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When Yamaha asked us to try its new utility ATV we were curious what they had up their sleeve. We're well versed on Yamaha's sled lineup, but could a high-perf snowmobile guy really get excited about a "utility" ATV? We had our doubts.
Background/MachineI've had purely a working, not recreational, relationship with ATVs. I use them at our cabin clearing brush, plowing snow or getting out to our hunting blinds.
I am not a 'recreational rider' and was honestly I was a little apprehensive when we got to the beautiful Paws Up Ranch outside Missoula, Mont. Being a 'flatlander' when it comes to ATVs, I saw the terrain we'd be riding and thought there is NO way our old ATVs would handle this.
Yamaha targeted the largest group of ATV buyers - utility - and the core group of buyers within that market - 600-800cc - with the new Grizzly. The result, an Ultramatic transmission, fuel-injected - Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) and On Command push-button 4-wheel ATV.
The 686cc liquid 4-stroke is based on the Raptor 700R design, but is tuned and geared for low-end grunt work. The new Grizzly engine also has several upgrades including a larger radiator for increased cooling capacity and full stainless exhaust with a spherical surface joint and rubber-mounted muffler, both to reduce vibration. Grizzly also gets a larger 10 mm centrifugal clutch with 6 - not 5 - shoe design.
Pretty impressive, right? Well, Yamaha went further and offered an industry first, Electric Power Steering (EPS)! The new torque-sensing EPS system feels when you encounter rough terrain. Gone is the gut-stabbing recoil in the handlebars that I was used to on older machines, as I would accidentally tag a stump or large rock. The electric motor here instantly helps soften the impact and smoothes you over the hazards. As a result, driver fatigue is minimal.
Grizzly also comes with a direct drive shaft design, which effectively puts the power to the dirt by eliminating two U-joints and cutting vibration and power loss. You can easily lock the 4-wheel diff. to feel the full seamless low-end power.
The RideSome Yamaha ATV owners I talked to since my ride said they really liked the former 660 Grizzly and wondered why Yamaha came with a 700. First I explained the theory of price-points - the 700 is about $700 more than the 660 - and then explained the new Grizzly's flawless ride.
My best bet was describing our first mountain climb on the new machine. We ascended roughly 600 ft. through rock beds, over massive stumps, through loose wood chips and over fallen trees. We did all this by using the push-button 4-wheel drive low WITHOUT locking in the differential! Did I mention this was at a grade almost steep enough to send me toppling backward? The ATVs I knew would have freaked out the driver in the first 100 ft., but I topped this technical hill easily.
Electric no-choke starting and reverse are two more amenities appreciated on the Grizzly. But we also enjoyed a generously thick seat and well-balanced ride.
The VerdictI'm a snowmobiler at heart and believe sleds are the only vehicles that should be allowed on trails in winter. But the new breed of ATVs, especially Yamaha's Grizzly 700 make a perfect summertime diversion. With all the accessories to the front and rear racks too there aren't many outdoor activities or jobs that this machine would shy away from. The only problem is that I'm not sure we would get any work done in the summer with a couple of these sitting out in the barn… but we would have plenty of fun racing each other through the woods!
SPECSPrice: $7,999 US
Engine and Drivetrain: 686cc, 4-stroke single, liquid w/fan, SOHC, automatic transmission, push-button On-Command 3-way locking differential (2WD, 4WD, Locked 4WD)
Susp. Front/Rear: Independent Double Wishbone
Susp. Travel Front/Rear: 7.1/9.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 11.8 inches Brakes: dual front and rear hydraulic disc
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Front/Rear Rack Capacity: 99/187 lbs.
Towing Capacity: 1,212 lbs.