Kawasaki Brute Force (Owners Manual) Safety

8/6/2019 Kawasaki Brute Force (Owners Manual) Safety

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SAFE OPERATION 83SAFE OPERATION

Knowing and following these rules for safe ridingwill increase your enjoyment of your new KawasakiATV and help prevent serious injury or death. Referalso to the page in front of "Foreword" for "Safe Rid-ing Information."Read the Owner's Manual

Read and understand this Owner's Manual, andcarry it with you when you ride. This is especiallyimportant for younger riders and beginners. Referto this Owner's Manual if you have any questions.

Obey Local LawsKnow and obey all laws and regulations governingthe use of off-road vehicles in your riding area Re-spect private property; do not ride there without theexpress written permission of the owner. Always tryto preserve nature and the environment.


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84 SAFE OPERATION

Adult SupervisionThis vehicle is not a toy. It is an off-road motorvehicle. Use by children under 16 years of age is

not recommended.

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Youths starting at age 16 should have adult super-vision even after they attend a rider training course.Parents must ensure that their child has the skills,abilities and judgement required to operate the ATVsafely.Youngsters must continue to develop their ridingskills and use proper riding techniques. Parentsneed to monitor their child's progress and make cer-tain their child avoids unsafe situations.Always equip your child with proper protectivegear. It is important that your child rides an appro-priate sized ATV. Never put your child on a vehicle

that requires them to reach to put their feet onthe footboards and their hands on the handlebars.Study this manual with your child to be sure heor she fully understands all of the special safetyinstructions.

A . WARNINGHAZARDFailure to follow the age recommendationsfor this ATV.Failure to supervise children 16 years of ageand older.WHAT CAN HAPPENUse ofthis ATV by children under 16 years ofage can lead to severe injury or death of thechild.Even though a child may be within the agegroup for which this ATV is recommended,he or she may not have the skills, abilities, orjudgement needed to operate the ATV safelyand may be involved in a serious accident.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDA child under 16 should never operate thisATV. Youths starting at age 16 should haveadult supervision even after they attend arider training course.Never allow continued use of this ATV by achild if he or she does not have the abilitiesand maturity to operate it safely.


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Beginning RidersBeginning riders should practice braking and turn-ing' in an open, off-road area away from other rld.ers.

The terrain should be flat and free of obstacles with aloose or hard dirt surface, but not a mixture of both.Do not ride on pavement. ATV's are designed foroff-road use only.

SAFE OPERATION 85A . WARNING

HAZARDOperating this ATV without properinstruc-tion.WHAT CAN HAPPENThe risk of an accident is greatly increased ifthe operator does not know how to operatethe ATV properly in di.fferent situations andon different types of terrain.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDBeginning and inexperienced operatorsshould complete a certified training courseoffered by The ATV Safety Institute (ASI)..They should then regularly practice theskills learned in the course and the oper-ating techniques described in the Owner'sManual.For more information about the trainingcourse, contact an authorized ATV dealer orcall:1-800-887 -2887.


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86 SAFE OPERATIONA WARNING

WARNINGS indicate a potential hazardthat could result in personal injury ordeath.

OffRoad Use OnlyThis vehicle is designed for off-road use only. Op-eration on public streets, roads, and highways is notrecommended and is not safe.ATV tires are not designed to operate on paved orconcrete surfaces. The tires will not slip as neces-sary which may seriously affect control of the vehi-

cle.

A WARNINGHAZARDOperating this ATV on paved surfaces, in-cluding sidewalks, paths. parking lots, drive-ways, and streets.WHAT CAN HAPPENATV tires are designed for off-road use.Paved surfaces may seriously affect han-dling and control of the ATV, and may causethe vehicle to go out of control.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDAvoid operating the ATV on pavement when-ever possible. If you must ride on a pavedsurface, go slowly and do not make suddenturns or stops.

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By operating on a public road you take the risk thatyou could collide with another vehicle. Also, in manystates use on public streets is illegal.A WARNINGHAZARDOperating this ATV on public streets, roadsor highways.WHAT CAN HAPPENYou can collide with another vehicle,HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever operate this ATV on any public street,road or highway, even a dirt or gravel one.In many states it is illegal to operate ATVs onpubic streets, roads and highways.

