Hot on the heels of its KVF650-A auto, Kawasaki recently introduced the flagship’s smaller brother, the automatic KVF360-A. With features such as selectable 4WD, downhill engine braking, manual front differential lock and oil-immersed rear brake, the green-liveried newcomer has much to offer the ATV buyer. James de Havilland does the digging
As we suggested in our group test (profi international 05/02), ATV manufacturers typically bring in new ideas on their flagship models, with these features then gradually filtering down through the rest of the full range. The new KVF360-A proves the point, because it inherits virtually all of the main innovative developments first seen on its larger brother, the KVF650-A. In effect, the KVF360-A currently displaces both the KVF400-A and KVF300-A automatics. This move reduces Kawasaki’s UK working bike range from seven to five, with a wide power void between the 20hp of the newcomer and the awesome 41hp 650. So, in short, the 360 has a big – in all senses of the word – role to fill.
Fully equipped with what was once considered sports bike suspension – a MacPherson strut front-end suspension, mono-shock rear end – the KVF360’s respective wheel travel measures a generous 170mm and 180mm. As with the KVF650-A, the KVF360 rides well solo, with good stability and positive brakes; but, also like its big brother, it is possible to make one rear wheel break with terra firma in a tight, fast turn. This is something that the machine’s Quad Link suspended manual forebears would only do in the most extreme conditions.
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