Yamaha Grizzly 700 review: samurai in the dense Taiga

Utilitarian ATVs are represented in the line of motorcycles of the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha in several models.

The Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI, which has been consistently popular since its first appearance on the global ATV market, certainly deserves special mention.

Owners use such cars for hiking, country holidays, and agricultural work.

Model features

Utilitarian ATVs are full-fledged “workhorses”.

In terms of dimensions, they are much larger than sports models. Their squat design exudes unmistakable power .

Thanks to their many advantages, Yamaha's Grizzly series ATVs are rightfully considered one of the leaders in their segment.

They are widely used by lovers of extreme country holidays and are able to overcome the most difficult areas (mountainous, forested, swampy).

Thanks to the powerful and high-torque engines that these machines are equipped with, as well as their impressive load capacity, they are often used by farmers for agricultural work.

In the line of utilitarian ATVs, Yamaha engineers have used a lot of the most modern innovative solutions, thanks to which the functional and technical characteristics of such machines deserve the highest marks .

Among the latest technologies implemented, one can highlight, in particular, the On-Command system, which is responsible for connecting all-wheel drive and allowing the transmission to operate in automatic mode.

Currently, almost every utilitarian Yamaha model is equipped with it.

As a result, the driver has the opportunity to set one of three transmission operating modes, optimal for specific road conditions:

• rear-wheel drive (2WD with locked differential);
• all-wheel drive (4WD with differential lock);
• all-wheel drive (4WD without differential lock).

Due to the fact that utilitarian ATVs are often used in extreme conditions, their braking system must be reliable and highly effective.

That's why Yamaha installs the latest hydraulic brakes on its models.

Much attention is also paid to the level of handling and comfort, which allows these cars to be used not only for work, but also for recreational trips.

In particular, the independent rear suspension ensures a smooth ride even in areas with large differences in terrain.

It is noteworthy that in the Grizzly family there are also children's models : these are Grizzly 80 and Grizzly 125.

Market leaders

The number of manufacturers of this type of vehicle is growing in step with their popularity among consumers. Their leaders include such well-known brands as: Polaris, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda. This list would be incomplete without one of the world leaders - Yamaha, one of the largest manufacturers of motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and much other equipment. The Grizzly ATV of this brand is one of the most popular models in the world. Grizzly from Yamaha quickly gained popularity due to its power and technology, as well as originality, both external and internal.

Types of Yamaha Grizzly models

Today on Russian roads you can find various versions of utilitarian Yamaha ATVs.
The simplest and most inexpensive of them is Grizzly 300.

The digital designation of this model (as well as all others) is associated with the engine displacement - it is 287 cubic meters.

This is the only representative of the Grizzly family, equipped only with rear-wheel drive. Like its “big brother” Grizzly 350 (engine capacity - 348 cc), this ATV is air-cooled and has a swing-arm rear suspension .

Starting with the Grizzly 450 modification (421 “cubes”), , electric power steering, a multifunction liquid crystal display and a liquid cooling system appear The volume of the gas tank increases to 15 liters.

The Grizzly 550 (558 cc) model becomes available in the Limited Edition package , which differs from the basic original color scheme and lightweight aluminum wheels, and the Special Edition.

The ATV is equipped with a 20-liter gas tank and a V-belt drive.

The Grizzly 660 (660 cc) was Yamaha's first utility ATV with a 5-valve engine. This machine was put on the assembly line in 2005.

And finally, the most modern of all the “bears” - Grizzly 700 - .

No matter how you use your motor vehicle, you must in any case provide yourself with special clothing for riding an ATV, since, alas, no one is immune from injuries.

Not only ATV owners need special equipment, so we suggest you read another article on this topic.

Honda TRX 680 (2005 – present 400,000–800,000 RUR)

His humble Majesty Honda TRX 680 is the same all-terrain vehicle that will live forever. After a nuclear explosion, only he and the cockroaches will remain. A stronger ATV has not yet been invented on planet Earth. Due to its innate survivability and relatively low degree of sophistication, the TRX 680 is of little use in recreational rides, which greatly affects the popularity of the model. The second name of the model is sometimes the word rincon, which is floridly translated into Russian as an area surrounded by streams and rivers.

Engine

The single-cylinder, four-valve engine with a displacement of 675 cm3, electronic fuel injection, a balancer shaft and two spark plugs, installed on the Honda TRX 680, by and large has no weak points. The design is conventionally similar to that used in lightweight Japanese enduros, which, in the most difficult conditions, travel many tens of thousands of kilometers with almost no maintenance or repairs. The engine is low-boosted and relatively quiet. Not prone to oil burnout. In case of emergency there is an additional manual starter. The maximum speed limiter is activated at 100 km/h.

