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Posted by: rooster
The videos of the Grizzly sure look awesome. You can learn a lot of things about it by studying the videos. First thing is, it definitely does have a brake light. Next, although it looks like it would be tippy, in the videos it doesn't lean much in corners. Also you can see how the On-command 4x4 system works. It locks in when the button is pushed for diff lock.
There's also the little details about the machine. 12L storage box. And, if you notice, the digital display is tucked way down by the front rack so it shouldn't be hurt in case of a rollover.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
http://www.wildwestmotorsports.net/ATVMANIA/2002_dealer_show.htm
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Cowboy, Boner, this time I might do more than just talk about switching quads. Damn glad I didn't bite on that sportsman last fall. The 2002 Griz looks like it would be tippy, cause it looks narrow, but with some wide tires, you could even that out. I've only seen a few pictures of it, but I'm already picking it hard for anything I don't like. Still, as long as this thing isn't priced out the roof, then I will be riding one not long after its available. Too bad it wasn't a manual shift.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
Same thing down south. Yamaha dealers aren't known for coming down on price. AC's can be found at decent deals though.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
I will be getting this sucker!!! Check out the specs that I kind of lifted off somebody somewhere else.
2002 Yamaha Grizzly 660
660cc Liquid Cooled 5-Valve
On-Command 4wd with Electronic Locker
Independent Rear Suspension
12" Ground Clearance Front & Back
Front Wheel Travel = 7.1"
Rear Wheel Travel = 9.5"
5 Way Preloads Front/Rear
Digital Speedometer with gas gauge, drive postition, 2 trips, odometer, hour, oil, 4wd, and locker.
FRONT/REAR: Hydralic Disc Brakes
3-WAY On-Command- 2wd, 4wd, 4wd Locked
RED, GREEN, BEIGE, METALIC SILVER, CAMO
$6,999 available June 16th w/ $69 winch deal
DRIVE SELECTOR = HIGH, LOW, NEUTRAL, REVERSE, PARK
YAMAHA TESTERS SAID:
"the grizzly 660 smokes a sp500ho, and will out run a prairie 650."
Claimed POWER RATING:
HP = 45 HP
TORQUE = 48 ft-lbs
Posted by: Andy Bassham
I would think that it is a separate mode. It has an indicator light on the display for diff-lock, so I'm guessing that it has an actual setting rather than a lever or button for part time locking. Of course, I don't know though. Seems like it should though. I think I read where it has the servo motor that switches between the 3 settings.
This thing is going to be picked all to hell in the next few months. We will hear that it is tippy, and stuff like the lack of an anti sway bar will make it dip, and the suspension will squat, the brakes are squishy, and all kinds of other crap too. Still, this looks like the most promising thing I've seen yet. I think the Honda transmission and the kawasaki wet brake were great strides, but I think this bike here is going to have most of the things that I am looking for all in one. You can tell that they paid some attention to what the riders are wanting, cause they covered just about every base here. Diff lock, discs, IRS, 2wd option, etc. The thing I like the best is that they kept the price right there with everyone elses flagship, even though the kick ass metallic version is $300 more. dammit!
Posted by: Andy Bassham
The reliability issue on polaris kept me from buying a sportsman about 3 or 4 times since 1998 when I got my AC. I've owned 2 yamahas before, and I liked them. I wouldn't say that they were as mechanically sound as the honda's that I rode and rode with at the time (we're talking 1980's here), but they were good bikes. I always liked Yamaha, but the dealers down here are high, and I couldn't see paying $1200 more for a Grizz than I could for the AC I got at the time. I make a bit more money nowdays, so its not as big a factor.
As far as automatics go, I would prefer a manual always. Still, the Yamaha system is constantly engaged rather than the polaris, which gives it a better hookup and less chance of shredding a belt soon. I guess they must have really good engine braking also. I don't like the water factor, but a ton of people ride autos in water all the time, so I guess I'm coming around on that. Plus, there isn't any other way of getting a 660, so I would just have to live with it.
The way I see it, this one has the things that the polaris didn't. It has a 4wd system thats not on-demand, so you have it going downhill. It also has the diff lock that most other quads don't. Disc brakes that Honda can't give you. The motor is bad ass, but I would still be in the market even if they had put the old 600 in this same chassis. All of the other features are what I'm really looking at. I like the display too. The racks are made of steel, and I never was big on the plastic ones that other manufacturers offer. It has a lot of splash protection also. Looks to me that they covered all the bases here. Its about time somebody did.
As far as a sway bar, I didn't see it, but it could very easily be on there. I just didn't notice one, but I didn't look to hard for it either. I'm pretty jacked up about this one here. I've been waiting for a non-polaris IRS quad for a while, and it turns out we've got one now that has diff-lock. Could possibly be the perfect quad, but I guess we'll see.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
If you want to see what the diff-lock/4wd/2wd button looks like, check out the video's on the yamaha site. Its pretty cool
Posted by: Andy Bassham
You have a point there. Of course the upside is that it is fully engaged as opposed to holding the lever on the kawasaki (not sure if that has a lock like a parking brake). Still, even if you have to hold onto the kawasaki, it wouldn't be much of a problem in the circumstances that you would need the diff-lock anyway. At least I don't think. I normally have both hands planted when I'm doing something that needs a lot of traction.