SAFE OPERATION 87. ~:--

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88 SAFE OPERATION

Dress ProperryAlways wear an approved helmet, eye protec-tion, and protective clothing. The proper clothing

can make riding more comfortable and reduce thechance of injury If you take a spill. Long pants willalso protect your legs from the hot exhaust system.

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A WARNINGHAZARDOperating this ATV without wearing an ap-proved motorcycle helmet, eye protectionand protective clothing.WHAT CAN HAPPENOperating without an approved motorcyclehelmet increases your chances of a severehead injury or death in the event of an acci-dent.Operating without eye protection can resultin an accident and increases your chancesof a severe injury in the event of an accident.Operating without protective clothing in-creases your chances of severe injury in theevent of an accident.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways wear an approved motorcycle helmetthat fits property.You should also wear:eye protection (goggles or face shield)glovesbootslong-sleeved shirt or jacketlong pants


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Operator OnlyThis vehicle is designed to carry only the operator .. t does not have a seat strap, passenger's grab rail,

?uaI seat, or footpegs fo r a passe nge r. The Ion9 seatis needed fo r the operator to maintai n veh iele controlby shifti.ng his or her body weight. A passenger inter-feres with the operator's ability to control the vehiclewhich can cause harm to the operator. Also, a pas-senger will impair the steering response of the vehi-cle by shifting wei~ht from the front wheels, causingloss of control which may cause an accident. Andwithout secure seating, a passenger may lose his orher balance and falloff the vehicle. Never carry apassenger. Never ride as a passenger.

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SAFE. OPERATION 89A WARNING

HAZARDCarrying; a passenger on this ATV.WHAT CAN HAPPE.NPassengers affect balance and steering andincrease risk of losing controlCarrying a passenger could cause an acei-dent, resulting in harm to you andlor yourpassenger.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever carry a passenger. The long seat is toaIlow the operata r to shift pos ilion as neededduring operation, It is not for carrying pas-sengers.


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90 SAFE OPERATION

Ride Carefully and with GoodJudgementWe want you to enjoy your riding experiences, so

ride carefully and safely. Exercise good judgement.Avoid wheelies and jumps. Also, don't ride at exces-sive speeds, too fast for conditions, or faster thanyour skill level. Riding too fasl and trying unsafestunts can cause you to lose control of the vehicleand have an accident. Practice basic maneuvers soyou can ride confidently and safely.

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A WARNING .HAZARDAttempting wheelies, jumps, and otherstunts.WHAT CAN HAPPENIncreases the chance of an accident, includ-ing an overturn.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever attempt stunts, such as wheelies orjumps. Don't try to show off.

A WARNINGHAZARDOperating this ATV at excessive speeds.WHAT CAN HAPPENIncreases your chances of losing control ofthe ATV, which can result in an accident.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways go at a speed that is proper for theterrain, visibility and operating conditions,and your experience.


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AWARNINGWARNINGS indicate a potential hazardthat could result in personal injury ordeath.Never Drink and Drive

Alcohol and drugs impair your judgement and slowyour reactions. Even drugs prescribed by a physi-dan can be dangerous. Check with your doctor.A WARNING

HAZARDOperating this ATV after consuming alcoholor drugs.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould seriously affect your judgement.Could cause you to react more slowly ..Could affect your balance and perception.Could result in an accident.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDNever consume alcohol or drugs before orwhile driving this ATV.

SAFE OPERATION 91

Keep Your Feet on the Footboards andHands on the HandlebarsAlways ride with your feet on the footboards. If

yourfeet touch the ground while you are moving, youcould be injured. It is possible to have the rear wheelrun over your foot.If you have a lot of motorcycle experience, yournatural reaction to the vehicle tipping or skiddingmay be to put a foot down. This is a reaction youmust "unlearn",Also, removing your feet from the footboards andremoving your hands from the handlebars can causeyou to lose your balance and faU off the ATV.Keepyour hands and feet on the ATV always.

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92 SAFE OPERATION. A . WARNINGHAZARDRemoving hands from handlebars or feetfrom footboards during operation.WHAT CAN HAPPENRemoving even one hand or foot can reduceyour ability to control the ATV or could causeyou to lose your balance and fall off of theATV. If you remove a foot from a footboard,your foot or leg may come into contact withthe rear wheels, which could injure you orcause an accident.

HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways keep both hands on the handlebarsand both feet on the footboards of your ATVduring operation.

