Grizzly ATVs: popular models

Grizzly ATVs developed by Yamaha are powerful and reliable equipment designed for work, recreation and tourism. Japanese devices from the Grizzly line are distinguished by their attractive design, comfort and versatility. The first device in the series was released back in 2005, after which mass production and modification of the equipment began.

Now the Japanese manufacturer has more than 13 Grizzly ATVs, including even children's and teenage models. The series includes cars with engines of 80, 125, 350, 450, 550, 660 and 700 cubic meters.

Line devices:

Grizzly ATVs for children and teenagers. For the youngest riders, the developers created the Grizzly 80G ATV. This is a small device equipped with a 79 cc engine, electric starter, air cooling system and drum brakes. But teenagers should choose more powerful equipment, for example, model 125 or 125A. Both all-terrain vehicles are equipped with a 124 cc engine, drum brakes, a 7-liter tank and an electric starter. The only difference is the transmission. The Grizzly 125 has an automatic transmission, and the 125A has a CVT.
All-terrain vehicles for recreation. Fans of fishing, hunting and just walking should pay attention to the Yamaha Grizzly 350 4WD, 350 Automatic and 450 ATVs. The devices are great for driving through the forest or narrow places. Thanks to its power, the equipment performs well on moderately difficult trails, sand, mud and loose soil.
Tourist and work ATVs. For agricultural tasks or long trips, it is recommended to choose a powerful machine, for example: Grizzly 550, 660 FWA 4×4, 660 FIA 4×4 or 700 EPS/SE. These vehicles are capable of driving on any off-road terrain: wetlands, mountains, snow, sand, etc.

Most riders choose the flagship of the series - the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV. The machine, introduced back in 2007, has become a real find for tourists and farmers.

Grizzly ATVs and their features

Cars of the Japanese brand are especially popular among riders due to a number of advantages:

High cross-country ability. The equipment holds up confidently even on difficult routes. Of course, cross-country ability depends on the power and “filling” of the device, but even ATVs with a 350 cc engine perform well off-road.
Reasonable price. The cost of the latest version of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV starts from 1 million rubles. The price depends on the modification and configuration of the device.
Functionality. The manufacturer pays special attention to the “stuffing” of the equipment, installing reliable brakes, all-wheel drive, electric power steering, etc. This has a beneficial effect not only on the versatility, but also on the comfort of the machines.
Durability. On average, Grizzly ATVs will operate without serious malfunctions for 5-7 years.

However, owners of Japanese equipment discovered one significant problem - a shortage of spare parts. The problem is especially acute with models produced in 2007-2012. Therefore, spare parts for the Yamaha Grizzly ATV will have to be ordered from a dealer or in specialized workshops.

Characteristics of Yamaha Grizzly EPS SE

Yamaha Grizzly EPS SE 2019 ATV

The Yamaha Grizzly EPS SE is equipped with an Ultramatic transmission, just as we expected. The transmission has high and low gears, as well as reverse. The centrifugal clutch is responsible for constant belt tension.

There is no doubt about the strength of the design, because Yamaha offer a 10-year warranty on their belts.

Yamaha's On-Command 4WD system allows you to switch between 2WD, 4WD, 4WD limited slip, and 4WD with a fully locked differential. Other features of the 2019 Yamaha Grizzly EPS SE include a high-mounted air intake, stainless steel exhaust system, all-round hydraulic disc brakes, 287 mm ground clearance, independent double A-arm suspension, electric power steering, new instrument panel with LCD screen, and payload capacity. 140 kg and towing capacity of 590 kg.

Technical characteristics of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV

Now the manufacturer produces three modifications of its flagship: Grizzly 700, 700 EPS and 700 EPS SE. The devices differ only in the configuration, some parameters and price.

