2005 Buyer's Guide: Kawasaki

Kawasaki

Kawasaki is bringing out the big guns, beginning with the Brute Force 750 4x4 and continuing with the release of the Brute Force 650 4x4 (formerly known as the old-school Prairie 650). The 700 Prairie has also received a boost with the introduction of fuel injection (the carb version is also still available). Interestingly, both the Bayou 300 2x4 and 4x4 have been discontinued, as has the long-in-the-tooth Mojave 250.

Kawasaki
Brute Force 750 4x4i

Retail price: $7599; Camo, $7899
Engine
Type: V-twin, four-stroke SOHC
Displacement: 749cc
Bore x stroke: 85x66mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Dual Keihin CVKR 34mm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Oil capacity: 2.7 qt
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4/4x4
Transmission: Automatic CVT with high/low range, reverse, Engine-braking, diff-lock
Front-wheel-drive: Shaft
Rear-wheel-drive: Shaft
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Dual A-arms/6.7 in.
Rear: Dual A-arms/7.9 in.
Tires
Front: 25x8-12
Rear: 25x10-12
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear: Sealed multiplate disc
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.5 in.
Claimed dry weight: 604 lb
Ground clearance: 10.6 in.
Length/width/height: 86.3/46.3/49.2 in.
Seat height: 36.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: 88/176 lb
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: 88/1250 lb
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 45-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: Cigarette-style at base of handlebar, trailer-type connector at rear
Alternator: 14 volts @ 6000 rpm
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: Yes
Speedometer: Yes
Odometer: Yes
Hourmeter: Yes, plus clock
Tripmeter: Yes, dual
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: Yes
Colors: Hunter green, Aztec red, Desert yellow, Realtree Hardwoods Green HD Camouflage

Kawasaki
Prairie 700 4x4

Retail price: $7099; Camo, $7399; Team Green Special Edition (shown), $7399
Engine
Type: V-twin, four-stroke SOHC
Displacement: 697cc
Bore x stroke: 82x66mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Dual Keihin CVKR 32mm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Oil capacity: 2.2 qt
Starting: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4/4x4
Transmission: Automatic CVT with high/low range, reverse, Engine-braking, diff-lock
Front-wheel-drive: Shaft
Rear-wheel-drive: Shaft
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: MacPherson strut/6.7 in.
Rear: Swingarm/7.2 in.
Tires
Front: 25x8-12
Rear: 25x10-12
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear: Sealed multiplate disc
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.8 in.
Claimed dry weight: 602 lb
Ground clearance: 7.6 in. (9.5 in. at center of chassis)
Length/width/height: 86.2/46.5/46.3 in.
Seat height: 34.3 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: 88/176 lb
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: 88/1250 lb
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 45-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: Cigarette-style at base of handlebar, trailer-type connector at rear
Alternator: 14 volts @ 6000 rpm
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: Yes
Speedometer: Yes
Odometer: Yes
Hourmeter: Yes, plus clock
Tripmeter: Yes, dual
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: Yes
Colors: Hunter green, Aztec red, Realtree Hardwoods Green HD Camouflage, Lime green (Team Green Special Edition)

Kawasaki
Brute Force 650 4x4

Retail price: $6599; Camo, $6899
Engine
Type: V-twin, four-stroke, four-valve SOHC
Displacement: 633cc
Bore x stroke: 80x63mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Dual Keihin CVKR 32mm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Oil capacity: 2.2 qt
Starting: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4/4x4
Transmission: Automatic CVT with high/low range, reverse, Engine-braking, diff-lock
Front-wheel-drive: Shaft
Rear-wheel-drive: Shaft
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: MacPherson strut/6.7 in.
Rear: Swingarm/7.2 in.
Tires
Front: 25x8-12
Rear: 25x10-12
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear: Sealed multiplate disc
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.8 in.
Claimed dry weight: NA
Ground clearance: 7.6 in. (9.5 in. at center of chassis)
Length/width/height: 86.2/46.5/46.3 in.
Seat height: 34.3 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: 88/176 lb
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: 88/1250 lb
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 45-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: Cigarette-style at base of handlebar, trailer-type connector at rear
Alternator: 14 volts @ 6000 rpm
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: Yes
Speedometer: Yes
Odometer: Yes
Hourmeter: Yes, plus clock
Tripmeter: Yes, dual
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: Yes
Colors: Aztec red, Woodsman green, Realtree Hardwoods Green HD Camouflage