Before Starting the EngineThree "musts" before starting the engine are:1) Set the parking brake,

2) Put the transmission in neutral,NOTEo The engine can be started in any shift position ifthe brake is applied. However, it is recommendedto shift into neutral before starting the engine.3) Check the throttle for proper operation. It shou Idsnap closed when released with the handlebarsin any position.


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94 SAFE OPERATION

loading Your ATVNever ride with passengers on the carriers. Thisvehicle is not designed for carrying passengers on

the carriers.Make sure all cargo is securely attached. Don'tcarry heavy or bulky items that exceed the cargomaximum load capacity or that may interfere withyour ATV handlebars movement.Also, don't overload your ATVDo not allow cargo to extend beyond the edges ofthe carries.Maximum Load

80 kg (176 Ib)Front 40 kg (88 Ib)RearVehicle Maximum LoadWeight of rider and cargo must not exceed215 kg (474 lb),

Try to maintain front to rear balance by carryingtwice as much weight on the rear carrier as on thefront carrier.Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pulling atrailer and allow for more braking distance.Be sure to attach a trailerto the trai ler hitch bracket(optional part) only. Don't attach a trailer to any otherlocation than the bracket. Also, don't overload atrailer.

Maximum Trailer Weight (Trailer plus cargoweight)I 567 kg (1 2501b)

Do not load more than 40 I< g (88 Jb)tongue weighton the trailer hitch bracket. Be sure to subtract thistongue weight from the Vehicle Maximum Load ca-pacity.A . WARNING.

HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDAttach a trailer to the trailer hitch bracketonly .. For example, attaching a trailer to theframe pipe or carrier can cause the vehicle totip over. Never load more than 40 kg (88 Ib)tongue weight on the towing bracket. Do nottow more than 567 kg(1 250 Ib) trailer weight(trailer plus cargo).

HAZARDImproperly attaching and loading a trailer.Overloading a trailer.WHAT CAN HAPP.ENCan cause changes in vehicl.e handlingwhich could lead to an accident.

When towing a trailer, don't carry a passenger in atrailer.


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A WARNINGHAZARDRiding in a trailer.WHAT CAN HAPPENCan cause the operator to lose control of thevehicle. The passenger can be thrown fromthe trailer or hurt by shifting cargo in thetrailer.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever carry a passenger in a trailer.This vehicle is equipped with a bracket for a winchbelow the radiator. The winch is not supplied withthis vehicle.To avoid injury and property damage, observe thefollowing precautions, not to exceed the spoolingload equivalent to 450 kg (1 000 Ib).

SAFE OPERATION 95A WARNING

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDDo not operate or install winch without read-ing and understanding the operators manualsupplied with the winch.

HAZARDImproperly attaching and loading a winch.Overloading a winch.WHAT CAN HAPPENCan cause changes in vehicle handlingwhich could lead to an accident.

Depending on the loading condition, it is neces-sary to adjust the shock absorber spring force.Refer to the Suspension section in MAINTE-NANCE AND ADJUSTMENT chapter.Also refer to the instructions in the Loading Infor-mation chapter of this manual. Overloading this ATVor carrying or towing cargo improperly will adverselyaffect vehicle handling and could cause an accident.


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96 SAFE OPERATIONA . WARNING

HAZARDOverloading this ATV or car~ryingor towingcargo improperly ..WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause changes in vehi.cle handlingwhich could lead to an accident.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever exceed the stated load capacity forthis ATV.Cargo should be properly distributed and se~curelyattached.Reduce speed when car;rying cargo orpulling a trailer.Allow greater distance for braking. Alwaysfollow the instructions in your Owner's Man~ual for carrying cargo or pulling a trailer.

Perform the Daily Safety ChecksRefer to the Daily Safety Checks section for a listof items to check each day before you ride. Habit-

ual performance of these checks will help to insure ~safer, more reliable ride. Be sure that any IrregularI-ties found during these checks are corrected beforeriding.

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A WARNINGHAZARDFaUureto inspect the ATV before operating.FaUure to properly maintain the ATV.WHAT CAN HAPPENIncreases the possibility of an accident orequipment damage.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDAlways inspect your ATV each time you useit to make sure the ATV is in safe operatingcondition.Always fonow the inspection and mainte-nance procedures and schedules describedin the Owner's Manual.

