GRIZZLY Now in its third year of
production, the Grizzly first made its mark in the competitive
utility/exploring ATV marketplace in 1998 with the largest
displacement engine in an ATV. Featuring the Yamaha exclusive
Ultramaticä automatic transmission, exceptional towing and
cargo rack capacity, and push-button, On-commandä four-wheel
drive the Grizzly has become the flagship ATV in Yamaha’s
line-up. The Grizzly has been extensively improved over the past
two years in an attempt to incorporate customer requests. The major
themes addressed were a lighter handling feeling with greater
performance and durability in extremely muddy terrain. A by-product
of the production changes greatly reduced the overall weight,
shedding 40 pounds off the original model.
Essential features that
mark the Grizzly’s reputation as a workhorse, include front
disc brakes, sealed hydraulic rear brakes, and an engine braking
system. Additionally, On-command four-wheel drive, a brutish 600cc
powerplant, overhanging fenders, inner splash guards, wide metal
floorboards, the largest cargo rack and towing capacity in its
class and long-travel front and rear suspension, make the Grizzly a
class-leader.
Yamaha’s Ultramatic is the world’s first
ATV transmission utilizing both a centrifugal clutch and a sprag
(one-way) clutch behind the primary pulley, providing both superior
engine braking and durability over other systems that utilize the
drive belt only as a clutch.
The Grizzly’s engine braking
prevents the ATV from free-wheeling when riding down a slope or
when hauling heavy loads. The Grizzly’s transmission breather
system has an under-seat vent designed to prevent water, dirt, and
other debris from entering, thereby extending belt life and
minimizing belt slippage common in competitor’s automatic
transmissions.
The high and low range gearing options allow riders
to maximize performance in a variety of riding and terrain
conditions with the simple shift of a hand-operated lever. Reverse
is engaged by depressing the foot brake and moving the hand-
operated transmission selector to the reverse location. Powering
the transmission is an air-cooled, four-valve, SOHC, 595cc engine
that offers the largest displacement and most powerful engine in
any utility ATV. The powerful 600cc engine features an electric
starter and a recoil (pull) starter, equipped with an
auto-decompression cam for an easier pull.
An engine
courterbalancer is used for minimized vibration and smooth
operation. The new intake system is located high within the frame
for less leakage and is fed by a constant-velocity, 40mm big bore
carburetor that fuels the Grizzly’s torquey powerplant. For
maximum efficiency, a wet-sump lubrication system is used with two
oil pump rotors independently directing oil to the fan-equipped oil
cooler and engine crankcase.
New for 2000, the Grizzly is also
available in a Realtree X-tra™ Brown pattern with a
camouflage seat and tank graphic for a manufacturer’s
suggested retail price of $6,549, only $50.00 more than the
standard Grizzly. The 2000 Grizzly 600 4x4 is available in Hunter
Green, Beige, and Red, and the retail price remains unchanged at
$6,499.
