I have a chance to pick up one of these really cheap but would like to take a look at the specs on them. Anybody have a link that will give me some info?

thanks,

ski

 

Hi I just bought, actually traded for my 1985 yamaha 1000 virago, a 1998 350 big bear.
My first concern and major concern even before I did the trade was the engine compression.
My V twin virago had 145 psi in both cylinders thats very good.
I asked the seller to tell me the compression of his bi bear .
He said 135, thats ok all gas engines like these should be about 135 -145 used and,
will be ok.
When the big bear arrived I did a check and got a reading of 160.
So check comprssion first thats the major starting point.
Hope this helps

 

If you can find a link to a 1998 or 99 Big Bear, it will really be similar. Somewhere I have a 97 yamaha brochure, but I think its in the attic. The engine is 348cc I believe like just about all of those big bears were. Suspension travel is probably 4.3" up front and 4.9" in the back (or somewhere close to that). They upgraded the suspension in like 1998 to give it a little more travel. Ground clearance at the rear differential is probably about 6-7". About 9" ground clearance at the frame I would think. Top end speed would be around 50mph wound out on pavement with absolutely no upgrade (only reason I say this is because I've seen 51 on a GPS out of my 89 Honda 300 totally wound out in the same situation and they are similar). Brakes will be hydraulic drum up front on a 97 and mechanical drum on the back. They gave them front discs in 1999. Nothing flashy, just a reliable tough quad.

Can't remember if this year had a dual range or just a 5 speed with a super low first gear. It will start in gear by pulling the brake lever in. Does not have a speedometer to my knowledge. I think 96 had the modern style twist and shift reverse actuator. Thats about all I know as far as specs.

 

Hi Andy
That info is just great. I'm waiting for a cd service manual and a cd parts manual.
I bought on ebay.
My favorite place is bikebandit I can cross reference part numbers there.
There own numbering but can still tell whats going on.
I read where the Big bear special addition 98 was the 350 engine on a 400 kodiak frame.
Compared both frames on bikebandit last night and they are different.
Will check my frame with the pictures before I go to work.
Do you know about the SE MODEL and what they real changed or added.
Thanks for the last post.

 

What info are you looking for? I have a 99 Big Bear 350. They are all pretty much the same until 2000. They are tough as nails. The 96 should be a 348cc engine, 5 sp semi-auto tranny, stock tire size (on my 4x4 anyway) 25x8x12 front and 25x10x12 rear, push button and pull cord start, etc. The SE model had low range.

 

OK
On the frame it says manufatured 3/97
So I guess its a 97. been told after the 6th month it would be a 98.
Is this true. Also can go by theserial number some say.
Lots of different opinions out there.
I has H/L/R 5 SPEED so I'm asuming thats what makes it SE.
Anothewr guy said the SE special addition they used the frame from
a 400 kodiak.
Can you clear all this up so I know what I have so I can order my parts.
Thank you

 

Big Bear special edition was only available in Canada. You could tell the difference because of the gold colored wheels and the Kodiak plastic. Had the Hi/Lo that the Kodiaks had back then. Big Bears used to have the Hi/lo/rev for a long time as well, but they eventually ditched it for a super low first gear and then regular gearing from there on up, much like Honda did in 88 when the 300 appeared. The special edition still had the Big Bear 350 engine, and the only knock I saw was that the kodiak frame had less suspension travel than the Big Bear did (but not much). The 97-98 Kodiak body style is still one of my favorites. In green or gray.

 

Try this-

http://www.atving.com/manufact/yamaha/bbear2wd.html

98 was the year of the slight redesign, and 99 it got the front discs I think. The front bumper remained old school for 97.

 

here is another

http://www.atvi!!ustrated.com/industry_news.html

have to change the exclamation points to L's in the URL

 

Thanks for the URL
I just posted pics of the my beast BB 350 SE 4X4 H/L/R 97, 98 NOT sure ???
Anyone know which year this is and if the SE really had a kodiak frame.
I checked bike bandits site and pics of the 97,98 BB FRAME OR THE 97,98 KODIAK FRAME,
and they do not look like the frame on this beast.