Posted by: Andy Bassham
That 72 mph stuff that Odin was talking about is something I'll have to see to believe. Thats a bit high, seeing as dirtwheels clocked the raptor at 71. I don't see that happening. Also, there really hasn't been much talk about what Polaris might make. Either way, I'd prefer the yamaha. The engine was already powerfull enough with the 600. The 660 is just a plus. The things I've been looking for is a Independant suspension big bore with a lockable differential and disc brakes that is made by somebody other than polaris. Now its here. If you can squeeze 60 out of this thing, then that will be fine for me. I get a hair over 50 on my AC, and 10mph more would be plenty enough for blasting down the fire roads. I rode 42 miles today, and I would bet that 41 of that was all done at under 15 mph.
Posted by: BONER
Just get some ITP Magnum wheels made for the rear of a Rubicon and you will be set.
What I want to know is how does the locker work?? Will you have to keep pressing the button if you want to keep it locked? IF so, I think thats gonna be more annoying than the 650's locker lever. BUt if you press it and let go and it's locked I think it will be a REAL hit.
Andy, why not wait and see what AC has in store with there new IRS 500??
Posted by: BONER
Yama,
There is nothing wrong with the AC 500 motor, untill the Kawasaki and Grizzly came out it was held the title of the torque monsters in the Utility class. It even beat out the 102cc larger Grizzly by about 10%. The only down fall to the AC 500 motor is that Arctic Cat didn't port the head enough to give it that extra high RPM power for top speed.
Now you are wrong about eh Grizzly's motor being the same as the Raptor, only the head is the same. Even angle of the top end is steeper on the Grizzly (for more Ground clearance and lower center of gravity according to Yamaha-- but I bet it also helps to allow for a larger fuel tank) than it is on the Raptor. The compression ratio is different, the oil filter is on the opposite side of the motor, and so much more. Yamaha doesn't even list the bore and stroke specs so you can compare them to the Raptor.
Posted by: cowboy
Nice looking machine. I liked that picture with it sitting up on the rock, with the "Grizz 660" sign at the bottom-looked pretty sweet! Where's the winch though? They had a plow sitting in there, different grill guard/light protectors, but no winch!
Definately looks like a performer, and with the 660, will be the biggest utility quad out there. Wonder what the top speed would be-how fast is the Kaw 650? It would look a lot better with your 'Claws under there though, that's for sure-maybe some wheel spacers too, to widen the stance. You are right, it does look a bit narrow, tippy like the Kodiak. You going to trade the 'Cat in for it? -I doubt you'd get much for the '89 Honda, and your 'Cat is in pretty damn good shape by the looks of things. Be sad to see it go though...
Hey, when are you going to get those pictures up??? Would like to see it with the lift, new light before you get rid of it! heh heh heh BR>
Best of luck,
Mike
Posted by: cowboy
So Mike, what did you really think of your '99 Griz?
Heh heh heh, sorry, couldn't resist! That new Griz does indeed look like a nice machine. My question now is so how much truth is there to the 680cc Polaris rumored to be coming out this fall? Been reading the Polaris forum a bit lately to see what they unveil, if rumors are true, will be interesting to say the least. If they don't drop the weight at all, yet still only have a 20cc larger engine, it might just be a good competition between the Griz and new SP. Though, at a rumored 72 mph out of the 680, man that's fast!
So, how fast is fast enough? I mean come on guys, at 72 mph on a UTILITY quad??? Getting a little crazy isn't it? I can see guys wanting a good utility machine that will get places fast, but that kind of speed is up there with the sport bikes! With a pipe on there, jet kit, etc., topping out at maybe 80+??? DAMN! That's crazy! Guess that's why they call them SPORT/Utility machines now. So how about us working guys? Do we get to keep the solid rear axle, with a brute work horse that can still haul or tow a house off it's foundation, and while being quick, will it still run at sub-supersonic speeds? Power is nice, but with machines that size, I might just hurt myself! heh heh heh. Then, I saw somewhere that the engine is something similar to one they put in their sled line, and another rumor being that they have a 100cc upgrade kit, bringing it to a 780cc! Come on now, if such a thing did exist, now we're talking Jeep. So again, how fast is fast enough? Where do we draw the line between a sport bike and now the new sport/utility machines? Or, should these new top models be in a class of their own "muscle quads"?