SAFE OPERATION 97AWARNING

WARNINGS indicate a potential hazardthat could result in personal injury ordeath.

Tire Air PressureThis vehicle is equipped with low pressure tires.Tire inflation and type can affect the vehicle's han-dling characteristics. Check the tire pressure fre-quently, using the tire gauge in the tool kit. Use onlythe recommended tires for replacement.

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HAZARDOperating this ATV with improper tires, orwith improper or uneven tire pressure.WHAT CAN HAPPENUse of imp.roper tires on this ATV, or opera-tion of this ATV with improper or uneven tirepressure, may cause loss of control, lncreas-ing your risk of an accident.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways use the size and type tires specifiedin the Owner's Manual for this vehicle.Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-scribed in the Owner's Manual.

Riding TerrainBefore riding in a new area be sure to check forhidden obstacles or hazards. Keep your speed

down until you know the area well, You m~~t knowthe land you intend to ride on and be faml,llar withyour machine and its handling chara~teflstlcs tohave a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Useexisting trails and stay away from excessively rough,slippery or loose terrain. Don't attempt to ride overlarge obstacles. Hazardous conditions such asthese can cause loss of control and an accident. Becautious when visibility is limited; you may not beable to see obstacles in your path.


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A WARNINGHAZARDFailure to use extra care when operating thisATV on unfamiliar terrain.

WHAT CAN HAPPENYou can come upon hidden rocks, bumps, orholes, without enough time to react.Could result in the ATV overturning or goingout of control.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDGo slowly and be extra careful when operat-ing on unfamiliar terrain.Always be alert to changing terrain condi-tions when operating the ATV.If you must ride over a small obstacle, approach itslowly. As the vehicle goes up and overthe obstacle,shift your weight to stay centered over the vehicle.Use careful throttle control. Stand up if necessary tomaintain your balance.

SAFE OPERATION 99A WARNINGHAZARDImproperly operating over obstacles.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause loss of control or a collision.Could cause the ATV to overturn.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDBefore operating in a new area, check for ob-stacles.Never attempt to ride over large obstacles,such as large rocks or fallen trees.When you go over obstacles, always fol-low proper procedures as described in theOwner's Manual.

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100 SAFE OPERATIONA WARNINGHAZARDFailure to use extra care when operating onexcessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause loss of traction or vehicle con-trol, which could result in an accident, in-cluding an overturn.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDDo not operate on excessively rouqh, slip-pery or locse terrain until you have learnedand practiced the skins necessary to controlthe ATV on such terrain.Always be especiaily cautious on thesekinds of terrain.Grou nd cI earanees at the front & rear of the veh iclewill increase and decrease during operation due toaction of the independent suspensions. Aggressiver.iding on rough terrain could cause the bottom of thechassis to strike on obstacle.Observe the following paints to avoid damaging

your ATV.1. Adjust the shock absorber spring preload tostiffer setting.2. Reduce weight on the front & rear carriers.3. Reduce speed.

NOTEo If you ride your A T V in very rough and/or rockyterrain, you may consider rep/acing the plas-tic engine and gearcase guards with AuthenticKawasaki Accessories' aluminum guards (partnumber 55020-7509A, 7511A, 7513A,. 7515A,7517A, 7521A, & 7522A). The aluminum guardsprovide increased protection for use in such ex-treme conditions. Contact a Kawasaki dealerfor more information about Authentic KawasakiAccessories aluminum guards.


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Riding in ReverseStart the engine following the procedure in the"Starting the Engine" section. Before shifting intoreverse, make certain that the vehicle is completelystopped, and then move the shift lever into the "R"(Reverse) position. Refer to the "Shift Lever" sec-tion.Turn around and look behind you before backingup to be sure there are no obstacles or people in yourway. Gradually open the throttle and begin backingup cautiously. If additional power is needed whilebacking up, hold the reverse power assist switch in.When you release the switch, the vehicle's power

and speed return to the reduced mode. Refer to the"Reverse Power Assist Switch" in the "Left Handle-bar Switches" section.A WARNINGHAZARDGoing too fast in "R" (Reverse).WHAT CAN HAPPENGoing too fast in "R" (Reverse) can cause aloss of control and accident resulting in se-vere personal injury or death.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways maintain safe speeds. Use the Re-verse Power Assist Switch only if additionalpower is needed.

