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By Lance Schwartz
photos: Tom Simpson
video: Ron Henry / Jim Stack
test riders: Lance Schwartz and Jim Stack

On the left is Jim Stack's 650i, on the right is our 650 test quad. From the side the similarities between these inbred buddies is pretty apparent. Before we dive head first into this article, it's really important to clarify which Brute Force we’re talking about since Kawasaki currently produces three different models that share the same Brute Force title, the 650 4x4, 650 4x4i and the 750 4x4i.

The 650 4x4i and the 750 4x4i both have independent rear suspension, also known as IRS. The Brute Force 650 4x4, which is the particular Lime Green flavor of the Brute Force choice and the model that we are referring to in this ride test feature.

The rear end on this machine is identical to the old Prairie 650 and 700 models, and shares similarities with the KFX700. This tends to get a bit confusing for many folks, including those of us immersed in this industry. A good rule of thumb is, look for the “i” suffix when you are searching for an IRS model in the Kawasaki lineup. If there is no “i”, the machine comes equipped with a solid rear axle.

Déjà vu
The 2007 Kawasaki Brute Force 650 looks much sexier than its predecessor, the Kawasaki Prairie.When I first threw a leg over the 2007 Kawasaki Brute Force, I was overcome with déjà vu. It felt so familiar, I thought, “where have I ridden this quad before?” Then it hit me! This is a new and more attractive version of what may arguably be the most successful production 4x4 ever made. The Brute Force 650 is the now extinct Prairie’s sexier twin brother - sporting a more masculine appearance and a lower price tag than its DNA contributing Prairie brother.

Good news here, five years after the Prairie was introduced, this more attractive version is $400 less than the original Prairie 650’s price tag of $6999. Considering its big bore strength and genetic lineage, you can’t beat that MSRP of $6599 with a giant stick.

A front end comparison between ATV Scene’s Brute Force 650 4x4 and Team Kawasaki racer Jim Stack's Brute Force 650 4x4i shows they both have similar facial features.

Out back, the differences between the Brute Force 650 and 650i are much more apparent!