First Ride
It's been more than a year since Yamaha shocked the ATV community with the release of its Grizzly 700 4x4 FI EPS unit, which incorporated an all-new and innovative power steering system. After favorable initial reviews, we felt it was time to check back in on the Grizzly EPS to see if the power steering deserved all of that praise or was just the latest craze. For 2008, Yamaha is offering both the Grizzly 700 4x4 FI with and without the power steering feature, for a difference of about $600 in price. We wanted to dig a little deeper and find out for ourselves if it was really worth the extra dough and what performance differences the EPS unit brings to the table. We were quite impressed with our findings, and we're pretty sure you will be, too.
Quick Features Review
Yamaha's 2008 Grizzly 700 houses an impressive 686cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with single overhead cams and just happens to be the most powerful Grizzly ever produced. This engine is based on the Raptor's combustion chamber design and produces a powerful combination of low-rev torque, instant throttle response and impressive amounts of horsepower. Yamaha engineers designed this engine to be compact with a 35-degree cylinder angle that improves its ground clearance and optimizes center of gravity.
Another impressive feature added not so long ago, which has also become a popular feature among many of today's modern ATVs, was electronic fuel injection (EFI). The Grizzly uses a Mikuni fuel-injection system with a 44mm bore and an effective throttle position sensor. The EFI system allows for easy starting of the motor and efficiently delivers the proper mixture of air and fuel to the motor regardless of altitude and temperature without the exhausting task of rejetting. The EFI system also allows for a crisp and quick throttle response all while putting the power to the ground instantaneously.
In fact, due to the added innovative power steering system, the Grizzly has become one of the most desired test units in our fleet.
The Grizzly maintains the same chassis and suspension system that has proved effective for the past several years. The front A-arms are a lay-down-style system that provides the optimum ground clearance, with the ever-popular independent suspension system for the rear. The Grizzly offers excellent ground clearance at 11.8 inches for easy clearance over rocks, logs and any other obstacle that might be met along the trail. All four shocks come with five-way-adjustable settings so they can be dialed in to each rider's specific needs for the best performance. Another great feature is the hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels, which offer abrupt stopping abilities and lengthens the life of the brake pads. And for obtaining excellent traction and responsive steering, Yamaha chose to go with Dunlop 25x8-12 size tires on the front and 25x10-12 on the rear.
Yamaha engineers designed an effective drive system, which uses an electronic servo-activated two-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive and differential lock selector. These features are activated via Yamaha's specially designed On-Command system, which requires an easy push of a button. And for those who enjoy sinking their machines deep in gnarly mud holes, they've designed the radiator to sit up high in the frame to help avoid mud and other debris from sticking and causing the machine to overheat.
Obviously, Yamaha's most notable and exciting addition to the 2008 Grizzly is its industry-first electronic power steering system (EPS). Not only is it an innovative addition, but it also has a valuable purpose. This new system lightens the steering and gives great comfort in rough terrains, which allows the rider to spend a long day on the trail without wearing down nearly as quickly. The EPS adjusts its assistance according to the speed and rpm of the machine while riding.