KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450 4X4: FIRST RIDE

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450 4X4: FIRST RIDE

2025 KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450 4X4: FIRST RIDE

Work and play – we test Team Green’s new mid-size 4×4 ATV

By the staff of Dirt Wheels

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450
Our first ride occurred on the RFD-TV Ranch in Serafina, New Mexico, an excellent location to test the Brute Force 450’s utility and trail functions and use it in ranch work scenarios.

We first broke the news of a new mid-size Brute Force ATV early in 2024 at the Kawasaki Dealer Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. It surprised us then, as we were beginning to wonder if Team Green was slowly giving up on ATVs with the glaring mid-sized 4×4 hole in their fleet. Afterall, this is one of the most competitive and popular ATV segments with competing manufacturers.

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450
While other manufacturers place smaller displacement engines in a full-size chassis and call them mid-sized, Kawasaki’s Brute Force 450 is a smaller, lighter ATV that’s less intimidating to new riders.

Kawasaki used to be competitive in the mid-sized 4×4 four-wheeled arena, beginning with the air-cooled Bayou 300 4×4 in 1989, which had a dual-range 5-speed transmission and limited-slip front differential. 1993 saw the Bayou 400 4×4 with a liquid-cooled 391cc engine and full-time 4WD. In 1997, the Kawasaki Prairie 400 4×4 came into play, and a new millennium spawned 300, 360, and 650 class displacement choices for the Prairie and a 700 in 2004. In 2005, the Brute Force 4x4i took over with independent rear suspension upgrades in 650cc and 750cc displacements, eventually whittled down to just the Brute Force 750 4×4. While the entry-level Brute Force 300 remains in the lineup, it’s only available in 2WD with swingarm rear suspension.

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450
LED headlights and a directional LED pod light are perfect for late-night chores and trail rides. The lower grill panel can be removed for winch installation.

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450: RETURN OF THE MID-SIZE 4×4

Like the Brute Force 300 and KFX youth model ATVs, the Brute Force 450 4×4 is primarily manufactured in Taiwan by KYMCO. Functionally, it’s similar to KYMCO’s MXU 450i but with many changes from Kawasaki. It looks like a smaller version of the recently updated Brute Force 750 4×4 manufactured in Lincoln, Nebraska. Like the 750, the Brute Force 450 4×4 has the same new bodywork styling and LED headlights/directional pod light. KYMCO has a reliable track record in ATV manufacturing, having tested its models to the extreme in both the GNCC and SCORE Baja racing series. That said, we came to this press ride with a few negative preconceived notions – all quickly quashed.

While many competing manufacturers are installing smaller displacement engines in full-sized chassis and calling them mid-size, the Brute Force 450 4×4 has a smaller chassis design, making it lighter and less intimidating to new ATV riders. We had many ATV newbies with us on this first ride on ranch trails in Northern New Mexico, and all adapted quickly with satisfying grins and dirt on their faces. Those with plenty of ATV experience also found the Brute Force 450 4×4 packs more than enough excitement and some advanced features we don’t always see on an entry-level machine. We’ll get to that as you read on…

Despite its smaller stature, the ergonomics and suspension feel present a ride that’s comfortable all day for riders of all sizes and skill levels. The Brute Force 450 4×4 glided right over this section of embedded sandstone.

IS THE ENGINE POWERFUL?

The 443cc single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine produces over 32 horses and 24.3-foot pounds of torque. It’s fed with EFI via a 38mm throttle body. The throttle response is admirable at speed, but it is a little more sluggish off idle when trying to wheelie the front wheels over obstacles; however, we tested at nearly 7000 feet, so we’ll revisit acceleration tests under 2000 feet soon. That said, this is an entry-level 4×4 with very satisfying power that doesn’t warrant any complaints.

A CVT transmission with centrifugal clutch drives front and rear drive shafts. Gear selections include high and low range, neutral, and reverse. The shifter is gated but moves smoothly without any notchy feedback. An engine braking system (EBS) is standard and works well in high or low range, an asset to new riders looking for more confidence-inspiring control when descending steep hills or moving cargo.

A 4.2-gallon fuel tank was plenty for our long day of chore testing and trail exploration; we barely moved the digital fuel gauge from full.

We were pleasantly surprised by how well the independent rear suspension and 5-way preload-adjustable shocks worked at all speeds and over rougher terrain.

HOW CAPABLE IS IT IN 4WD?

2WD/4WD with “dual-mode front differential” means it has a standard selectable 2WD and 4WD that transfers power to the wheel getting traction, but 4WD can also be locked in true AWD for maximum traction. Locked 4WD isn’t typically a standard feature on the smaller mid-size base ATVs, so we’re glad to see it on the Brute. Remember that a locked differential will hamper steering on a machine not equipped with electronic power steering, and it is to be used sparingly when maximum traction is necessary. We hardly got a chance to use 4WD, much less locked 4WD, but look for us to focus heavily on more challenging terrain in our upcoming long-term test.

Without EPS, the Brute Force 450 4×4 takes a little extra muscle to turn under five mph, but it isn’t bad once you get rolling. It cornered just fine during our barrel racing competition.

HOW DOES IT RIDE?

We tend to expect stiffer suspension from a machine manufactured in Taiwan, but the Brute Force 450 4×4 surprised us with a plush and comfortable sweet spot that resists excessive body roll. Its 683-pound wet weight is lighter than average for this class, and its compact 44-inch width and 47.8-inch wheelbase are perfect for any rider looking for a machine that can swiftly wiggle through tighter trails. We could blaze around turns with the rear wheels spinning while retaining predictable cornering precision. In a straight line over moderately rugged terrain, the ride remained plush at any speed without kicking or deflection. Our trails also greeted us with loose and embedded rock sections that 9.3 inches of ground clearance handled without any teeth-jarring hits.