SAFE OPERATION 101To stop while riding in reverse, close the throttleand gradually apply the brakes. Sudden applica-tion of the rear brake or the front brake (For "4WD")can cause the front end of the vehicle to lift off theground. To shift out of reverse, first stop vehiclecompletely. Then move the shift lever back to the"N" (Neutral) position.

A WARNING

HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDDo not shift the transmission while the vehi-cle is moving. Stop the vehicle to shift thetransmission.

HAZARDShifting into "H" (High) or "l" (low) or "R"(Reverse) while moving.WHAT CAN HAPPENShifting the transmission while the vehicle ismoving can cause abrupt changes in speedand direction resulting in loss of controland accident with severe personal injury ordeath.


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HAZAROInattentive operation in "R" (Reverse). Back-ing up without looking where you are going.WHAT CAN HAPPENInattentive operation in "R" (Reverse) couldcause you to hit a person or obstacle behindyou, resulting in severe personal injury ordeath.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDBefore shifting into "R" (Reverse), make surethere are no people or obstacles behind you,and then proceed at a safe speed. Alwayslook where you are going, whether forwardor in reverse.Remember:oLook behind you before backing up.oOpen the throttle gradually.OTo stop, gradually apply the brakes.

Riding in "4WD""4WO" gives greater traction when you are climb-ing steep inclines, or driving on bumpy, sandy orslippery surfaces. If maximum torque is needed inthese situations, shift into the low position with theshift lever. Refer to the "Shift Lever" section and"2WD/4WD Shifting", "Variable Limited Slip FrontDifferential," and "Shifting Gears" sections.

A WARNINGHAZARDChanging from "2WD" to "4WD" or from"4WO" to "2WO" while ATV is moving.WHAT CAN HAPPENThe handling characteristics of this ATV dif-fer between "2WD" and "4WO" according toriding conditions. Changing operating modewhile moving can cause a sudden change inhandling performance which can cause theoperator to lose control and have an acci-dent.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways stop the ATV before changing from"2WO" to "4WD" or vice versa,


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CAUTIONShifting from "2WD" to "4WD" range whenthe vehicle is in motion could cause frontdrive train damage.

AWARNINGHAZARDIncreasing limited slip differential (LSD) trac-tion while turning or before entering a turn.WHAT CAN HAPPENPulling the variable front differential controllever can reduce steering response, increas-ing the effort to turn. An unexpected changein direction can cause the operator to losecontrol, resulting in an accident and injury.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZ.ARDDo not pull the variable front differential con-trol lever while turning or before entering aturn.

SAFE OPERATION 103Remember:oUse "4WD" on steep inclines or loose surfaces, orwhen stuck in the mud.oFor maximum torque shift into low range.oDo not drive in "4WO" on paved surfaces.oUse the variable front differential control lever toincrease traction.


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WARNINGS indicate a potenti.al hazardthat could result in personal injury ordeath.

Turning: the VehicleThe new rider must learn this turning technique tomake turns smoothly and quickly. Slide forward onthe seat, and turn the handlebar in the direction ofthe turn. Lean your body to the inside of the turnwhile shifting your body weight onto the footboardon the outside of the turn.

'AWARNINGHAZARDTurningim properly.WHAT CAN HAPPENATV could go out of control, causing a colli-sion or overturn.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDAlways follow proper procedures for turningas described in this section.Practice turning at low speeds before at-tempting to turn at faster speeds.Do not turn at excessive speed.

Practice turning at low speed in a large, open prac-tice area. Slow down before entering a turn anduse the throttle to maintain an even speed throughthe turn. When the turn is completed, straighten thehandlebar and reposition your weight.Since both rea r whee Is of th is ATV turn at the sa mespeed, the inside wheel gives up traction (or "slips")on the ground during a turn. Sliding forward on theseat and shifting body weight onto the outside foot-board.helps the rear wheels turn easier and improvefront wheel steering.

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A WARNINGHAZARDRemoving hands from handlebars or feetfrom footboards during operation.

WHAT CAN HAPPENRemoving even one hand or foot can reduceyour ability to control the ATVor could causeyou to lose your balance and fall off of theATV. If you remove a foot from a footboard,your foot or leg may come into contact withthe rear wheels, which could ,i,njure you orcause an accident.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDAlways keep both hands on the handlebarsand both feet on the footboards of your ATVduring operation.The type of riding terrain has a large effect on turn-ing. On loose surfaces the inside rear wheel will slipeasily and the vehicle can be turned sharply. Onhard surfaces the inside rear wheel will not slip aseasily, and the vehicle's turning radius will increase.