Kawasaki
Prairie 360 2x4 & 4x4

Retail price: 2x4, $4599; 4x4 (shown), $5199; Camo, $5499
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder, four-stroke SOHC
Displacement: 362cc
Bore x stroke: 80x72mm
Cooling: Air-cooled
Carburetion: Keihin CVK 34mm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Oil capacity: 2.4 qt
Starting: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4 & 2x4/4x4
Transmission: Automatic CVT with high/low range, reverse, Engine-braking, diff-lock (4x4 only)
Front-wheel-drive: NA/Shaft
Rear-wheel-drive: Shaft
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: MacPherson strut/6.7 in.
Rear: Swingarm/7.1 in.
Tires
Front: 25x8-12
Rear: 25x10-12
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear: Sealed disc
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 49.2 in.
Claimed dry weight: 584 lb; 604 lb
Ground clearance: 7.6 in.; 7.7 in. (10.2 in.; 9.8 in. at center of chassis)
Length/width/height: 81.3/47.4/46.3 in.
Seat height: 35.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 3.6 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: 88/154 lb
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: 88/1100 lb
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 30-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: Cigarette-style at base of handlebar, trailer-type connector at rear
Alternator: 350 watts @ 6000 rpm (14 volts @ 8000 rpm)
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: Yes
Speedometer: NA
Odometer: NA
Hourmeter: NA
Tripmeter: NA
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: Yes
Colors: Hunter green, Aztec red, Realtree Hardwoods Green HD Camouflage (4x4 only)

Kawasaki
Bayou 250

Retail price: $2999
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 228cc
Bore x stroke: 69x61mm
Cooling: Air-cooled
Carburetion: Mikuni VM 24mm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Oil capacity: 2.1 qt
Starting: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4
Transmission: 5-speed auto clutch with reverse
Front-wheel-drive: NA
Rear-wheel-drive: Shaft
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Single A-arm/4.5 in.
Rear: Swingarm, semi-independent/4.9 in.
Tires
Front: 21x8-9
Rear: 22x10-10
Brakes
Front: Dual drums
Rear: Drum
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 43.9 in.
Claimed dry weight: 404 lb
Ground clearance: 6.1 in.
Length/width/height: 70.1/40.2/40.9 in.
Seat height: 28.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: 44/66 lb
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: Optional, 30/450 lb
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 25-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: Auxiliary lighting terminals inside front cover, auxiliary Electrical accessory terminals under seat
Alternator: 182 watts (14 volts @ 8000 rpm)
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: Yes
Speedometer: NA
Odometer: NA
Hourmeter: NA
Tripmeter: NA
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: NA
Colors: Hunter green, Aztec red

Kawasaki
KFX700 & KFX700IG

Retail price: $6499; Lava red (shown) and Molten silver, $6799
Engine
Type: V-twin, four-stroke SOHC
Displacement: 697cc
Bore x stroke: 82x66mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Dual Keihin CVKR 32mm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Oil capacity: 2.2 qt
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4
Transmission: Automatic CVT with reverse
Front-wheel-drive: NA
Rear-wheel-drive: Shaft
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Dual A-arms/9.3 in.
Rear: Linkless swingarm/7.9 in.
Tires
Front: 22x7-10
Rear: 22x11-10
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear: Sealed disc
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.6 in.
Claimed dry weight: 516 lb
Ground clearance: 6.3 in.
Length/width/height: 78.1/47.0/46.1 in.
Seat height: 33.5 in.
Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: NA
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: NA
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 45-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: NA
Alternator: 14 volts @ 8000 rpm
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: NA
Speedometer: NA
Odometer: NA
Hourmeter: NA
Tripmeter: NA
High beam indicator: Yes
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: NA
Colors: Kawasaki Lime green, Blazing orange, Lava red, Molten silver