Characteristics of the basic version of the Yamaha Grizzly 700:

Single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling system.
Engine displacement – 708 cubic meters. cm.
Engine power – 49 horsepower.
Fuel system – Mikuni.
The ignition system is transient.
Gearbox is a V-belt variator.
Starting system – electric starter.
Drive with differential lock, operating in 2 and 4 WD modes.
Independent suspension on double wishbones (front and rear).
Brakes - disc.
The load capacity of the trunk is 50 kg (front) and 90 kg (rear).
Gas tank capacity – 18 l.

The modification of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV determines its weight and equipment. On the basic version, the manufacturer installed a winch, powerful LED lighting, two luggage racks and a bump stop. And the EPS version has electric power steering.

Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV review article

The original Yamaha Grizzly 700 with Electric Power Steering (EPS) remains an industry leader

The Grizzly 700, which Yamaha introduced back in 2006 as a model for the 2007 lineup, was the first ATV with electric power steering.
It made a significant impact on the ATV market and has since won many big-bore duels and set new standards for ATVs in its class. Last year, a Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV was tested by an international team of testers, and experts were amazed at how capable the machine was, especially when it came time to test its capabilities in off-road racing. When creating the Grizzly 550, technical solutions were used previously for the Grizzly 700, so the 550 model is practically no different from its older brother, the Yamaha Grizzly 700. The only significant difference between these two machines is that the Grizzly 700 has slightly more power and slightly larger engine capacity. Testers liked the lightweight and sporty nature of the Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV, and concluded that a little more power could just double the fun of riding the Grizzly550. Therefore, it was decided to ride the 2011 Grizzly 700 to look at it with fresh eyes and once again understand the secret of its success, which it enjoys among a large army of riders.

Technical analysis

The engine of the Grizzly 700 ATV is largely similar in design and technology to the engine of Yamaha's phenomenal Raptor 700 sports ATV. The Grizzly 700's now four-cylinder, 686cc engine features an overhead camshaft/overhead valve configuration, with ceramic composite-coated cylinders, forged pistons, and chrome-molybdenum alloy steel connecting rods. The weight of the engine has been reduced, as has the likelihood of overheating, and service life has been maximized. The Mikuni fuel injection system controls the air/fuel mixture, which is delivered to the engine through a 44mm throttle body. The engine starts by lightly pressing the electric starter button.

The Grizzly's automatic transmission is designed to operate at both high and low speeds, with neutral, reverse and park selectable via a compact lever. The CVT's automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension to reduce belt wear. The drive axle housing is sealed and prevents the penetration of water and debris.

Yamaha's electronic control unit controls the all-wheel drive system, allowing you to choose between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with a locking front differential. This Grizzly model features the most efficient shifter you can find on the market that looks and functions like a part from a fighter jet.

The tubular steel frame is mated to double A-arms located at both ends of the machine. Yamaha's WideArc A-arm front suspension gives the ATV maximum ground clearance at its widest point, a whopping 11.8 inches! In terms of width (at 46.5 inches), the Yamaha Grizzly is typical of its class, but its axle spacing is an inch or two shorter than the 49.2 inches that most similar machines have.

Five-level adjustment of shock absorber preload at all four corners of the machine provides the ability to customize them. The ATV's suspension travel is quite impressive, measuring 7.1 inches on the front suspension and a whopping 9.5 inches on the rear.

Yamaha was the first ATV manufacturer to please fans of these machines with light steering with reduced feedback. The company achieved this by equipping the ATV with electric power steering. Yamaha's system measures speed and force on the steering wheel and front wheels to help optimize the efficiency of the electric power steering. As acceleration progresses, it reduces power assist to prevent the jerky sensation experienced by some systems.

To minimize the already light weight of the Grizzly 700, Yamaha paid special attention to the machine's center of gravity and placed as much weight as possible in the center of the machine. The cylinder gained a 35-degree forward angle, which increased ground clearance and provided a low seat position, which was now 35.6 inches (90.4 cm). To lower the center of gravity, the fuel tank, which holds 20 liters of petrol, has been moved under the seat, but the tank is filled under a movable panel located in front of the seat - where you would expect to find the tank itself.

