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2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 300
MSRP: $4,249
Final Thoughts + 2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 300 at a Glance
Americans often get stuck in the mindset that bigger always equals better. If there’s any doubt in the accuracy of that statement, one trip through a drive-through burger joint will set you straight. But size doesn’t always play a factor when it comes to ATVs; take for example, Kawasaki’s Brute Force 300.
This small yet sporty and reliable ATV has plenty of power to do work around the farm, drag deer out of the woods, or keep avid off-road enthusiasts entertained. Throttle-junkies like myself will enjoy the Brute Force 300’s ability to be ridden aggressively. It has great handling–the quality that impressed me the most–and can be easily wheeled through tight trails.
The Brute Force 300 is powered by a 271cc liquid-cooled four-stroke powerplant. The lack of fuel-injection helps keep the price down, but it will require a little more effort to fire the engine in cold weather or high elevations.
The CVT transmission does an excellent job of efficiently and quietly putting power to the ground through the shaft driven rear swing arm. Triple disc brakes handle stopping duties on the Brute Force 300. They delivered impressive performance even after repeated dunks in a sloppy mud bath. I also liked the quick and easy-to-use lever operated parking brake located on the handlebars. My only criticism is the lack of an optional four wheel drive.
Generous sized front and rear racks, integrated storage bins, and a standard hitch with a 500-pound towing capacity help to ensure the Brute Force 300 won’t be underworked. The aggressive looking plastic bodywork purposely mimics the lines of the larger Brute Force 750, giving the Brute Force 300 immediate brand recognition.
Kawasaki introduced the Brute Force 300 in 2012 as a brand new model. It returned rave reviews from magazine editors and consumers alike.
Final Thoughts:
The Kawasaki Brute Force 300 is the perfect example of an ATV that is inexpensive–not cheap. With the price of many new ATVs hovering around the $10,000 mark, the Brute Force 300 allows newcomers to get into the sport without putting in a massive investment or needing to settle for some off-brand Chinese manufacturer that builds garbage. This is a fine machine for consumers looking for a small, sporty utility ATV that is equally adept at both work and play.
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2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 300 at a Glance
HITS**
– Liquid-cooled 271cc single cylinder four-stroke engine has decent power for such a small displacement.
– CVT is smooth and delivers power efficiently to drive the rear wheels.
– One of the least expensive new ATVs on the market that’s infinitely better than the off-brand junk in the same price range.
– 500-pound towing capacity.
– Mimics the rugged good looks of the larger Kawasaki Brute Force 750.
– Narrow, lightweight chassis makes this a great starter machine for beginners.
MISSES
– Lack of electronic fuel injection will make starting in cold weather more difficult.
– No 4×4 option available.