Went out for a 40 mile ride this weekend with my father-in-law on his 2002 Grizzly. First of all, it's got plenty of get up and go and the ride quality on rut filled roads is great.

I was pretty dissapointed in it's ability to keep all four wheels planted on the ground when going through large rocks or over logs. There were times when one of the rear tires would be as much as 6" off the ground.

This particular Grizzly has a few problems, which hopefully can be worked out by the dealer. It cuts out while going up even the slightest incline and the belt "grinds" like it's loose when the brakes are applied. Also, the gas mileage leaves quite a bit to be desired. I thought Yamaha put a 5 gallon tank on the Grizzly to extend the range, in reality the 5 gallon tank is a necessity for a days ride. He averaged just under 14 MPG, granted this may improve once broken in, but I doubt it'll change a whole lot.

I think once the initial bugs are worked out the Grizzly will be a pretty good machine, although over priced. I like the locking front end, ground clearance, cushy ride, easy steering, and the display is pretty cool. I don't care for the noise, poor gas mileage, slippery floorboards when even a little wet, cheap plastic, the inability to keep the tires down, or the problems I mentioned earlier.

 

I see you have a Rancher. Do you prefer it over the grizzly 660?

 

Mine did that too when going up a pretty steep hill in High. Tried it again in low with no problems. Keep us posted.

 

You definatly need to take it to the dealer if it cuts out when going up hill. I have only had mine a couple of days and have taken up some steep off camber hill climbs with zero problems. It does seem sluggish when idling in neutral sometimes even cuts out, but that might just be a new motor. When I hit the throttle I have no problems.

 

I understand about the keeping all 4 on the ground part, but what are you comparing it to? While not in the same ballpark as a sportsman or AC(closer however without the sway bar on), its still better than any standard swingarm. The cutting out part would have me thinking dealer though. I had an oil leak right after I got mine, and it ended up that that scew on the timing check window just wasnt tight. Had me scared for a moment though.