They say good things come in small packages. And in the case of Kawasaki’s all-new Brute Force^® 300 sport utility ATV, that cliché rings true.

Replacing the venerable Bayou^® 250 in Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed ATV lineup, the Brute Force 300 offers wide-ranging utility and sporting capability in a surprisingly affordable package. Here’s an all-around ATV that’s not only loads of fun to ride, but also delivers a high degree of work ethic and everyday versatility, whether you’re fence-fixing on the farm, plowing snow or trail-hopping with the family.

The versatility begins with an advanced, liquid-cooled, 271cc SOHC, four-stroke engine designed to pump out gobs of low- and mid-range torque – the sort of power that’s easy to use and plenty satisfying. Just push the throttle lever and away you go; no muss, no fuss.

Primary braking power comes from hydraulically activated triple disc brakes, one disc for each front wheel and a third fitted to the rear axle. All three 180mm discs are squeezed by single-piston calipers controlled by a pair of handlebar levers. Braking and acceleration traction is provided by grippy Maxxis tires jointly developed by Kawasaki and Maxxis for maximum traction, balanced handling and optimal wear characteristics.

Much of this balanced handling comes via the Brute Force 300’s double wishbone suspension setup with 5-way adjustable shocks up front and a similarly adjustable damper working through a swingarm in back. Optimized damping and spring rates result in a comfortable ride in a wide range of conditions, while one of the widest tracks in its class results in capable steering and confidence inspiring handling.

But what brings all this modern technology together is the Brute Force 300’s rugged, big-ATV styling, which was modeled after its larger Brute Force siblings. Whether you call it a family resemblance or sibling rivalry, the result is plenty impressive, with tall, beefy fenders that offer superb protection from mud and debris, and angular styling that looks both modern and aggressive.

Cockpit accommodations are generous and comfortable, with a wide handlebar for easy turning and enough room for larger riders. Grip weights help reduce engine vibration, while the half-waffle grips offer enhanced comfort even after hours in the saddle. And that saddle, by the way, sports super-thick cushioning – just the thing when you want to ride for a good long time.

The Brute Force 300 sports many other features, including a digital instrument pod showing all manner of useful information, a handy DC electrical socket, a gate-style shifter and a handy parking brake. There’s tons of overall carrying capacity, too, with dual rack carriers (44 pounds of capacity up front and 66 pounds in back) and a pair of handy compartments, one up front and another built into the right fender. Towing capacity is a surprisingly capable 500 pounds, and there’s even space and a mounting bracket behind the front grille for a Warn^® winch. An electric push-button starter with a backup recoil unit offers maximum starting convienience, while the footpeg/floorboard design does double duty, offering riders plenty of room for their feet and helping increase the 300’s mud resistance when the going gets sloppy. Finally, a 3.2-gallon fuel tank means this stellar combination of fun and utility will last a good long time between fill-ups.

All in all, you won’t find a better outfitted ATV in the entry-level class. It may not be an open-class ATV, but there’s plenty of guts and ability to tackle just about any task or riding situation. See? Good things do come in small packages.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly and to respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,350 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC's Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.^™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

2012 Kawasaki Brute Force^® 300

Features and Benefits

Key Features

–         Liquid-cooled 271cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine offers substantial power and torque, especially at lower rpm levels thanks to optimized engine tuning

–         Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with centrifugal clutch offers easy control and a high potential for sporty fun

–         ‘Big-ATV’ styling reflects that of Kawasaki’s flagship ATV – the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS

–         Carry racks in front and back hold 44 and 66 pounds, respectively

–         Digital instrumentation is easy to read and offers a wide range of on-the-go info

–         Heavy-duty steel-tube frame offers significant durability and competent handling characteristics

–         Triple-disc brakes are easy to service and offer great power and feel at the levers

–         Sturdy off-road tires developed jointly by Maxxis and Kawasaki offer an ideal combination of grip and durability

Four-stroke Liquid-cooled Engine

–         Liquid-cooled 271cc four-stroke engine is designed for smooth power and optimum longevity

–         SOHC engine is dimensionally arranged and tuned for an emphasis on low-end and mid-range power, the rpm range in which it will be used most. This power delivery makes the unit easier to control and ideal for utility and sporting roles

–         Engine produces 20-plus horsepower and substantial torque, which ups the sporting and hauling quotients considerably

