2006 ATV

2006 ATV
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2006 Kawasaki Brute Force 4x4i and Mule Diesel

Brute Force 650 4X4i | Mule 3010 4x4 Diesel

2006 Brute Force 650 4x4i
All-New Brute Force 650 4x4i
This economical new addition to the Kawasaki family of V-twin powered sport-utility all-terrain vehicles couples the luxurious ride inherent with front and rear independent suspension and the qualities of a durable and powerful 633cc engine.

Offering virtually the same power characteristics as the 750 4x4i, this new ATV entry will shine under the most grueling circumstances in both low-to-mid range rpm and high rpm ranges. The 90-degree, liquid-cooled four-stroke powerplant will be there to answer any needs posed by its target audience of adventure enthusiasts and sportsmen.

The engine features a bore and stroke of 80mm x 63mm, linerless aluminum cylinders based on its big brother’s, and an all-new lightweight crankshaft. Helping to lighten the load, engineers have used aluminum to replace steel in the construction of the front exhaust pipe cover, new two-piece center exhaust pipe cover, and the muffler cover. Transmission gears in the Brute Force 650 4x4i feature holes to lighten the overall weight and several other minor changes have been introduced to optimize the power-to-weight ratio.

A new chassis has a revised caster angle for the front A-arms—upper and lower—resulting in light and responsive steering as well as excellent ground-following abilities. Shock absorber spring rates and initial preload settings for both front and rear have been revised to improve ride comfort. Riding comfort was also considered when this unit was slated for a seat using a softer urethane foam cushion.

The Brute Force 650 4x4i transfers power from its V-twin engine to the wheels through a dual range continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring high, low, and reverse. The rider can select two or four-wheel drive by simply pressing a handlebar-mounted button

Stopping the 650 4x4i are dual 200mm front discs and an enclosed wet multi-plate rear brake system. Its towing capacity is a hefty 1,250 pounds, and it will carry a combined 264 pounds on its front and rear racks. It may be the slightly smaller one in Kawasaki’s stable of IRS-equipped ATVs, but it doesn’t sacrifice anything in the “looks” department. Designers gave the Brute Force 650 4x4i a rugged, take-on-anything, type of appearance with a new front guard design that will both attract onlookers and satisfy owners. It will come cloaked in either Woodsman Green, Aztec Red, or Realtree Hardwoods Green® HD™ camouflage.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90-degree, four-stroke V-twin
Valve system: SOHC, four valves per cylinder
Displacement : 633 cm³
Starting system: Electric & Recoil
Bore x stroke: 80 x 63mm
Compression ratio: 9.9:1
Lubrication: Forced lubrication, wet stump
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
Transmission: Dual range CVT with reverse
Final drive: 2WD / 4WD, shaft
Frame: Double-cradle, high-tensile tubular steel
Suspension, front/wheel travel : Double wishbone, 6.7 in.
Suspension, rear/wheel travel : Double wishbone, 7.9 in.
Tires, front : AT25 x 8-12
Tires, rear : AT25 x 10-12
Brakes, front: Dual 7.9 in discs with 2-piston calipers
Brakes, rear : Enclosed wet multi-plate
Overall length: 86.4 in.
Overall width : 46.3 in.
Overall height : 48.4 in.
Wheelbase : 50.4 in.
Ground clearance : 10.1 in.
Seat height : 35.7 in.
Rack capacity, front/rear : 88/176 lbs.
Towing capacity : 1,250 lbs.
Dry weight : 606 lbs.
Fuel capacity : 5.4 gal.
Instruments : Speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, hour meter, fuel gauge, 2x4/4x4 indicator, neutral indicator, reverse indicator, low fuel warning light, low oil warning light
Colors : Woodsman Green, Aztec Red, Realtree Hardwoods Green® HD™
MSRP (USA): $7,099-$7,499