The independent hydraulic disc brakes that slow the Grizzly 700 are operated by pressing one of the levers located on the handlebars or the foot pedal located on the right side. Brake control is assisted by the engine braking system, which allows all four wheels of the ATV to brake when using four-wheel drive.

The ATV's steel luggage racks with a “wrinkled” painted surface allow you to transport 45 kg of cargo in the front and 85 kg in the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 is capable of towing an additional 590 kg on the tow hook attached to its tow bar. On the right front fender of the ATV there is a storage compartment that can accommodate and protect several pairs of gloves, goggles or rain gear from water.

Dunlop 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear tires are mounted on lightweight aluminum wheels with Yamaha logo caps. The displays of digital measuring instruments on Yamaha ATVs are the pride of the manufacturer, as they are very easy to read information from. Yamaha has been wise to mount them on the front fascia rather than on the handlebars, as is the case on so many models, so you can purchase an aftermarket handlebar without the worry of having to reinstall or remove gauges.

Testing

The test team has spent the last few months putting the Grizzly 700 through several hundred kilometers of the Wilderness Roads in southeastern Kentucky, USA, using it as a film base for several day trips while trying out other models.

The Yamaha Grizzly ATV starts up flawlessly, regardless of air temperature, thanks to its injection engine and electric starter. The engine warms up quickly, so the car starts quickly even in severe frost.

This ATV's strengths can't be summed up purely in terms of power output, although it does produce enough power to get the job done or go fast in off-road races. In this regard, it is much like the Grizzly 550 with its power delivered evenly across the range. The only difference between these machines is that the Grizzly 700 produces slightly more torque, and this is especially noticeable in the low and low-mid engine speed ranges. The ATV showed particular power on steep climbs, and its wheels spun rhythmically in deep mud and on tight turns. However, it clearly lacks the pulling power and excess power of the twin larger-diameter cylinders.

The continuously variable transmission operated smoothly with little lag. The high range was ideal in most situations, but the low ranges made you believe the Grizzly was unstoppable, either during off-road racing or in difficult rocky areas. The drive system of the Yamaha Grizzly ATV is close to perfection. The two-wheel drive allows you to rush forward, easily slowing down the rear wheels. When navigating slippery, unpredictable trails and off-road terrain in four-wheel drive, safety is ensured by the extra traction with little effect on the effort required to turn the steering wheel. Of course, a differential lock is available in most situations where one is needed. To get full power using the differential lock, you need to press the "automatic override" button located on the left steering wheel. But experience shows that it is best to completely abandon the rev limiter and the “automation override” button.

Combine the Yamaha Grizzly 700's engine and transmission with its lightweight, agile chassis, and you've got one of the best big-bore 4x4s on the market. In fact, the increased centralization of mass turns this giant into a light and sensitive machine both on the ground and even in the air! The test drive featured several compact, small-bore 4x4s, but they felt much heavier than the Grizzly 700. With good driving technique or driving around small bumps, you'll easily rear up the Grizzly as you maneuver it around a tight turn or over the small log. On climbs the front end feels fairly predictable, unless you hit some saplings that you're better off jumping over.

The Grizzly's agility is especially noticeable in corners, where it handles quickly and precisely. When turning too sharply, the front end of the ATV exhibits a slight roll, but this is easily overcome thanks to the smooth sliding of the rear end and the throttle opening. Despite its high ground clearance and long throw CVT, the Grizzly 700 is a powerful, easy-to-ride sprinter. If you're waiting patiently for Yamaha to release a major sporty all-wheel-drive machine, your wait is in vain: even if the company does release one, we're willing to bet it will perform a lot like the Grizzly 700.