Thus you must allow more room to complete yourtum.If the vehicle stsrts to tip in a turn, lean more to

the inside afthe turn. It may be necessary to reduceyour speed and straighten out if possible. Don't putyour foot down; keep both feet on the footboards.

SAFE OPERATION 105Remember:aSlow down before entering the turn.aSit forward on the seat.ot.ea n into the turn.oPut your weig ht on the 0uter footboard.a Maintain an even speed through the turn.

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106 SAFE OPERATION

C lim b in g H illsDo not attempt to climb hills or steep inclines un-til you have mastered the controls and basic ridingtechniques of this vehicle. Then practice hill climbingtechniques on gentle slopes first before you gradu-ate to steeper hills.

A WARNINGHAZARDClimbing hills improperly.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause loss of control or cause ATV tooverturn.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDAlways follow proper procedures for climb-ing hills as described in the Owner's Manual.Always check the terrain carefully before youstart up any hill.Never climb hills with excessively slippery orloose surfaces.Shift your weight forward.Never open the throttle suddenly or makesudden gear changes. The ATV could flipover backwards.Never go over the top of any hill at highspeed. An obstacl'e, a sharp drop, or anothervehicle or person could be on the other sideof the hill.

Don't attempt to climb hills that are too steep forthe ATV or for your abilities. When climbing a hill,lean forward to keep the front wheels from lifting. Onsteeper hills you may need to stand and lean forwardfor even more weight transfer. The front wheels mustbe kept on the ground so you can steer and also toprevent the possibility of tipping over backwards.

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A WARNINGHAZARDOperating on excessively steep hills.WHAT CAN HAPPENThe vehicle can overturn more easily on ex-trernely steep hills than on level surfaces orsmall hills.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever operate the ATV on hills too steep forthe ATV or for your abilities.Practice on smaller hills before attemptinglarger hills.Avoid hills with slippery sides that will cause youto lose traction. Do not climb hills where you cannotsee far enough ahead. If you cannot see what is onthe other side of the crest of a hill, slow down untilyou can get a clear view, Speed up before ascend-ing the hill. Select low gearing to reach the top with-out losing momentum. Don't apply power suddenlyor change gears while climbing, or the front wheelsmight rise off the ground. If the vehicle doesn't have

enough power to reach the top of a hill and starts tolose forward momentum, turn around and ride down-hill if you have enough space.

SAFE OPERATION 107A WARNING

HAZARDImproperly turning on hills.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause loss of control or cause ATV tooverturn ..HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDNever attempt to turn the ATV around on anyhill until you have mastered the turning tech-nique as described in this manual on levelground. Be very careful when turning on anyhill.This ATV is equipped with the electrically se-lectable 2WD/4WD. When driving in "4WD", allwheels (front and rear) are constantly driven bythe drive train. This means that applying either thefront brake (the right-hand brake lever) or the rearbrake (the left-hand brake lever or the brake pedal)brakes both the front and rear wheels. Any brakeapplication will brake the downhill wheels whenclimbing or descending hills.If the vehicle stalls on a hill, apply the brakes be-fore the vehicle starts to roll backwards. If the vehi-cle should start to roll backwards on a hill, dismountto the side immediately or apply the brakes gradu-ally (For "2WO": using the front brake only). You

may tip the vehicle over backwards if you apply ei-ther the front or rear brakes suddenly (For "2WD";Do not use the rear brake) after the vehicle starts


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108 SAFE OPERATIONto roll backwards, or if you try to apply power whileroll.in g ba ckw ards (For ".2 WO "; use the fron t bra keonly to stop the vehicle) .. If you are stopped on ahillside, apply the parking brake and carefully dis-mount on the uphill side of the vehicle (so it cannotrollover onto you). To turn the machine around, dragthe rear end of the ATV uphill as far as possible. Re-mount the ATV from the uphill side if it is not facingstraight downhill. Then, while keeping as much ofyour weight as possible on the uphill side, turn thehandlebars downhill. Release the parking. brake andride downhill.