There are two hydraulic disc brakes up front and a single disc at the left rear wheel for optimal braking power. We liked the dual-hand brake controls, which provide more controlled braking on hills when the angle makes the foot pedal more difficult to engage.

The front and rear racks allow up to 225 combined pounds of cargo capacity and provide multiple anchor points for strapping down cargo. That’s plenty for a couple of hay bails and bags of grain.

WILL IT HELP ME WITH CHORES?

The front and rear racks can handle 225 pounds of cargo combined, which is plenty for ranch workers, hunters, and property owners. A two-inch receiver allows sharing the hitch from your tow vehicle, which will tow up to 1,050 pounds. In our long-term review, we’ll put it to a maximum test with our OXCART utility trailer. Its compact size makes storing in smaller hay barns and sheds easier. Kawasaki also offers a 2500-lb. WARN winch as an accessory, along with a wiring harness.

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450
Complete belly skid protection and a 2-inch receiver that can handle up to 1050 pounds of towing are standard. The HMW A-arm guard set, an optional accessory for front and rear arms, costs $139.95.

WHAT ABOUT PERSONAL STORAGE?

The right fender has an open pocket and a deep sport-drink holder. Under the seat, there’s over a gallon of storage space, consisting of a few cubbies and a large compartment with a lid. None of these compartments are completely sealed against water or dust, though. For future releases, we’d like to see more easily accessible sealed compartments for items like wallets, keys, and a spare pair of dry gloves.

A lockable differential isn’t something you always find on a smaller 4×4 ATV, but the Brute Force 450 4×4 has it. You can select between 2WD and standard 4WD on the fly, and locked 4WD will engage with a complete stop.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE COMPETITION?

The 2025 Kawasaki Brute Force 450 4×4 retails for $6,999 ($6,699 introductory until 12/31/2024).

The Honda Rancher 4×4 starts at $7249, but $8,999 if you want IRS.

The Yamaha Kodiak 450 is $6,399 with about six less horsepower, but you must step up to the EPS trim with power steering and aluminum wheels for $7,599 to get a locking front differential. However, you also get power steering with that upgrade.

The Suzuki KingQuad 400 ASi costs $6,999 but has a smaller air-cooled engine, no diff-lock, and a swingarm rear suspension.

The smallest Can-Am Outlander 500 with 4WD that isn’t manually lockable starts at $7,349.

The Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O., similarly equipped but without a locker, is $6,999.

Arctic Cat’s Alterra 450 is $6,999 without a diff-lock option.

And finally, CFMOTO’s heavier CFORCE 400 starts at $5,399 with similar features.

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450
The digital dash mounted in the LED pod light is on the smaller side, but we had no problems reading MPH, RPM, or fuel level while in motion.

WHAT ELSE DID YOU LIKE?

  • Two color choices – Grayish Blue or White
  • It should be reliable like its KYMCO counterpart
  • Engine and CVT air intakes are mounted just below the handlebars
  • A solid choice for new and novice riders, but fun for advanced skill sets
  • Standard steel footpegs offer excellent boot traction
  • 12V 10A 120W power port available for electrical accessories
  • General maintenance points are easy to access
  • Accessories for storage and utility functions are already available
  • Priced affordably
  • 12-month warranty with extended options

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?

  • No EPS option and steering is stiff when turning
  • No special edition models or options with EPS
  • Stock tire sidewalls are on the soft side and likely more prone to puncture
KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450
Kawasaki’s accessory store offers brush guards, cargo boxes, rack extenders, skid protection, WARN winches, snow plows, and more online.

VERDICT

The Brute Force 450 4×4 surprised us! It’s a fun, comfortable, and predictable trail machine for beginners while still packing enough excitement to keep experienced thrill seekers on their toes. It’s also worthy of accomplishing heavy tasks and chores. Whether you’re looking for your first ATV or need a machine that does it all without a jaw-dropping price tag, you won’t go wrong with this mid-size brawler. While our initial test was short and somewhat controlled, we can’t wait to get our long-term test unit in the shop to see how far it will go. We expect to be amazed!

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450 4×4 SPECS

Engine… 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled

Displacement… 443cc

Bore x Stroke… 89.0 x 71.2mm

Compression Ratio… 9.1:1

Maximum Torque… 24.3 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm

Fuel System… EFI 38mm throttle body

Ignition Digital… DC-CDI

Transmission… Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch H-L-N-R

Final Drive… On-demand 2WD/4WD with 4WD locked

Front Suspension… Dual A-arm, 7.6 in. travel

Rear Suspension… Dual A-arm, 7.9 in. travel

Front Tire… AT 24 x 8-12

Rear Tire… AT 24 x 10-12

Front Brakes… Dual 202mm discs

Rear Brakes… Single 202mm disc

Ground Clearance… 9.3 in

Starting System… Electric

Fuel Capacity… 4.2 gal.

Steering… Conventional tie-rod

Turning Radius 10.2 ft.

Towing Capacity… 1,050 lb. w/ 2-in. receiver

Rack Capacity Front/Rear… 75/150 lb.

Lighting LED headlights, LED handlebar mounted light, Halogen taillight

Frame Type… Double-cradle, high-tensile tubular steel

L/W/H… 80.1/43.7/46.7 in.

Seat Height… 34.6 in.

Curb Weight 683.4 lb.

Wheelbase 47.8 in.

Instruments… Speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, hour meter, trip meter, Differential Lock/4WD indicator, etc.

Color Choices… Grayish Blue or White

MSRP… $6,999 ($6,699 promotion through 12/31/2024)

The post KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 450 4X4: FIRST RIDE appeared first on Dirt Wheels Magazine.

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