Yamaha Grizzly 660

[rdbrumfield]

I did a year or so ago up in the tractor attachments or build it yourself dicussions. If I can find my camara charger or the disc I have them on I will put them down here. I didn't have the quad when I built it, but it sure has been nice to have around, and very handy for the quad. Sure saves on the pickup.

 

[_M_]

I picked up a new (2007) Grizzly 450 this summer to replace a '92 Polaris 350 TrailBoss 4X4. We've got 20 plus acres of various terrain. Much of our trails have a steep sideways slope to them. The TrailBoss had a solid rear axle, was 2 inches wider and thus was a little more stable feeling than the Grizzly. I found that setting the Grizzly's preloaders to the firmest setting made a significant difference in stability without negatively affecting the ride. So did raising the tire pressure a bit. Both my wife and I are very happy with the Grizzly. The 450 is fast enough for me and has never come close to not having enough power for pulling loads, etc. I pull a 4.5' x 8' Floe aluminum trailer through our woods with a 2" ball hitch. I've likely exceeded the rated tow load by 1.5 times if not more and it did great. I have also used the winch to pull the ATV with trailer (loaded with logs) up some really steep stretches (not because of lack of power, but because the dirt was soft and I didn't have enough traction. I estimate the trailer load was about 1500lbs or more). I've also gone down hills with a heavy trailer (slowly) and all was fine including the brakes. Only things I wish it had were a 4 or 5 valve engine (instead of 2) and EFI. 25 hours on it and no problems so far. If I could back, I would buy it again.

 

[dsb5610]

I finally finished the deal on the pair of 660s and brought them home last night. We did not get to run them much and it was after dark but our first impression was these are going to work well. One thing that was obvious, you pack an engine that size in a little container and they really scoot. I will get a picture up when I can take a shot in the daylight.

dsb

 

[rutwad]

I feel certain they will meet your needs and should satisfy you for along time.

A little late for buying advice, but I owned an '02 Kaw Prairie 650. Absolutely loved it and bought the '04 700 next. Same atv, just slightly larger engine. To me, the prairies have to be some of the most versatile ATV's around. Plus the braking system is second to none, and brakes always seem to be problematic on most atv's.

The side-by-side units seem pretty nice, but I have always been worried about riding with my ATV buddies and encountering a low limb crossing the trail. No ducking to keep going oin these. Plus the weight has to be a negative factor when in the mud, especially if you get it stuck!

Grizzlys> I've only been around 2. One was bought used and the man had trouble with it cutting off all day. Probably not a grizzly proplem, just something that could happen to anyone. The other grizzly was new (well, 2 yrs. ago) and when he got stuck and engages 4wd-lock, it broke a front axle. I have heard other grizzly owners say this as well, but with stock tires and no agressive mudding, that should not be a problem.

Polaris- I don't think anybody's sitting on the fence about these. Either thay love them or they hate them. I fall into the latter group based on the ones I have been around.

Ford or Chevy, Honda or Toyota, blada, blada, blaaaah. Everyone has their opinion, but take care of any of them and you should get good service from it.

 

[dsb5610]

Thanks rutwad.

We haven't put more than 20 miles on them but I think these are going to work well for us. I've installed the winches since the picture was taken. That was more of a job than I expected.

dsb

 

[BabyHuey]

Speaking of Suzuki's, I just sold my 2003 Twin Peaks 700. It was both FAST & reliable. I bought it in Feb. 2004 as a 2003 leftover. I bought a seat and installed it on the back rack for my wife. It was padded (seat & back) & had storage boxes on each side.
We did a lot of riding the dirt roads and fire roads in the woods in my area.
In the two years that I owned it, I never had a problem, other than a factory re-call for the front end, and dealer took care of in a day. (Replaced top & bottom A arm on both sides.

Just my Two Cents.
Good Luck with your choice.

Bob in N. Florida

 

[praha]

dsb,
congratulations, little late.

Now you will need new tires!!

I have 8000 miles on 2 Grizzlies,bought the first one 2002. Always had gas boiling issue, Yamaha never solved the problem. 2007 model may be different.
Otherwise, 660 was the best machine on the market between 2002 and 2006.
Power steering is a great feature.

Enjoy,
Joe

 

[dsb5610]

Joe,

I got the 2006 models. They do take a bit to get warmed up but always start right up. We've had some real cold spells where it was too cold for me to ride but I have no doubt they would have started.

I don't see new tires in my future until I wear the stock ones out. I'm shopping for a decent trailer to use around the property as well as some type of storage for the long trail rides.

dsb