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(For "4WD")A WARNING

HAZARDStalling, rol.ling backwards or improperly dis-mounting while climbing a hill.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould result in ATV overturning ...HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDUse low gearing and maintain steady speedwhen c!limbing a hill.If you lose all forward speed:Keep weight uphill.Apply the brakes.Lock parking brake, after you are stopped.If you begin rolling backwards:Keep weiight uphBI.Never apply either front or rear brakessuddenly while roUing backwards.

Apply both front and rear brakes gradually.Wilen fully stopped, lock parking brake.Dismount on uphill side or to aside if po.intedstraight uphill.Turn the ATV around and remount, followingthe procedure described in this manual ..


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110 SAFE OPERATION

A ntenna FlagIn hilly country, use an antenna flag so others cansee you coming from the other side of a hill or sanddune. Take extra care when approaching blind hill

tops and corners.

Traversing HillsidesWhen riding across the side of a hill, keep yourbody weight toward the top of the hill. Avoid hills withslippery sides that will cause you to lose traction.

Also avoid traversing hillsides covered with rocks orother obstacles which may cause you to lose yourbalance or tip over.Ifthe vehicle begins to tip, steer downhill if possibleto regain control. If you discover that the vehicle isin danger of rolling over, dismount on the uphill side.

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A WARNINGHAZARDImproperly crossing hills.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause loss of control or cause ATV tooverturn.HOWTOAVOID THE HAZARDAvoid crossing the side of a steep hill if pos-sible.When crossing the side of a hill:Always follow proper procedures as de-scribed in this manual.Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loosesurfaces.Shift your weight to the uphill side of the ATV.

SAFE OPERATION 111

Descending HillsSlow down or stop at the top of a hill so you canpick a safe path for descent where you can clearlysee far enough ahead to avoid any obstacles.


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HAZARDGoing down a hill improperly.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause 105s of control or cause ATV tooverturn.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDA.lways foUow proper procedures for goingdown hills as described in this manual. Note:a special technique is required when brakingas you go down a hill.Always check the tarraln carefully before youstart down any hill.Shift your weight backward.Never go down a hill at high speed.Avoid going down a hill at an angle thatwould cause the vehicle to lean sharply toone side. Go straight. down the hill wherepossible ..

Kawasaki Engine Brake Control SystemT his v eh icle is e quip pe d w ith th e K aw asa ki E ng in eBrake Control System. It can assist the operatorwhen descending hills by supplementing the wheelbrake systems with additional braking force that isproduced by the enoine. When descending hills, thissystem alone may not supply enough braking force.The operator should apply the brakes to keep speedsafe for the terrain, visibility,. operating conditions,and your experience. The Kawasaki Engine BrakeControl System is applied automatically under cer-tain conditions when the throttle is released.

NOTEo This system does not function in reverse. It cannotfunction if the battery is disconnected.

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Normally you should descend straight down a hill,since riding at an angle could cause the vehicle tolean to one side and possibly tip over. Select lowgearing before beginning your descent. Sit back onthe seat and brace yourself by straightening yourarms. Hold your speed down by keeping the throttleclosed. Apply the brakes as necessary. This ATV isequipped with the electrically selectable 2WO/4WO.When driving in "4WD", all wheels (front and rear)are constantly driven by the drive train. This meansthat applying either the front brake (the right-handbrake lever) or the rear brake (the left-hand brakelever or the brake pedal) brakes both the front andrear wheels. Any brake application will brake thedownhill wheels when climbing or descending hills ..Avoid sudden application of either the front or rearbrakes; it could cause the vehicle to overturn. Forn2WO", avoid excessive use of the front brake; itcould cause the vehicle to overturn.

. A . WARNINGHAZARDApplying brakes improperly.WHAT CAN HAPPENCould cause ATV to overturn.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDApply both front and rear breaks graduaUy.Be careful if the surface is loose; the tires may skidand braking effectiveness wil l be reduced.

Turning while descending a slope must be donevery carefully and gradually to avoid tipping the ve-hicle over. The rider should keep his feet on the foot-boards and transfer his weight to the rear of the ve-hicle, and on the uphill side of the vehicle.

B J2500 IB S

Remember:aStop and look for obstacles before descending ahill.a Use low gearing.a Go straight downhill.

aShift your weight to the rear.aGo slowly.oAvoid sudden braking (For "4WO" only).OAvoid excessive use of the front brake (For "2WD"only).o If you must turn, do so carefully and gradually,keeping your weight toward the top of the hill.