Air is supplied to the power system through a complex long labyrinth. The intake hole is located just above the seat. All breathers are brought to approximately the same level. The air filter box is designed so that the filter element itself is located almost in the middle of the entire volume. The water will drain down the drains rather than get into the cylinder, if it ever gets to the intake. “Drowned” engines from the Honda TRX 680 are very rare.

Transmission

The main trump card of the TRX 680 is a full-fledged, smooth three-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The box is controlled by an electronic unit. This quad is completely devoid of one of the main problems of this type of technology. You cannot break a variator belt where there is neither a belt nor a variator! The gearbox is controlled by a short lever under the steering wheel. There is a manual mode controlled by buttons on the steering wheel and the possibility of engine braking, but there is no downshift. Engine oil is used as hydraulic fluid. The automatic transmission of an all-terrain vehicle, unlike a car's, does not have a recoil function. It's almost impossible to kill him. Such a gearbox doesn’t care about fording up to the level of the breathers (at the seat level). Signs of abnormal behavior appear only when oil circulates alternately with water through the hydraulic system. A couple of consecutive oil changes almost completely eliminate the negative impact of water on the mechanisms. In rare cases, clutches and pressure relief valves need to be replaced.

The basic drive mode of the TRX 680 is rear. The front is connected rigidly with a button or automatically after a short slip of the rear wheels. The stronger the slip, the more the front axle self-locking differential is activated.

Frame and body kit

The all-terrain vehicle frame is tightly packed, parallel pipes and some especially long diagonals are reinforced with short gussets. At the rear, a small subframe is attached to the main frame. This design is very strong. In addition, a large amount of plastic hides the surface of the frame from minor damage.

In glossy colors, the plastic is coated with a thick layer of varnish, which resists scratches for a long time, but eventually becomes covered with fine cobwebs. Wiping the varnish directly to the plastic is not an easy task. As well as breaking any of the cladding. The outer inserts on the wings and bumper are made of rough black plastic painted in the paste. It does not lose its presentation even in the most difficult troubles, and also effectively protects painted plastic from damage.

Brakes

The brake system of the TRX 680 is designed to be used primarily on the ground, mainly for utilitarian purposes. With a dry weight of 277 kg, you shouldn’t expect miracles from four calipers (two-piston front, single-piston rear) and tiny brake discs.

Pendants

The suspension of all wheels is independent with aluminum arms. The move is quite small. As well as ground clearance. However, when driving on rough roads, the TRX 680 pleases with its softness and smoothness. The secret is in the well-chosen stiffness of the shock absorbers. A low-slung vehicle has less sway and better control. This ATV doesn’t like to jump and shouldn’t, but it can. On particularly hard landings, the A-arms are the first to suffer. Both 24-inch and 25-inch wheels are available as standard. What’s interesting is that the CV joints on the TRX 680 almost never fail. On standard 25 tires, Tryx can sail without a rider and not turn over with the steering wheel up!

Comfort

As already mentioned, the Honda TRX 680 is distinguished by its flexible behavior and decent handling. Long trips do not exhaust the driver. Having a passenger is a philosophical question. Japanese quad vehicles are all one-and-a-half-seater vehicles. The second room will definitely be cramped! It is worth noting the excellent dirt protection. Perhaps one of the best in the class. The disadvantages include a heavy steering wheel (no power steering) and modest capabilities for carrying luggage in the standard version. Therefore, owners always use one of the trunks under a lockable trunk.

Modifications

During the entire production period, the Honda TRX 680 ATV has not been upgraded at all. An exception is the American special version Rincon 680 GPSscape, which is distinguished by the presence of built-in GPS (shows direction, distances, programmed points, altitude).

Model specifications

Sales of the Grizzly 700 FI started in 2007.

The platform was taken from its predecessor (model 660), but the appearance of the ATV has changed quite a lot.

In particular, the shape of the fuel tank fairings has been updated, the volume of which, like the previous modification, is 20 liters.

Independent wishbone suspensions equipped with adjustable shock absorbers were not affected by the changes.

On the rear axle, instead of the old central brake, dual disc mechanisms appeared, which previously only existed at the front.

In addition, it is possible to brake all wheels with the engine.

The 686 cc engine was borrowed from the sports model Raptor 700R.

