
Correctly adjusting a new belt will keep slipping at bay.
Installing a New Belt:
You will want to check out these particulars:
- Adjust deflection correctly
- Make sure the clutch springs are correctly set.
- Make sure the flyweights all move freely.
- Clean out the sheaves surface
- Set the correct torque
Having done all of this, the belt light on the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 should now be off.
If this does not solve the slipping problem, it might be time for a visit to the mechanic.
Other owners noticed the belt slipping, accompanied by squealing noises and a burning smell. This is an indication of a worn-out belt or incorrect adjustments.
A replacement belt might be the solution to these symptoms; make sure it is installed and adjusted correctly.
2. Corrosion in the Connectors
This problem affects many owners because the quad is exposed to so many of the elements when riding in the outdoors.
If the BF 750's electrical system is exposed to water, they're liable to sustain corrosion.
Check these connectors for corrosion regularly. After every outdoor ride, it is recommended to open up the connector panel and check for any liquids that might have seeped in, and clean the components accordingly.
Leaving the connectors wet will eventually lead to corrosion and damaged wiring. Once the connection is corroded, the BF 750's electrical component functionality may waver.
Symptoms of Corroded or Damaged Connectors:
- the engine overheats due to a failing fan
- The meter tarries on, killing the battery
- Blown fuses
- Engine stalls when 4wd is activated and only restarts in 2wd
- The engine starts without the presence of an ignition key (indicating a failing sensor)
- Flashing check-belt-light
On the Kawasaki Brute Force 750, there are two BUSS Connectors taped to the wiring harness. One is located on the front fender between the front shock towers and another near the fuel tank near the rear fender.
If these get wet and corrosion forms, there's a good chance you'll see electrical failure down the road.
The rear wiring harness is attached to the frame to the igniter/control unit area's right side. If you find greenish corrosion under the connector-cap within the metal contacts, clean it and add some dielectric grease to seal the connection and prevent further dampness from penetrating the connectors.
Kawasaki was able to fix this issue on the older models by just bundling up the connectors and soldering all the corresponding wires together, and seal them separately from the connectors.
Checking for corrosion on the Buss Connectors can solve most electrical problems on this quad. Any of the strange electrical symptoms listed above indicate electrical issues.
3. Problems Engaging 4-Wheel-Drive Mode
There are two driving modes on the Kawasaki Brute Force 750.
This quad is built to be ridden in 4 wheel drive mode, but it also has 2WD for operating on smooth and even roads.
The issue begins when a rider flips the switch to enter 4wd, but the indicator stays at 2wd, and the actuator doesn't move an inch or make a peep.
This issue points to either an electrical problem. It could be those BUSS connectors we mentioned earlier, a bad actuator, or blown fuses.
Water intrusion is also one other cause to look into.
If water seeps into the front differential, the clutch that controls the 4WD will fail to engage. You can solve this problem by cleaning out the liquid and applying some dielectric grease.
This was a massive problem with the older Brute Force models, less so on the newer models.
Components to Check for 4×4 Issues:
- 4×4 actuator
- Engine brake actuator
- All fuses
- Buss Connector
- Water intrusion in wiring harness
- Water intrusion in the front differential
When it comes to 4WD issues on the Brute Force, the first culprits to look into are usually the actuators. This common problem was faced by many owners who noticed that the 2WD/4WD lights were flashing in one-second intervals.
The flashing lights are a dead giveaway that there is an issue with the Brute Force 750's 4×4 actuator.
A quick fix that works temporarily is to disconnect the battery terminal and wait 10 seconds before reconnecting them back on. This apparently resets the actuator, and the problem goes away for a while.
If your BF 750 faces such issues, it might be time to replace the engine brake actuator or the 4×4 actuator. A quick visit to the mechanic can help diagnose and solve the issue.
4. Radiator Fan Not Working
Motors exist to generate power, and power generates heat.
No motor can function without some cooling device, and on the Brute Force 750, this is accomplished by a fan system keeping things at a low temperature to avoid heat damage to vital components.
