The 2024 model year Kawasaki Brute Force 750 introduced a new variant, the LE. Sporting all new camo finished bodywork, the design of which is also shared with its standard blue-grey sibling, the ‘new’ LE model certainly looks the part, but has anything else changed?  

Back in 2018, we gathered a mixed range of seven ATVs together for a group test, with the 55hp 749cc V-twin Kawasaki Brute Force among them. Back then, this was the only Kawasaki ATV available. This is something the company will address this year with the introduction the all-new Brute Force 450, a 33hp four-stroke single that will no doubt please those who find a 750 V-twin a bit too much. 

Our aim was to try the smaller model together with its bigger brother, comparing the 450s 33Nm of torque against the 58Nm developed by the 750. But the 450 will not arrive in dealer showrooms until early 2025 and a test model had yet to reach the UK. This meant we had just the latest 750 to try.

With these preliminaries out of the way, a re-read of what we wrote about the KVF 750 back in 2018 will cover the revised for 2024 LE. Under the bodywork, the 2018 and current 2024 Brute Force 750 models are exactly the same. Go back even further, and you can see the design bones of a camo finish Brute Force 750 is also closely related to the 1999 mono-shock rear suspension KVF 650 too. Are Kawasaki are resting on their laurels? 

Kawasaki adopted independent rear suspension for the KLF750 over 20 years ago too, the mono-shock rear of the KLF650 suiting sports riders more than those who work an ATV. Apart from a stainless exhaust ‘muffler’, the suspension and chassis set up of the current and previous generation models remains much the same. Note trademark Kawasaki reversing light.
Styling apart, there is not a world of difference between a current Brute Force 750, the previous 2018 model or even the KLF 750 of 2004. The latter replaced the mono-shock rear suspension KLF 650 first seen in the UK in 1999.

A few minutes with the LE, the enhanced spec variant of the standard £9,828 KVF 750, and we were reminded of the t 1999 KVF 650. Back then, its 44hp V-twin  was claimed to be the most powerful engine to power a ‘working ATV’. Recollections of its arrival include how that thing accelerated and no doubt its newer sibling is even quicker off the mark. This, however, was not the first point we noted with the new LE. What impressed this time was its quiet running, smooth engine and easy-going nature. Brute by name but not by nature.

Although it is necessary, like so many belt drive CVT transmission ATVs, to have to dial in more engine revs than you would think necessary to get rolling, once on the move it is possible to just amble along at a low engine speed, this bruiser of an ATV feeling as docile as it comes with a delicate application of thumb throttle. Although the steering is heavier than models from Polaris or CanAm, the EPS electronic power steered Brute Force 750 is an easy to hustle around at all speeds, feeling perfectly happy from fast potter to nearly flat out. It may have a proven heritage but there is nothing old fashioned about how the Brute Force 750 goes and rides.

Display evolution in three pictures, the latest TFT on the left showing up well in bright sun but showing pretty much the same key data to include speed and engine temperature shown the LCD design fitted 20 years ago (right).

Thanks to its new bodywork and a colour display pinched from Kawasaki’s motorcycle division, this latest incarnation of the Brute Force seems a generation ahead of its predecessor but do not be fooled. The latest models are much the same as before. New details, such as the TFT dash display, is now easy to read in bright sun. It is a step forward but it still keeps to the baics, showing everything you need to know in the day to day running of the ATV but nothing extra. 

Move from the new body work, and more practical changes include a bar mounted LED headlight as well as really good LED driving lights and covered front and rear racks. The plastic covers now provide a flat load platform, sections of tube remaining exposed to provide lashing points. A range of KQR quick-release accessories will attach to these new racks too, but their 40kg and 80kg capacities front and rear are unchanged. Towing capacity remains at 567Kg too.

Standard Brute Force 750 has a grey-blue finish and does without handguards. All models get new LED lights to include one on the handlebars, something users will appreciate when travelling in the dark. That said, we found the body mounted lights do a good job of lighting the way ahead. With 55hp and 458Nm of torque on tap, the ATV runs out of traction long before you need more power when towing and it barely notices a light trailed load.
Around 20 years separates these two images, the handlebar and range selector controls having remained unchanged in all that time. Handguards are a standard fit on the LE model and the racks are now covered with a plastic platform.

Although Kawasaki has never quit the UK ATV market, it is the company’s Mule UTVs that seem to have been of more interest to ag buyers. No surprise perhaps with just a 750 ATV in the range. Up until now that is. We will have to wait and see what the new Brute Force 450 is like but, having been reacquainted with the 750, we can see why this model has retained its enduring appeal. The styling refresh of both standard and LE camo models bring it bang up to date in the looks department. 

It is also well up there when it comes to performance, but it will take restraint to keep fuel use down. During its time with us we did not do a fuel consumption test but we are familiar enough with the V-twin engine to know that it can drink heavily if you exploit the power on offer. In routine daily work, to include towing a load, the big engines lazy torque and high ratio gearing come into play. This ATV could prove far more economical than you might think, particularly if compared to a smaller capacity auto ATV that has to be worked a bit harder to do much the same job.

Kawasaki has long fitted a variable control for its front differential, pulling the yellow lever back adding an increased amount of locking (Left). It works well. Engine oil dip access is good (centre). The stubby selector makes swapping between high or low ratio and reverse easy (right). Note rubber net cubbies, these proving handy for stowage for a ‘phone, keys and other oddments. There is a small cubby under the front rack too.

With a starting price of £9,828, the Brute Force 750 ,or £10,528 as tested in camo finish LE form, is by no means cheap. Even more so when you look back to the £7,629 sticker price of its predecessor model back in 2018. But in these inflationary times, this powerful 750cc ATV is competitively priced. How it will compare to its smaller Brute Force 450 as a working tool we will have to wait and see, but for those in the market for a well-proven, powerful ATV the Brute Force 750 is well worth considering. The old wine in this new bottle has aged rather nicely.

James de Havilland

For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save.