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Sliding and SkiddingOn slippery or loose surfaces, special care isrequired. Sliding may be hazardous because thewheels may suddenly regain traction and ~ause

the vehicle to tip 01' overturn and have an accident.Therefore, never ride "over your head" when youare unprepared for the riding surface.Often you can correct a skid by turni~g the ~~eelsin the direction of the skid and placing additionalbody weight on the front wheels. Do not apply hea~ybraking force or accelerate when skidding, since thismay cause you to lose control altogether.Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by prac-

ticing at low speeds and on level, smooth terrain.

. A . WARNINGHAZARDSkidding or sliding improperly.WHAT CAN HAPPENYou may lose control of this ATV.You may also regain traction unexpectedly,which may cause the ATV to overturn.HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARDLearn to safely control skidding or slidingby practicing at low speeds and on level,smooth terrain.On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice,go slowly and be very cautious in order toreduce the chance of skidding or sliding outof control.Use caution and maintain low speeds to avoid un-controlled skidding on areas covered with clay, mud,ice, or snow. These conditions are particularly haz-ardous when descending a hill or making a turn. Re-member that this vehicle is not allowed on publicstreets, roads, or highways.On loose or slippery surfaces you may be able toimprove steering control by moving forward on theseat. This puts more of your weight over the frontwheels.Remember:o Be especially careful on very slippery and veryhigh traction surfaces.o Steer in the direction of the skid.

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ODon't ride on public streets, roads, or highways.

B J2 G OO O l l S

Riding in WaterChoose a location to enter and exit the waterwhere the banks are not too steep or slippery.Check the water before entering for rocks. holes or

other obstacles which may cause you to overturn or'become stuck or submerged.Observe the following rules for operating, the vehi-cle in water:Never operate the vehicle in rivers or streamswhere the water is flowing quickly Such operationcould lead to an accident if the vehicle loses tractionand is swept into the current.Never operate the vehicle in deep water. The max-imum fording depth is up to the bottom edge of theaxle caps in quiet (slow-moving) water. Vehicle op-erati.on in deeper water may be unpredictable andhazardous. and could lead to an accident.

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IlJ.2 JOIOB G ,

A..Axle Cap

A WARNINGHAZARDOperating this ATV through deep or fast flow-ing water.

WHAT CAN HAPPENTires may float, causing loss of traction andloss of control, which could lead to an acci-dent.HOW TOAVOID THE HAZARDNever operate this ATV in fast flowing wateror in water deeper than the bottom edge ofthe axle caps.Remember that wet brakes m ay have re-duced stopping ability.. Test your brakesafter leaving water. If necessary, apply themseveral bmes to let friction dry out the pads.After the vehicle is operated in water, check theair cleaner, After prolonged exposure to water, thewheel bearings may lose their lubricant and requirereplacement. Check the engine and gear case oils:a milky appearance indicate that water has entered.If any water entered the belt transmission (CVT)housing, it could cause drive belt slippage. To expelthe water, remove the drain plug at the bottom of thetransmission housing and drain the water completelyout.

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A. Belt Drive Transmission (CVT) CoverB. Drain PlugWhen the water has stopped coming out, shift toneutral and apply the brake. Then rev the engine upand down for a couple of minutes.The cooling fan inside the housing will expel theremaining water and dry the housing.Install the drain plug securely.Wash the vehicle in fresh water if it is exposed tosalt water or operated in muddy conditions.

Wet brakes provide little or no efficiency and couldlead to an accident and injury. After operation inwater, always apply the brakes long enough for thefriction to dry the pads. Also, brakes that get wetmay wear out faster. Check for brake wear morefrequently if the vehicle is used in water.NOTEo The rear brake of this A TV employs an enclosed,wet multi-plate brake system. The effectiveness ofbrake application remains unchanged even if thevehicle drives in the water.

Remember:oDon't ride in fast flowing water.oStay out of water deeper than the lower end of theaxle cap.o Dry out the brakes.oCheck the air cleaner for water.oCheck the engine and gear case oils for water.

. A . WARNINGWARNINGS indicate a potential hazardthat could result in personal injury ordeath.

Documents

Kawasaki Brute Force (Owners Manual) Safety