Kawasaki
KFX400

Retail price: $5799
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder, four-stroke DOHC
Displacement: 398cc
Bore x stroke: 90x62.2mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Mikuni BSR 37mm
Lubrication: Dry sump
Oil capacity: 2.3 qt
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4
Transmission: 5-speed manual with reverse
Front-wheel-drive: NA
Rear-wheel-drive: Chain
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Dual A-arms/8.5 in.
Rear: Swingarm/9.1 in.
Tires
Front: 22x7-10
Rear: 20x10-9
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear: Disc
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 49.0 in.
Claimed dry weight: 373 lb
Ground clearance: 10.4 in.
Length/width/height: 72.0/45.9/45.7 in.
Seat height: 31.9 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: NA
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: NA
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Dual 30-watt high/low beam
DC Outlet: NA
Alternator: 175 watts
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: NA
Speedometer: NA
Odometer: NA
Hourmeter: NA
Tripmeter: NA
High beam indicator: Yes
Neutral/reverse light: Yes
High-temperature light: NA
Colors: Kawasaki Lime green, Blazing orange

Kawasaki
KFX80

Retail price: $2349
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder two-stroke
Displacement: 82.5cc
Bore x stroke: 50x42mm
Cooling: Air-cooled
Carburetion: Mikuni VM 16mm
Lubrication: Oil injection
Oil capacity: 1.3 qt
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4
Transmission: Automatic CVT
Front-wheel-drive: NA
Rear-wheel-drive: Chain
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Single A-arm/2.0 in.
Rear: Swingarm/2.3 in.
Tires
Front: 19x7-8
Rear: 19x7-8
Brakes
Front: Dual drums
Rear: Drum
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 37.0 in.
Claimed dry weight: 220 lb
Ground clearance: 4.3 in.
Length/width/height: 55.9/31.7/34.3 in.
Seat height: 25.4 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.6 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: NA
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: NA
Electrical
Taillight: NA
Headlight: NA
DC Outlet: NA
Alternator: NA
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: NA
Speedometer: NA
Odometer: NA
Hourmeter: NA
Tripmeter: NA
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: NA
High-temperature light: NA
Color: Kawasaki Lime green

Kawasaki
KFX50

Retail price: $1849
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder two-stroke
Displacement: 49cc
Bore x stroke: 41x37.8mm
Cooling: Air-cooled
Carburetion: Mikuni VM 12mm
Lubrication: Oil injection
Oil capacity: 0.5 qt
Starting: Recoil
Drivetrain
Drive system: 2x4
Transmission: 1-speed automatic CVT
Front-wheel-drive: NA
Rear-wheel-drive: Chain
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Single A-arm/2.0 in.
Rear: Swingarm/2.0 in.
Tires
Front: 16x8-7
Rear: 16x8-7
Brakes
Front: Dual mechanical drums
Rear: Mechanical drum
Parking: Yes
Dimensions
Wheelbase: NA
Claimed dry weight: 156 lb
Ground clearance: 4.7 in.
Length/width/height: 49.6/29.9/29.3 in.
Seat height: 21.1 in.
Fuel capacity: 0.7 gal.
Load Capacity
Front/rear rack capacity: NA
Hitch tongue/Towing capacity: NA
Electrical
Taillight: NA
Headlight: NA
DC Outlet: NA
Alternator: NA
Instrumentation
Fuel gauge: NA
Speedometer: NA
Odometer: NA
Hourmeter: NA
Tripmeter: NA
High beam indicator: NA
Neutral/reverse light: NA
High-temperature light: NA
Color: Kawasaki Lime green