Obviously, problems with Kawasaki Brute Force 750 can arise if the fan doesn't kick on and cool down.
A malfunctioning fan is dangerous. Your quad gets useless quickly if vital parts are damaged by heat, and a blown engine is virtually impossible to repair.
Things to Check if Radiator Fan Fails:
- Check coolant level
- Thermostat connections
- Radiator sensor
- Mud clogging up the radiator
- Rear Buss Connector
- Circuit breaker
The main issue owners complain about is the fan not starting up automatically or starting up and then stopping abruptly. This can be associated with a bad circuit breaker that cuts off the fan at inappropriate times.
Again, this is an electrical issue and is most likely the result of corrosion at the hands of the numerous elements quads are exposed to.
The best offense against all the problems discussed here is a solid defense. If you're exposing your Kawasaki Brute Force 750 to deep water, or even wet mud, it's important to dry its wiring harness out and clean it thoroughly after use.
Stay ahead by sealing it with that dielectric grease we keep bringing up.
The newer models are wired and sealed more efficiently than the older ones, but it's still a good idea to dry things out after a wet rip through the mud!
You should also be reading our article which talks about 6 Most-Common Problems With Kawasaki Teryx
General Pros and Cons for the Kawasaki Brute Force 750
Pros:
Even the roughest of outdoor riders love the Kawasaki Brute Force 750. This ATV features a 749 cc, liquid-cooled engine with a stellar ground clearance of 9.4 inches.
Not only does this allow flexibility in hilly situations, but it also gets you through those hard-to-reach areas faster.
All that speed comes to a smooth stop with the multi-disc rear brake system, accompanied by the front dual-disc front brakes with two-piston calipers.
Owners and lovers of the Kawasaki ATV range swear by the Brute Force 750's reliability and strength when you need it the most. This is also due to some of the innovative technologies Kawasaki has installed in this rugged ATV.
Features such as a 32-bit CPU in the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 mean this quad bike is way ahead of its generation. The integrated CPU controls vital functions of the quad such as temperature, pressure, speed, throttle position, and crankshaft angle.
This means fuel consumption is at maximum efficiency, and the engine response is snappier than you'd expect.
For sport riders, this is the ultimate outdoor vehicle, and it will be with you all the way through to the end of your adventure trip.
Cons:
- Belt Slipping
- Corrosion in the connectors
- Problems engaging 4-Wheel drive mode
- Radiator Fan not working
What Do the Reviews Say?
"Power is plenty, the suspension is supple, and the Brute can tackle tough jobs around the ranch and rapid-transit trails while spitting rocks or slinging mud. We picked up the 2018 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i with electronic power steering in Metallic Stardust White for a test in the elements."
[Source: DirtWheelsmag.com]
"This strong ATV can withstand all the punishment you'll throw at it without breaking a sweat. Apart from being reliable, modern, and tough, the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS is also equipped with various features specially developed to make it more capable and practical."
[Source: TopSpeed.com]
"The Electronic Power Steering on this model gives you steering controlled with accuracy…takes away trail impacts felt in the bars and helps the rider negotiate tight wooded or rocky trails with ease… In our humble opinion, once you ride with EPS on any machine, you may never ride without it again."
[Source: ATVRider.com]
What's The Resale Value On The Kawasaki Brute Force 750
| Year | Mileage (miles) | Price ($) |
| 2006 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 | 3,780 | 3,450 |
| 2011 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 | 2,264 | 5,800 |
| 2012 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 | 3,326 | 4,750 |
| 2018 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 | 0 | 10,599 |
| 2019 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 4x4i EPS Camo | 3 | 10,599 |
NB: The above price may vary according to vehicle mileage and your location.
References:
dirtwheelsmag.com
topspeed.com
atvrider.com
Was this article helpful? 
Did you find wrong information or was something missing?
We would love to hear your thoughts! (PS: We read ALL feedback)
2008 Kawasaki Brute Force 650i Reviews
Source: https://motorandwheels.com/problems-kawasaki-brute-force-750/