–         Kawasaki Secondary Air system helps minimize emissions, allowing the Brute Force 300 to clear strict EPA and CARB standards

–         Polished balancer gear teeth result in precise gear meshing, which contributes to low engine noise

–         Air-cleaner duct opening is located high on the chassis, under the handle cover, which helps prevent water, mud, etc. from getting in

CVT and Centrifugal Clutch

–         System offers an ideal combination of riding ease and control, especially for first-time ATV riders

–         This CVT is based on the same general design used on our flagship ATV – the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS

–         Transmission and belt converter ratios were selected for optimum power delivery and the speed range appropriate for a smaller-displacement ATV

–         Ratios provide the ideal amount of engine braking for this class of machine, which makes riding the Brute Force 300 easier in tricky situations

–         High-strength CVT belt provides a large degree of durability and longevity

–         Bevel gear surfaces benefit from a carbon-nitriding process (and shot-peening treatment) for maximum durability and longevity

–         The CVT intake duct is located high on the chassis (under the tail) which helps prevent mud and water getting in

–         Handy reverse gear makes slow-speed maneuvering easy

Sporty Yet Durable Chassis

–         Steel-tube frame is lightweight and durable, and will withstand a pounding for years of utility or sporty riding

–         Chassis hallmarks include excellent handling and straight-line stability, capable cornering characteristics via the wide track, and minimal bump-steer

–         Long A-arms and rear axle give the Brute Force 300 one of the widest tracks in its class, which contributes to its ride comfort and exemplary handling manners

–         Front track width is 850mm, while the rear track width is 830mm

–         Front-to-rear chassis balance is optimized for stable cornering and maximum controllability

–         Steering geometry and front and rear suspension settings have been coordinated and optimized for ideal balance, control and stability

–         Optimized chassis tuning also contributes to light handling manners at slower speeds, where this unit will spend much of its time

Bodywork and ‘Big ATV’ Styling

–         The Brute Force 300’s durable bodywork was styled after that of Kawasaki’s larger, category-leading Brute Force siblings

–         Flush surface fit between the tank, seat and body panels contributes to comfort while aboard as well as a high-quality finish

–         Large-volume bodywork (especially the fenders) gives the Brute Force 300 the size of an ATV one class larger, which adds value

Triple Disc Brakes

–         Dual 180mm hydraulically activated disc brakes with single-piston calipers provide front wheels with prodigious stopping power

–         A third 180mm disc with a similar caliper is featured in back

–   A cable-operated parking brake system is also included for extra security when necessary

–   Optimized master cylinder ratios offer riders an ideal braking balance between front and rear brakes

Grippy and Durable Off-road Tires

–         These traction-maximized tires were developed jointly between Maxxis and Kawasaki

–         Featuring optimized off-road grip and durability, these tires offer a blend of performance that’s hard to beat

Carrying and Towing Performance

–         Equipped with robust carrying racks front and rear, the Brute Force 300 can carry 44 pounds of gear up front and 66 pounds in back

–         Towing capacity is a substantial 500 pounds

–         Behind the front grill is space (and a mounting bracket) for a Warn^® winch, which greatly improves the unit’s utility and safety

Convenient Storage

–         Front storage compartment is large enough to hold four 16.9-oz. bottles – more than the Brute Force 750 4x4’s front compartment

–         A side pocket built into the right fender offers additional storage for smaller items

Digital Instrumentation

–         Quality digital instrumentation console is ideally positioned and easy to read

–         Features include: Speedometer, trip meter, fuel and temperature gauges, clock, and neutral/reverse/high-beam indicators

Mud Resistance

–         The Brute Force 300 features a combination of footpegs and floorboards. The height difference between them is minimized to ensure rider comfort and greater freedom for foot placement

–         The floorboards contribute to mud protection, while the holes in the floorboards are just large enough to prevent mud being trapped beneath the rider’s feet

–         Small flaps on the front fenders, near the front of the floorboards, further protect the rider from mud and debris

–         Front inner fenders help prevent mud from entering and clogging the engine compartment

Other Features

–         3.2-gallon fuel tank and meager fuel consumption give the Brute Force 300 substantial range

–         A DC socket located conveniently on the left side of the handle cover provides quick and easy power for accessories

–         Cable-operated parking brake mechanically activates the rear brake without utilizing the braking system’s hydraulics

–         Thick, cushioned seat offers a high degree of riding comfort