In our opinion, Yamaha has the best power steering system on the market. It's so good and organic that you don't even realize it's there. To turn the steering wheel you need to apply very little force, but the force is never too small. EPS Electric Power Steering reduces effort at high speeds, preventing a shaky feeling when driving at high speeds. Its ability to protect against impact from off-road obstacles is astonishing, but it still provides enough feedback that you still feel like you're driving off-road. Power steering also reduces the car's tendency to skid over wheel or water ruts, so you can freely choose your own path. If you wanted something more from Yamaha's EPS system, you could ask the manufacturer to provide you with more support for when you're standing or moving extremely slowly while doing work, or if you're hovering motionless over a giant log

The suspension provides the Grizzly with agility and sporty character. Shock absorbers guarantee a stable, non-shaky ride over rocks and roots rising from the soil surface. Impacts from the square edge on ditches and saplings are absorbed, and impacts from successful jumps are easily smoothed out. Driving on the ridge may seem a little bumpy, but the lightness of the machine will allow you to cope with it without difficulty.

We won’t go out of our way to prove our point about which ATV of all large-caliber vehicles is equipped with the best brakes. The Yamaha Grizzly ATV is equipped with very powerful brakes that feel no worse than quad sport brakes. They are equally powerful and silent in conditions of high humidity and on dry ground. Yamaha Grizzly rear brakes may require repairs more often than the sealed disc rear brakes used by some other manufacturers, but their ease of operation and the superior feel they provide more than make up for the need to replace them from time to time. Always ready for action, these brakes, independent of other systems, enhance vehicle control and become increasingly useful as off-road conditions require greater skill.

Yamaha's engine braking system is surprisingly effective on downhill grades and allows you to slowly crawl downhill at low revs. The four-wheel braking ability comes in especially handy on moderately steep or slippery inclines, but we don't recommend using all-wheel drive on very steep grades, as you might not want engine braking to be handled by the front wheels. When you lift off the throttle at speed, engine braking feels almost the same as lifting off the throttle in a stick-shift car to get a smooth, predictable reduction in revs.

It's still hard to get excited about the Grizzly wheels and tires, but there's no denying that they're extremely durable. Dunlop tires seem to perform well in all situations. During the trip, it becomes clear that they are to some extent the reason for such a pleasant and smooth ride of the car. Although they may deserve some criticism for the slight roll in the front end. The wheels are quite simple, but they are light and help the car in its operation.

The ergonomics of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 are quite good. The interplay between the handlebars, seat and footrests with raised steel side steps creates a comfortable feel that can be felt in both casual and aggressive riding. The space between the driver's legs feels justifiably tight, and the side panels have a smooth surface and comfortable curves that you can squeeze with your knees. The instruments, levers and handles of the steering wheel are impeccable, and it is very easy to replace the steering handles with those that have the most comfortable bend and scope for you. The seat of the ATV is simply luxurious, but the transition between the seat and the body in front of it is a little rough.

If we talk about the utility of this ATV, then the tubular steel grilles on the body deserve the highest praise. They are easy to install, regardless of size or shape. The front grille is mounted on a curved handle. The Grizzly chassis performs well and is able to support the weight of the plow thanks to the adjustable front shock absorbers.

Summary

The Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV is an excellent choice for many drivers. Of course, there are machines that do some things much better than this, but when you consider the Grizzly in its entirety, this machine is not easy to beat. This is why he consistently won many duels over the years.

A powerful engine and unparalleled handling flexibility come together to make the Yamaha Grizzly 700 one of the best 4WD ATVs on the market that you can take on off-road adventures without hesitation, especially when the terrain is riddled with difficult or twisty sections or areas that require special skill. Sporty 4x4 Grizzly owners looking to modify their ride will be pleased with the wide selection of critical parts available on the market. Buying a Yamaha Grizzly ATV means purchasing a diligent assistant who will not make you sweat when you need to do hard work

There are other good big bore 4x4s on the market, but few of them deserve the title of greatest ATV of all time. But the Grizzly 700 is exactly the car that deserves it.

