Just got back from 7 days in Richfield Utah at the Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree. Put over 500 miles on my new 02 Griz during the event. Trails varied from steep hills, streams, canyons, to mountain tops at over 10K feet. Weather and fall colors was beautiful, but the trails were very dusty.

Anyways, here how my stock 02 green Griz did:

No mechanical problems at all
No overheating but cooling fan did run at times
No problems at all when Griz played in the deep streams
Averaged rides of 80-90 miles a day on a tank of gas w/o using reserve. But Griz does have a definate drinking problem and could be a gasaholic if given a chance (mud, 4wd, steep hills, etc...)
Best mileage of trip was on a 42 mile ride(per the Grizodometer) and used 1.9 gallons at fillup (22.10 MPG)
Bought 3.2 gallon flat fuel cell for peace of mind but never had to actually use it
Griz was very comfortable on my tush during those day long rides. suspension was excellent.
Brakes are getting somewhat better with miles - Rears still mushy feeling and tend to lockup
Engine is starting to idle/run much smoother with hours on it
Pulled like a tractor in low 4wd and locker on. Would climb on/over anything I encountered.

Dislikes:

Rear Brake adjustment/design is sorely big time mickey mouse - Too many interconnected adjustments (left brake lever, foot lever, safety start cable, and brake light switch). Yamaha needs to simplify this, or split all of this up by using 2 seperate brake cylinders. Rear brake/rotor design needs improvement.

Griz's weight and height was a disadvantage in some technically steep hills with rocks, ruts and ravines. Had to be careful to keep the Griz furry side up.

Overall, very impressed with Griz on this trip. Griz seems to be getting better with age.

 

Great feedback- sounds like an awesome trip.

I have 6 hours on my Griz and it is just now starting to run smoother and feel more powerful. How many hours passed until your engine felt broken-in?

 

Ours just kept getting stronger and stronger. It now has 100 miles on it.

 

I am just beginning to believe that the Griz is now broke in with around 700 miles on it. Still runs a little rough at idle, but it may always do so being a single cylinder 660. Perhaps a little more tuning on the counter shaft balancer is in order by Yamaha? Also I expect to see an improvement/change in the rear brake design for the 03 model year. Still, most new bikes have their issues for the first year or two. Overall, I'm very pleased with the Griz.

On a side note, I saw the new Honda Rincon 650 that was displayed by Honda at the jamboree. It looks like Honda took a note from the Griz design with the rear IRS. Looks very similar to the Griz's IRS and rear rotor/brake setup. One note is that the Rincon has no low range on the trans per the Honda Rep. Also was told by Honda reps that the Rincon trans is very different in design than the Rubicon's. Good looking bike, but it appears to be an attempt at more of a sport utility bike than a pure 4wd utility. Really wonder on the wisdom of not having a low gear on a supposed utility 4wd?

Also saw the new Polaris 700 at the Jamboree. Was wheeled away into the polaris truck when the Rincon appeared.

 

Just purchased the '02 Griz and have about 8 hours on it. A Honda fan from birth, I have now owned two Yamaha's. I too have noticed the rear brakes locking up with the least amount of application. The only other thing I've really noticed is the amount of heat this bike puts off verses the Honda's. Living in TX doesn't help I know, but I can really feel the heat at times. No over-heating issues, but did have a buddy with a new 660 have his temp light come on once. He has about 50 hours on his '02 Griz. Shopped and shopped for my new ATV, but really like the features of the '02 Griz. Anyone have any thoughts on an extended warranty? Just a thought since this new bike has some new moving parts and all. I hope Yamaha takes a better look at the muffler design verses the Honda. As a hunter, I'd like to see the bike a bit quieter... Power on the bike is great. Riding lots of hills and rocky terrain at the moment, not much mud yet... Louisiana will be the mud test this fall. A really fun bike to ride too.

 

00Cajun, where in Dallas are you? I'm up in Plano. We are always looking for riders to join our group. Email me at texmudder@ansley.net if you are interested. Pictures of our adventures are at www.ansley.net.

I too am a Honda fan but the wifes 660 is nice. The header and muffler placement doesnt come close to Honda's design.

 

I am buying the grizzly soon, and it is awesome to hear everyone talk about how great it is, few questions, What is the top speed on the griz? How is the automatic transmission, doe it respond quickly? Does it get sloppy at high speeds? Thank you for your responses in advance

 

Griz's top speed was approx 65 mph in the Dirt Wheels magazine testing done a few months ago against the Kaw 650 Prairie. I've never tried to see what mine would actually do. Had it up to 50-55 going down roads and felt that it had another 10 MPH in it. Top speed of 65 is probably pretty accurate.

Trans engagement seems just about right. Slight delay then grabs smoothly with just a slight raise of RPM's.

No sloppiness at speed. Steers and tracks nicely.

Hope this helps with your purchasing decision.

 

yhanks alot az 400 that plays ahuge role any after market tips? or tips in general? greatly appreciated,

 

If you're looking for any basket racks and such, I did confirm that the drop basket rack from Cabela's does fit the '02 Grizzly. Use the code for the '01 model. I suggest you get any after market baskets or racks "rhino" lined for prevention of rust and such. (I saw this done in Louisiana and it works great) I really like the drop basket rack for the back and a front basket rack too. If you're a hunter, for you can put numerous things in the back rack without having to worry about them falling off or out. Such as: boat batteries, tool boxes, gas cans, chainsaws, etc.... Can't help you with too many performance related after-market stuff, but accessories are plentiful. Good luck and safe riding!

00Cajun
'02 Grizzly - Tan Color

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