Brute Force 650 4X4i | Mule 3010 4x4 Diesel

2006 MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL
KAWASAKI INTRODUCES THE MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4™ DIESEL
A year ago, Kawasaki introduced the first four-wheel drive off-road utility vehicle giving users the option of simply transforming it from a two-passenger unit to one that will carry four people, plus cargo. As successful as the MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4™ has been, the company’s dealer network suggested that a diesel version of this MULE model would quickly find a home amongst both personal and work-related users who needed the extra power and convenience of a diesel engine. It would also satisfy the farm and industrial situation where only diesel fuel is available. The 2006 model year 3010 line-up answers those requests, as Kawasaki brings a new flagship MULE to its growing utility vehicle product stable—the all-new MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL.

This off-road dynamo that features a fully automatic transmission with two or four-wheel drive options, takes only a few minutes to convert from a two to a four-person ride. While the cargo payload expands from 400 to 800 pounds in the two-person configuration, users have the ability to select between cargo and personnel carrying needs, depending on the specific job-at-hand.

This versatility, coupled with the legendary reputation of Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled, three cylinder diesel engine makes the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL a winner. The overhead valve design of the engine maximizes efficiency while the cast iron block and head ensure extra durability in all types of usage. Producing 38.3 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, this unit has low-end pulling power to spare for the most rigorous of needs.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a highlight of the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS), which helps keep engine rpm in the most efficient range for any selected vehicle speed, load, or terrain. Strength and durability are aided by large torque converters which maximize belt engagement area, improving heat dissipation, as well as the use of a thick, strong drive belt.

Features of the KAPS are:
- Tuned specifically to accommodate higher payloads.
- Open sided drive pulley cools better for longer belt life.
- Adjustable belt deflection.
- The CVT yields a wide drive ratio spread for ample pulling power and quick acceleration.
- Sheaves with high silicon-type material adding to this unit’s increased durability.
- A high-flow cover helps cool the CVT while providing superb splash protection and water-proofing.

The MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL also features a torque converter air filter that uses an efficient intake cooling fan to draw sufficient air into the CVT. Wear is reduced by cooling the converter with filtered air, courtesy of special air cleaner that uses an easily replaceable filter element.

The engine air cleaner is a cyclone-type Donaldson unit with a replaceable paper element. This design is effective and needs less frequent cleaning, even through repeated MULE utility vehicle use in extremely dusty off-road conditions. The MULE is equipped with a gauge that indicates when the filter should be changed.

Keeping the filter lasting longer—especially in the rugged conditions for which this Kawasaki was built—engine air and converter cooling air are drawn from the top of the cab frame, where there’s less dust. This makes for cleaner operating conditions, as well as a longer-lasting filter.

This MULE also lists among its many attributes a dual-mode differential, limited slip front differential, two-speed transfer case for the four-wheel drive, rack and pinion steering, independent strut-type front suspension, DeDion rear suspension, and four-wheel, self-adjusting sealed hydraulic drum brakes.

An improved ride—in conditions that oftentimes cry out for comfort—comes courtesy of the 23-inch tires with stiff sidewalls, improving both off-road travails and providing added ground clearance. The rear wheel bearings use two rollers in one large bearing, providing added durability.

Kawasaki takes pride in owner usability attached to all of its products, and this newest MULE model is no exception. The simple, easy to operate controls for the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL are all dash-mounted. In addition to the shift mechanism, they include a horn and 12-volt DC outlet with 10-amp capacity, a speedometer, and hour meter. A parking brake and coolant temperature warning light are in plain view, and the MULE has a sealed glove box, plus an open dashboard storage area.

Winch mounts are standard on the frame of this all-purpose UV, and users will be able to find their way in all kinds of lighting conditions by using the 35-watt, cat-eye headlights that are activated by the push of a simple dash-mounted button. If the earlier versions of Kawasaki’s MULE family have proven to be a huge success for the company, there is little doubt that this newest addition will also set a new bar for an as-yet-untapped part of the ever-expanding market for these vehicles.
Expected arrival: June 2006
MSRP (USA): $9,999

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