In our store you can buy a Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV.

See also other articles about Yamaha ATVs

Features of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV
Features of the Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV
Yamaha ATVs are the best among the best
Secrets of the 2012 Yamaha ATV lineup
Features of the 2012 Yamaha utilitarian ATV lineup
Features of the 2012 Yamaha sports ATV lineup
Yamaha Grizzly 300 ATV is new for the 2012 season!
Features of the Yamaha Rino 700 all-terrain vehicle
Sports ATVs Yamaha Raptor 700 and YFZ 450 R SE series
Effective technical solutions and new design possibilities for the Yamaha YFZ 450 R ATV

Competitors of the Grizzly 700 ATV

Despite the design and characteristics of the Grizzly 700 ATV, it has many competitors. A worthy opponent of the model was:

Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4I. The device is equipped with a 749 cc engine. cm, electric starter, semi-automatic transmission, disc brakes and high-strength steel frame. The Kawasaki is slightly more powerful than the Yamaha and costs significantly less. The new Brute Force 750 4×4I will cost only 760 thousand rubles.
Polaris Sportsman X2500 EFI. The American all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a 40 hp engine. with liquid cooling, disc brakes and MacPherson strut suspension. A used Sportsman will cost 300-420 thousand rubles.
Suzuki Kingquad 750 AXI. The Suzuki all-terrain vehicle is significantly superior to the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV in power. Under the hood of the Kingquad 750 AXI lies a 722cc engine. cm, and Yamaha has a 708 cc engine. Also, Suzuki ATVs cost a little less – 950 thousand rubles.

Don’t forget about the domestic ATV Stealth ATV 800 Cheetah. This is a real utilitarian tank that is suitable for tourism, work and even racing. The Russian all-terrain vehicle is distinguished by explosive characteristics, bright design and excellent equipment. But most importantly, the Cheetah 800 is cheaper than the Yamaha 700 ATV.

New Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE 2013

The new matte black 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE looks like the car of the protagonist of the coolest action movie.

Perhaps the most recognizable name in the history of Yamaha utility ATVs is the Yamaha Grizzly line, which have long been leaders in the ATV industry.
It’s not hard to understand why the name Grizzly is so popular - its reputation as a reliable and amazingly durable all-terrain vehicle has long been honestly earned. For 2013, Yamaha decided to create a special edition version of its flagship model, the Grizzly 700. It was tested over several days in the Prescott Mountains in Arizona. The 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE is currently assembled at the Yamaha plant in Newnan, Georgia. Completely stealthy thanks to its tactical black paint job, the Grizzly 700 looks like it's ready to blast its way through any obstacle.

Currently manufactured in the United States, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 is now available in a new "Tactical Black" color designed specifically for 2013.

The Yamaha Grizzly 700 takes full responsibility for the path chosen by its driver thanks to its single-cylinder 686 cc fuel-injected 4-stroke engine. Its liquid-cooled 4-valve overhead camshaft configuration delivers reliable power to the rear wheels using a 44mm throttle body coupled with 9.2:1 compression. This compression ratio will allow the Grizzly 700 to operate reliably, day after day, on low-octane gasoline. However, using higher quality fuel will be much more beneficial for both the performance and service life of your Yamaha Grizzly ATV.

Switching from 2WD to 4WD is as simple as flipping a switch.

Complete command of the road is achieved through what Yamaha calls the most advanced drive system on the market - the patented Ultramatic CVT transmission. This system uses the familiar centrifugal clutch to maintain constant belt tension, which significantly reduces belt wear. Add to this the ability to engage and disengage all-wheel drive while driving, and you have a superb, highly capable car. Tests of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV in the Prescott Mountains clearly showed that it easily navigates rough terrain.

