Combine the proven engine and drive-train performance of the Workhorse 650 V-Twin with the outstanding chassis performance of the Workhorse KVF700 wrapped in a styling package inspired by the Brute Force 750 4x4i and what do you get? The new Brute Force 650 4x4 - a sport/utility ATV offering the performance of a large-displacement 4WD for the price of a mid-displacement machine. We believe this is the best value ATV on the market bar none.
New styling perfectly suits the 650's identity as a dual-role ATV. Softer lines and curvaceous fenders combine with a user-friendly operating panel to make the Brute Force 650 4x4 especially easy to ride, ideal for any user… be they farmer or recreational rider.
With its gutsy V-Twin engine, a rugged yet light-handling chassis and "Sport Utility Vehicle" styling this new Workhorse is the ideal machine for those customers who want the performance of a large displacement model for the price of a middleweight.
Engine
The Brute Force 650 4x4's proven liquid-cooled, 633 cc SOHC, 4-valve V-twin engine from the award-winning Workhorse 650 V-Twin churns out a massive 30.9 kW {42PS}/ 6,500 rpm. The oversquare bore and stroke of 80.0 x 63.0 millimetres contributes to a high torque output of 52.1 Newton-metres at 4,000 rpm and a flat, user-friendly torque curve.
The Brute Force 650's cylinders are offset by 90° which results in perfect primary balance giving extremely low vibration levels making for comfortable riding.
Large, 30 mm intake and 26 mm exhaust valves are set at a narrow 19° for the intake and 21° for the exhaust resulting in a compact, highly efficient combustion chamber which delivers smoother power and excellent fuel consumption aided by the concave piston crown.
Helping with the power delivery, dual, CVKR-D32 downdraft carburettors are fitted for smooth throttle response and efficient fuel consumption, making the Brute Force 650 4x4 all the more enjoyable to ride and all the more friendly on the environment.
Keeping the temperature of the high-output engine under control is a large-capacity radiator with a heat dispersion capacity of 17,500 kilocalories per hour.
The air box is located between the cylinders and uses a snorkel air intake to minimise the ingress of water, dirt and foreign objects. An oval-type air cleaner element prevents dust build-up and reduces maintenance frequency.
Transmission
The Brute Force 650 4x4's transmission is an electrically "selectable" 2WD/4WD system operated by a flick of a switch allowing for easy changing between drive systems to suit changing terrain and applications.
Called KAPS (Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System), the system enables quick shifting between Hi and Low range forward drive and reverse drive thanks to the belt-type torque converter.
The variable front differential control makes it much easier to get the ATV moving when it gets stuck. Lever operation lets the rider adjust the amount of torque available to the front wheels to suit conditions. Without rider intervention, the system functions as a limited slip differential. Applying force to the lever increases the torque (thereby reducing slip) to a maximum level equivalent to that of a mechanical differential lock (i.e. no slip). This wide range of fine-tuning is a technological feature unseen in other industries, let alone on competitors' ATVs.
The Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system uses a speed sensor with an electric actuator for smooth operation. This system detects the ATV's speed and deceleration electrically, and when the conditions are satisfied, a solenoid presses the CVT pulley thereby connecting the driving pulley with the driven pulley through the belt and then generating braking force to the engine. This brake force only works when going forward and the speed is more than three kilometres and hour.
Normally reverse gear riding is limited by an ignition governor which restricts the engine to 3,600 rpm while reverse is selected. There is however an override button which allows the rider to override this limiter thereby increasing the amount of power available when riding in reverse gear.
The CVT features a tough double cog belt which ensures high durability as does the hard chrome plating of the belt converter drive shaft which contributes to reduced bushing wear. Durability is also helped by an air intake located under the handlebars which routes cooling air to the CVT unit.
Chassis
The simply designed, very sturdy double-cradle frame from the Workhorse KVF700 is utilised for the Brute Force 650 4x4.
Dual-piston front brake callipers deliver powerful, progressive braking.
The Brute Force 650 4x4 features Kawasaki's unique sealed, internal wet brake. Built into the rigid and lightweight aluminium swingarm, its highly acclaimed design completely seals the internal components from mud and dust, and its compact size contributes to a ground clearance greater than that of competing models, allowing the Brute Force 650 4x4 to go places other ATVs cannot.
MacPherson strut front suspension gives a long wheel travel of 170 mm and enhances the wheels' ground-following ability for a smooth ride, while the monoshock rear suspension features a reservoir-equipped shock for stable damping characteristics. The shock is adjustable for preload via locking rings, it comes with a dual-rate spring and delivers 184 mm of wheel travel. Ground tracking qualities are excellent and ride quality is superb. Needle bearings are used on the front of the A-arm mount and pillow-ball type bearings are used at the rear. The knuckles are manufactured from tough, lightweight aluminium lowering the unsprung weight and improving suspension quality.
High-traction tyres are fitted: AT 25 x 8-12 fronts and AT 25 x 10-12 rears. Rim sizes are 6-inch for the front and 7.5-inch for the rear.
Bodywork
All new bodywork is based on the tough, stylish image of the Brute Force 750 4x4i, however, conveys a certain user-friendliness. The high fender design emphasises the large wheel travel and signals this model's excellent off-road capabilities. The fenders angle downwards to give an aggressive, sporty look and along with other body parts are made of new material and feature a more scratch resistant finish for long-wearing good looks. Fit and finish is excellent.
Ergonomics and additional features
The Brute Force 650 4x4's riding position is like that of the Brute Force 750 4x4i.
The 650 4x4 comes equipped with both an electric starter and a recoil starter.
Together with KACR (Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release), starting is quick and easy, even with a flat battery. Additionally, the engine can be started in any gear if the brake is applied.
The propeller shaft is built into the crankcase for a compact, low-mass drive train.
Convenient carriers hold 40kg up front and 80kg in the rear, and are ideal for work, camping and many other tasks.
There's a built in space to fit a winch inside the front guard. The sturdy frame can handle a 1350kg class winch. The optional winch mount accommodates either a Warn 3000 or Super Winch 3000 winch.
The 650 4x4 is fitted with a lightweight aluminium skid plate which protects the undercarriage when driving over obstacles, while sturdy floorboards feature adjustable foot pegs to customise the riding position and provide high levels of grip while riding in bumpy terrain.
A trailer hitch bracket is fitted as standard equipment making the fitment of a tow ball quick and easy.
The fuel tank is located beneath the rear fender and includes an in-tank fuel pump. This location contributes to a low centre of gravity increasing the already impression stability of the Brute Force 650 4x4.
A "vehicle down" sensor automatically shuts off the fuel supply if the machine's attitude becomes extreme. If the vehicle tips over or leans more than 65 degrees, the sensor operates, cutting the fuel supply to prevent fuel leakage which can endanger the rider and the environment.
The 650 4x4 features a multi-purpose, digital instrument cluster which includes a speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, clock, and hour meter. Indicator lamps for neutral, reverse gear, 2WD/4WD, belt indicator, and oil warning are also fitted.
Convenient 12 V accessory outlets are provided at the front (10 A) and also at the rear fenders (5 A).
The Brute Force 650 4x4 comes in Aztec Red.
|
