2004 Yamaha Bruin 350
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Testing The New
Yamaha Bruin |
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Yamaha lets loose another addition to the already extensive bear family with the release of the new for 2004 Bruin. The new Bruin is a 350cc utility ATV with an automatic transmission and is available in two models, a 4×4 and 2×4 version. Yamaha has introduced the Bruin to give the ATV buyer an ATV with plenty of big machine features at the best price possible, features such as the Ultramatic automatic transmission and a full size chassis. Dealers now have an affordable option to offer, the 4×4 Bruin is priced at a low ,999 and the 2×4 is a great value at ,999. The Yamaha line-up is a complete package with the Rhino 660, Grizzly 660, Kodiak 450, Kodiak 400, Big Bear 400, Beartracker 250 and now the Bruin 350! Quite an extensive product line, Yamaha offers a model for any budget. The new Bruin is powered by a 348 cc four-stroke SOHC (Single Over Head Cam) engine which is aspirated by a 33mm Mikuni BSR carburetor.
The 350 engine is air-cooled with a fan operated oil-cooler, particulars include an 83mm x 64.5mm bore and stroke. This power-plant produces a significant amount of throttle response, producing just a bit less power than the Kodiak 400. Matted to the Bruin�s 350 engine is the widely used Ultramatic automatic transmission, Yamaha uses the Ultramatic design in the Grizzly and the Kodiak units. The Ultramatic�s design allows for a great engine response, extended belt life and impressive engine braking. The Bruin 4×4 model is also as versatile as it is economical, supplied with the On-Command push button in and out four-wheel drive and puts the power to the wheels via shaft-drive. The four-wheel drive push button is located conveniently near the right handgrip, traction is just a finger tip away!
When the typical rider is first introduced to the Bruin they will 
notice the basic styling is apparently a direct compilation of Grizzly and Kodiak. Yamaha produces a good looking functional ATV, so why change a good thing? As the newest Bear in the forest, the Bruin 350 line has been designed to produce years of fun and supply help with work related activities. When riding the new Bruin we noticed a light and nimble feel, the steering was tight and responded well. As expected the power to weight ratio was very close to the Kodiak 400, hunters, ranchers and everyday enthusiasts should know that the Bruin is the perfect ATV for adventure. Whether it is small jobs around the farm, building a far off hunting blind or just cruzing down a fire road, the Bruin has its place on the trail.
The Bruin was designed around a large frame, same as the Kodiak 400. As a typical mid-sized unit, the Bruin needed to stay with full size 25 inch tires, almost ten inches of ground-clearance,
large fenders, roomy floorboards and a full-length skid plate. A comfortable ride is supplied by five-way preload adjustable shocks that supply the independent front double wish-bone suspension with 6.3 inches of travel and the rear swing-arm with 7.1 inches of travel. Braking is supplied by dual hydraulic disc brakes up front and a fully sealed drum brake in the rear. Don�t be afraid to pack the unit up with gear, front rack capacity is 88lbs and 176lbs in the rear. A respectable 1,102lbs can be towed using the Bruin’s standard hitch. Sometimes affordable mid-size units fall into a price verses feature problem, not the Bruin, even when it comes to a back-up starter the bruin uses an auxiliary recoil pull 
starter. Expect decent lighting with two 30 watt multi-reflector headlights up front and a standard tail/brake light rear, if that is not enough an optional DC outlet and spotlight can be purchased. Fill-ups should not be frequent. We expect the Bruin’s 350 air cooled engine will achieve a substantial operating range with just over 3.6 gals of fuel. Although the Bruin is classified as a mid-size unit the dimensions don�t portray mid-class, 78.1 inch length, 42.7 inch width, 44.1 inch height and a 32.6 inch seat height. Bruin colors include Hunter Green, Steel Blue, and Red, Look for a Real Tree High-Definition Hardwoods camo edition Bruin 350 4×4 should be on dealer showroom floors now!
We would be the first to admit there are so many ATV models to
choose from that it may start to confuse readers. As journalists we try to point out the key features and any problems a model may have but reporting on each ATV becomes a difficult job. Even a team of ATV writers has a hard time keeping up with the rate of newly released models. Be assured we are doing our best to keep you informed. The new Bruin comes in as a respective do everything fair to good ATV. We like the way the Bruin handled on rough terrain and its ease of use. The unit is a well put together package with a good at everything attitude, handling uphill situations as well as off-cambers equally well. 
Although we have not tested the unit in deep mud, the basic design tells us the Bruin is probably as good as a Kodiak or Grizzly. Except in the ground-clearance area, the Grizzly and Kodiak have just a bit more clearance. Actually I would think the new Bruin is an off shoot of the old Big Bear 350, using the same bore and stroke, the updated engine is now matted to the Kodiak 400 transmission. Producing a unit that can haul all the tools you�ll need to do a full days work and that will also give endless days of just riding pleasure. The Bruin is comfortable, easy to steer and should take you anywhere you need to go. We like the fact that this is a four-wheel drive unit at a two-wheel drive price,
especially in a world of seven thousand dollar ATVs. In the complaints department, we find just a few issues. First, we would like to see some sort of a gauge package even if it were just a trip/speedometer combination gauge and a tow hitch as part of the standard package. Summing it up, not much has changed from the Kodiak except the price and the slight reduction in piston bore so if you have been looking at a mid-size ATV but really felt that price was an issue then the Bruin is your ATV.
Manufacturer’s Sugg. Retail Price… ,299*