The latest report on 2012 Brute Force 300
The latest report on 2012 Brute Force 300 is from Bart Madson who is Managing Editor of motorcycle-usa.com. This report analyzes 2012 Brute Force 300 from 6 respects in details. Six respects contain ERGOS, ENGINE, RANSMISSION, EPS, BRAKES and TIRES. Let us share it.
ERGOS
The Brute Force 300 is Kawasaki’s entry-level ATV, but thankfully doesn’t give off a tiny bike vibe. While the engine size and power characteristics are muted compared to its larger-displacement siblings (like the Brute Force 750 we tinkered with all last year), once straddling the bike it doesn’t feel puny at all. At 6’1” the riding configuration does feel slightly compact – the bar placement on the close side, and I hunched over some when standing – but overall the not-too-big, not-too-small ergonomics prove accommodating for a wide range of riders.
ENGINE
The same can be said of the engine – not too big, not too small. Having previously tested the 750, the small Brute’s 271cc Single doesn’t deliver anywhere near the power of its big brother. But more power is not always better, particularly when it comes to entry-level rides. More important than raw, stump-ripping torque is the power delivery coming from the 300, which is extremely controllable. No herky jerky throttle either, with a smooth action at the right thumb.
RANSMISSION
The 300’s CVT transmission and centrifugal clutch enhance its entry-level credentials. Operation is idiot-simple, stick it in High, Low or Reverse and thumb the throttle. The only issue we encountered during our testing was a fussy shifter lever, which bumped out of the Low setting on more than one occasion, almost like a false neutral. A stern reprimand by shoving it back into L straightens things out, but proved a minor gripe.
EPS
The power I missed most on the smaller Brute Force was power steering. Battling the bars on rocks and ruts is tiring, but that’s not the biggest issue from an entry-level perspective – it’s the control factor. EPS makes controlling a 500-pound quad a heck of a lot easier, or at least it feels easier. Probably the most disconcerting thing for an ATV beginner is learning how the machine will react to obstacles, particularly while at an odd angle (double true when that angle is a steep downward trajectory!). Knowing the steering input can be easily controlled certainly aids rider confidence – a definite bonus as fledging OHV riders bank experience.
BRAKES
And speaking of confidence, stout brakes are a big part of the equation. It’s a mighty sick feeling sliding down a hill and realizing the brakes ain’t going to do much… The 300’s triple-180mm-disc configuration does a fair job. Application of the single-disc rear, via left handlebar and rear pedal, lock things up with a pleasing grip. The dual disc front stoppers felt more ponderous bringing things to a halt. Overall, I’d give the brakes a passing grade, but not high marks. On a higher note, the parking brake is easy to operate.
TIRES
I think part of the reason I felt more confident on the 300 was the tires. The rubber adorning the larger 750 Brute Force was a big culprit to rolling, unpredictable feel. The 300’s 22-inch Maxxis tires feel more planted. They deliver plenty of traction, even during our snowy test run, and I didn’t feel like I was sliding around nearly as much.
When you purchase this ATV, ATV cover is the other important accessory you need to prepare. When you park you ATV indoor/outdoor, ATV covers can offer best protection from many respects.
(Resource: www.thepandacover.com and motorcycle-usa.com.)