Ask The Editors: Identify My Machine From a Terrible Photo

By Jason Giacchino - July 25, 2021

Is it really a Bear?

Dear ATVC: I was told this was possibly a 2000-2012 Yamaha Big Bear 400; although the headlights seem too wide-set. Can anyone confirm or provide the correct year range, make, and model? Thank you.

Based on the quality of this photo alone, that’s like asking a marine biologist to identify the species of the Loch Ness Monster based on that famous black and white pic that’s continually proven a hoax.

That being said – you can see why whoever told you to check into the Big Bear family between 200-2012 would think the way they did.

The design is eerily reminiscent but your assessment that the headlights are a bit too wide in the picture is a very astute observation. That’s definitely Yamaha DNA but we’re going to guess what you have there is in fact the prior generation’s Grizzly 600 (1998-2001).

You’ll notice the headlights are wider set, the grill squarer, the position of the factory safety sticker and the rear fenders are equipped with the overhanging mud guard just like in your pic. Now, don’t be asking us to help with your Bigfoot photo collection.