Best of luck to everybody and with whatever they end up with in the next few months. Me-I'm keeping my 'Cat, at least for a few more years! BR>
Mike
Posted by: jscyoung
Tex and Andy, Is it the IRS that has everyone so excited about the Grizzly, or what? It is nice looking in pictures. Having had a chance to ride the Prairie 650 (a real rush for a 4X4 utility quad), I will have to see the Grizzly prove itself faster and better. Prairie 650 advantages I see are---the Grizzly's IRS may be a bit better a ride unloaded, but the Prairie's rear end has a high quality shock and is said to be a very good ride for a solid axle---very close to the Sportsman's ride, so I assume close to the Grizzly's. It has the advantage of a wet sealed brake in the rear, and won't lose ground clearance when loaded (although the Grizzly has lots to lose). The front differential lock is very simple and should be trouble-free and can be applied at any speed (although designed to be used at low speed) and can be "feathered" so that you still have steering control. I wonder about a system that is either on or off. If it is on, it would be very hard to steer, and I don't have a lot of faith in something electric that may have to be turned on and off constantly in order to be able to steer. I think I read that it only works in low range too, but that may not be true (there must be some kind of safety so you can't lock it at high speed). The engine on the Grizzly is a one-lunger. I can't imagine it being as smooth as the Prairie's. The Prairie's V-twin is virtually vibration free. How quick is the throttle response on the Grizzly? The Prairie's is as quick as a Rubicon's. The Prairie's center of gravity is said to be the lowest of any machine, which makes it very stable on sidehills. The Prairie's front disc brakes are dual piston calipers---said to be the best of any quad. The Prairie has front and rear 12 volt outlets and 45 watt headlights with multiple reflector sockets---very bright. What are the Grizzly's? Both machines have brake lights don't they---I know the Prairie does. As for torque and speed, if the Grizzly really has a top speed higher than the Prairie, I'll have to see it. I would also think that the Prairie's torque would be higher, but we'll see. Kawasaki's quality has been extremely good. I think my old Prairie has much better fit and finish than my friend's old Grizzly. The only things I question about the Prairie 650 are---some of the welds on the racks of the one I rode could have been much better---not up to their usual quality (hopefully they're correcting that), and the gas tank seems kind of small (4.5 gals) for such a large engine---the bigger the better as far as I'm concerned. The plastic cover over the air filter (where is gas tank used to be) is a bit flimsy although it probably will never break. Anyway, until the Grizzly is actually tested against the others and proven the best, my money is on the Prairie to be best overall. If I'm wrong, I may change brands when I upgrade.
Posted by: mikeslaby
Dang it ! I swore that when it was time to get my new Quad next spring it would absolutely, positively not be a belt drive or a Yamaha. I have had problems with belts and cluthes getting wet and muddy on all three of my auto machines (xplorer 300, 99 grizzly and 2000 auto cat) I absolutely hated my vibrating, tippy, always full of mud rear drum braked, battery eating, overheating, plug fouling, headlight falling off, cracked rack all in 300 miles piece of crap Grizzly and swore to never again buy another Yamaha, EVER !!!!
Now I see this thing. Never is a long time ......I may have to give Yammi another chance. He,He,He
Posted by: mikeslaby
Cowboy,
If I said how I felt about my Grizzly the post would be deleted. Something about that new one though. Nice looking, nice features etc.. Looking at the 650 prairie doesn't trip my trigger like this new Grizz. The Rubicon is nice but I have some strange inborn dislike for Honda's. I just don't like them. Nothing personal to you Honda guys.I really want a Traxter but they are overweight in Wisconsin (650 lb limit)for our trails, so you can't get them registered to ride on public land.
With all that I still think that my first choice next spring will be a manual Cat. I decided that with my luck getting water and mud in my belt and clutch, as much as I love driving automatics on the trail, that I'm probably gonna switch to a manual. Other than getting mud and water in my clutch housing I love my Cat. If the new Cats have a true locking front differential that may just seal the deal. Ah it is good to have choices......
Posted by: sxr6
??? A new mud king is born, maybe??? Impressive bike, ground clearance, locker, power, good ride?, My only problem with Yam's has always been $$, I went shopping for a Kod Ultra but at $7400. cdn, I bought the 300 Cat with winch for $5995.cdn. Could a got a 500 Cat for about $7200.
Posted by: sxr6
Yep damm nice machine but I guess I'll be the first to pick at it. The only thing I really don't like is the electronic diff lock, my expierence is that water, dust, mud & electrics don't mix, I like Kawy's lever better.
Posted by: Yama
Hey Andy
I remember a fiew months back when you were thinking of buying a Sp500
but reliability concerns stoped ya. So i assume that reliability on a Yamaha is not a concern (no flames here we are all entitled to our opinion). I remember reading your posts and it seems that you did not like the belt drive aspect ither. What are your thaughts on the yamaha belt drive. The Ultramatic has been a trouble free trans for Yamaha so far but do you think that a 5 speed would clinch the deal ??. On a side note useing the Raptor motor is a real bonus for us SPORT-utility riders.
Can you dream of all the motor mods that will be available for that thing in the next year.
And to you boner I realize you like the AC brand alot. But i dont think that IFS and a front locker will be enough to make anyone buy an AC over a Grizz. The curent AC is a awesom machine as it stands BUT what it needs is a ENGINE that can keep up with the big dogs.
Yama
Y2K Grizz
Y2K Kodiak
Posted by: Yama
Andy
I think atv news says it has a rear anti-sway bar ?????
Posted by: TEXMud
I talked to a test rider months ago. When it comes out I will more than likely look into trading the Rancher in.
Posted by: TEXMud
Andy, I was told that the sway bar is in front of the suspension as opposed to in the rear like the SP500
