2018 Can-Am Outlander 650 DPS vs. 2018 Kawasaki Brute Force 750: By the Numbers

Derrek Sigler
by Derrek Sigler
Mid-heavyweight ATV showdown


So you want a new ATV but you’re not sure of which one you are going to get. You don’t need the massive horsepower of the 1,000-class machines, but at the same time want a bit more oomph than can be found with the machines in the 500-class area. If you want a twin-cylinder engine, tons of stump-pulling power, extreme reliability and excellent handling, two of the choices you simply must look at are the 2018 Can-Am Outlander 650 DPS and the 2018 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i EPS. Let’s see how these two compare, by the numbers.

2018 Can-Am Outlander 650 DPS2018 Kawasaki Brute Force 750i EPS
Price$9,699$9,999
EngineRotax 649.6 cc V-twin, liquid cooled749cc 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, liquid-cooled
Horsepower6250
Driveline/DifferentialSelectable 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differentialSelectable 4WD with variable front differential control, shaft
TransmissionCVT, P / R / N / H / L, standard engine braking2-Speed automatic, reverse
Wheelbase51.0 in50.6 in
Overall Dimensions (LxWxH)86 x 46 x 49.5 in86.4 x 46.5 x 48 in
Weight726 lbs699 lbs
Front TiresITP Terracross 26 x 8 x 14 inAT 25 x 8-12
Rear TiresITP Terracross 26 x 10 x 14 inAT 25 x 10-12
Ground Clearance11.0 in9.4 in
Fuel Capacity5.4 gal5.0 gal
Front SuspensionDouble A-arm, 9 inches of travelDouble wishbone, 6.7 inches of travel
Rear SuspensionTorsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI), 9.3 inches of travelFull independent, dual A-arm, 7.5 inches of travel
Front / Rear BrakesDual 214 mm ventilated disc / Single 214 mm ventilated discDual hydraulic 176mm disc / Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
Rack CapacityFront: 100 lbs; Rear: 200 lbsFront: 88 lbs; Rear: 176 lbs


Engines


The Can-Am is powered by a 649.6cc Rotax V-Twin that pumps out an amazing 62 horsepower. These engines have an outstanding reputation for durability and for making some serious power. It not only makes mean power, but it sounds great too. There is a healthy grumble that only comes from a big V-Twin engine.

Rotax 750 Engine

Rotax 750 Engine

The Brute Force uses Kawasaki’s legendary V-Twin. In this case, it’s a big 749cc monster that also has that healthy grumble letting you know you’ve got plenty of power on tap. Kawasaki doesn’t publish its horsepower ratings, but a quick search reveals approximately 50 horsepower on tap; more than enough ponies to accomplish whatever you want with power to spare.


Capabilities


When you buy a machine like this, you want it to be able to do some work. The Can-Am Outlander can tow an impressive 1,300 pounds. It has a combined rack capacity of 300 pounds too, so hauling your gear shouldn’t be a problem. The racks are reinforced composite with a wide range of accessories designed to fit right in.

Kawasaki Brute Force 750 Rack

The Brute Force will get the job done as well. It has 1,250 pounds of towing capacity and will take on 264 pounds of gear on the sturdy steel racks and compartments. There are plenty of accessories available for the Brute Force to assist you with whatever task you’ve got in mind. Everything from farming, to hunting, construction to trail riding, there are ways to tailor the Brute Force to your personal tastes.


Differential Differences


The Can-Am uses its Visco-lok QE Automatic-locking front differential to lock in the both front wheels for additional traction while in four-wheel drive. It also uses a tri-mode electronic power steering system that lets you adjust the amount of power steering assist. The differential is a nice touch for those times when you need extra traction, but don’t have time to manually lock in the front differential.

Kawasaki Brute Force 750 Action

The Kawasaki has its own system for locking in the front differential. A rocker switch on the right handlebar switches from two- and four-wheel drive. The rider can gain additional control when the going gets tough with Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control, the small control lever on the left handlebar. With it, the rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels when conditions call for more traction.

For more information on either model, visit your local Can-Am and Kawasaki dealers.

Derrek Sigler
Derrek Sigler

Derrek's love for all things ATV started when he was a mere 11 years old, growing up on his family farm. His mom gave him and his sister a choice - get a horse, or a three-wheeler. The sister wanted the horse, and Derrek wanted the ATV. Luckily he won out, and was soon burning up the trails on a Yamaha Tri-Moto 200. By the time he was 14, he had saved enough of his own money by working on the farm and in his folks restaurant to buy a new 4-wheeler. That happened the day he and his mom were driving past the dealership and saw 1987 Banshee. His mom had no idea what he was buying, and he never looked back. He's been riding ever since, and been writing professionally for many years. He has ridden all over North America and been behind the controls of just about every machine out there. And yes, he still has his 1987 Yamaha Banshee.

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