The 2013 Grizzly 700 SE's chassis remains the same as its 2012 siblings and features the same five levels of shock preload adjustment to soften impacts on rocky roads. The Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV is equipped with rear gas shock absorbers, providing it with a soft ride due to better damping. 11.8 inches of ground clearance protects the Grizzly 700's underbody from roots and sharp boulders. The wide arch at the front, located directly under the control handles, provides the ATV with maximum clearance and allows the rider to safely overcome obstacles. The Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE's full skid plate gives it even more protection from underneath.

Equipped with electric power steering, the ATV Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE is renowned for its smooth, controlled ride.

As a Limited Edition (Special Edition) model, it's no surprise that the black 2013 Grizzly 700 comes equipped with electric power steering. And although constant monitoring of the road is necessary when driving, sometimes it still happens that you lose sight of a large root or stone and feel a rather harsh blow from the steering wheel. The presence of power steering not only provides excellent steering force and improves the handling of the ATV, but also partially absorbs the shock that falls on the front wheels while riding. And, therefore, reduces driver fatigue and increases driving pleasure. Power steering allows the driver to slowly crawl through difficult terrain and control the vehicle easily and effortlessly. Yamaha's electric power steering assist for the Grizzly is directly dependent on speed input and driver parameters, providing complete control of the vehicle in any situation.

The matte black paint is the main feature that visually differentiates the Special Edition ATVs from each other, but Yamaha has also developed some really cool products that can be added to your Yamaha Grizzly 700 as accessories to make it even more brutal. A very cool looking pistol holder on the front and a set of brackets to keep your favorite rifle safe. Rubber pads inside the clamps prevent the weapon from slipping when shaking. Cargo cases, fender flares, luggage racks are just a small part of the additional devices that make up the rich arsenal of accessories for the Yamaha Grizzly 700.

The Gun Holder is a Yamaha accessory that allows you to transport your gun safely and securely.

While testing the Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE ATV on the mountain roads of Arizona, a lot of time was spent shooting various weapons. As they climbed and descended the many small trails in search of their destination, testers said they had an unforgettable experience and truly enjoyed the ride quality of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI.

The rugged mountain plateau is a great place to play soldier for a few days.

Choosing an ATV as a means of transportation can only mean one thing: you are going to overcome difficult terrain, and then, having reached your goal, return back along it. Starting the engine at an altitude of 1500 meters might be difficult for carbureted machines, but fuel injection instantly revives the engine of the Yamaha Grizzly 700. The quiet rumble coming from the belly of this beast exudes confidence, the Ultramatic transmission provides positive engagement of the rear wheels, the beastly power of the Grizzly 700 persistently demands a way out. Long known for its maneuverability, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV performs stably on rutted and rain-washed trails that are slippery from thick mud. Participants in a test run in Arizona's Prescott Mountains wrote in their report that the fender flares installed on their Yamaha Grizzly 700 not only look cool, but also allow passengers to stay clean, no matter how muddy they have to wade through. While there's nothing to complain about, it would still be nice to increase the wheel spacer to full width to widen the fenders a little more.

Fender flares, available as optional accessories from Yamaha, protect the rider from mud and water.

The ergonomic saddle of the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV is also extremely comfortable and provides complete comfort on long rides in remote areas. Yamaha is a company that not only creates a great product, but also focuses on the lifestyle of its consumers. By offering to buy the new 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE “tactical” black, the manufacturer guarantees you not only a memorable brutal appearance, but also many years of reliable operation of your favorite brainchild.

In our store you can buy a Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE ATV.

Repair and tuning of Yamaha Grizzly ATVs

Owners of Japanese equipment note its reliability and durability, but comfort sometimes leaves much to be desired. Even the top models do not have seats with backrests, mirrors, hand pads or underbody protection. Immediately after purchase, users recommend installing additional equipment; this will not only make the equipment convenient, but also increase its service life.

With repairs, things are twofold; the same Yamaha 700 ATVs can work for 5-7 years without serious problems. However, if the device breaks down, its repair may take more than one month. It is difficult to find high-quality original parts for Japanese equipment, so you will have to order them.