In essence, the unit is a highly modernized version of the engine from the Grizzly 660 with an injection system instead of a carburetor.

Starting has become more convenient, the need for adjustment has disappeared, and power has increased.

However, at the same time, the engine became more economical and durable (this was achieved by coating the cylinder mirror with ceramics).

The Grizzly 700 also inherited halogen headlights, a brake light and a large monochrome display.

By the way, the ATV is not only the most powerful of the entire Grizzly line, but also the lightest.

Externally, a snowmobile for children is identical to “adult” models, so for a child it will not only be an extreme sport, but also a source of pride.

In this article, we analyze in detail children's mini bikes, the purchase of which will strengthen the physical fitness and endurance of the younger generation.

Reviews

Consumers who have experienced the full potential of Yamaha ATVs have noted many excellent points. First of all, these are the engines. The power units of the entire model range are distinguished by throttle response, power and reliable operation over a wide speed range. The power steering also deserves praise. The designers made sure that the steering was light and predictable. The unique Ultramatic transmission automatically maintains belt tension. Engine braking is light, comfortable and predictable, just let off the gas. The ergonomics of Yamaha's utility ATVs have always been a strong feature of these vehicles.

Estimated cost

The cost of a new Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV can vary significantly depending on the seller and averages about 700,000 rubles.
Prices on the secondary market depend on the “age” of the car, its technical condition, odometer readings and other factors. They start at about 300,000 rubles.

The Grizzly 700 all-terrain vehicle is equally well suited for overcoming off-road conditions and for transporting heavy loads.

This explains its popularity among farmers and extreme travel enthusiasts.

An independent suspension with adjustable shock absorbers smooths out all the unevenness of rough terrain, and the front and rear luggage racks together allow you to transport up to 130 kg of cargo.

Thanks to the wide AT25 tires, the ATV can move through swamps.

Moreover, a car without a rider can be transported by swimming across bodies of water . The ESP electric power steering system, as well as the optimal weight-to-power ratio, ensure excellent handling of the all-terrain vehicle.

The Honda Bros 650 motorcycle belongs to the naked class, and it is one of the first representatives of this class.

This very popular motorcycle was created by the well-known company KAWASAKI as a variant of a sports and touring two-wheeled vehicle.

Advantages and disadvantages

When evaluating a device before purchasing, you should pay attention to its advantages:

• Design. The catchy appearance of the “Grizzly” is not just a marketing ploy. All lines and parts of the body are designed for easy operation and safety.
• Engine. A powerful, reliable motor operates for a long period of time under high loads.
• Dynamics. The utilitarian all-terrain vehicle Grizzly 700 is not positioned by the company as a sports one, but is capable of accelerating over 100 km/h.
• Suspension. The independent multi-link transmission ensures constant high controllability.
• Powerful lighting components. LED headlights provide bright illumination of the path, and an additional light allows for increased visibility when turning.

The car is not without its shortcomings:

• Price. Yamaha Grizzly is a high-quality product, produced under a famous brand. Hence the high price, which is not affordable for everyone.
• All-terrain vehicle of the egoist. The model provides exclusively single-seat seating.
• Slow cornering. By lightening the front part of the vehicle, cross-country ability has increased, but controllability in high-speed maneuvering has decreased.

Photo gallery

The YAMAHA concern, which has been producing ATVs for more than 20 years, has set its own standards for the quality and design of this equipment.

In the production of ATVs, a unique painting technology is used to ensure surface resistance to mechanical damage and environmental factors. This selection gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with the appearance of the Grizzly 700 and see it in different qualities.

Video

This video is a real test drive of the Yamaha Grizzly 700. After watching this video you will see how this ATV overcomes all types of obstacles.
And also make sure that the Grizzly 700 is designed not only for work, but also for entertainment and outdoor activities. Did you like the article? Tell your friends!

Comments (2)

1. Alexei:
   03/02/2015 at 08:30

   Cool devices. It's true that I'm always amused by shiny chrome wheels on ATVs. I believe that such equipment is created primarily for off-road and muddy conditions, and therefore it should look accordingly. It’s definitely not worth chrome-plating the quad parts.

   Answer

2. Elena:

   03/03/2015 at 14:19

   Today, the leader in all-terrain vehicles is the Yamaha company, the Yamaha Grizzly sports quad bike, an excellent all-terrain vehicle with a lot of driving characteristics that will give you speed and adrenaline. These quad bikes also have a large load capacity and incredible cross-country ability.

   Answer