I know many of you are at odds with the weight of the sp700. I was trying to think of where the extra 140lbs is over the Griz. So having had a sp500, I went to look at the 660 Griz. to see whats makes it so much lighter. This is what I saw, and I'm doing this because one of the two is the one i'm getting. That's why I ask you what you think is the reason of the weight difference.
1) Frame tubeing on Griz. was smaller. (doesn't mean weaker just smaller)
2) Drive shafts on Griz. was about 1/2 the size of sp500 (700 should be the same or bigger)
3) Tires and rims on Griz. looked like 2ply, and already notice people complaining about them, and putting aftermarket ones on. Looks like they found the lightest tire they could find and put them on. Just curious, whats the weight of the Griz. tire and wheel compared to a sp500. Most likely it will be at least 10lbs a tire.
4) Third light.
5) stainless brake lines
6) rack extensions
7)Mcpherson struts to a-arms with shock. (much smaller shock and spring but could be better, but the struts really soak up the bumps)
8) Skid plates

Thats what I saw in the short time I was at the dealer, any other input I missed or got wrong please tell me. For 7k I want a bike to last awhile, and at the same time have fun.

 

Make note that many 1920's John Deere tractors are still running strong in show and on farms. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I gotta agree with both of you here. Yes, Yamaha has tried to trim every ounce off the new Grizz. But I think that's a good thing, okay the tires are a cheap shot at a few extra pounds, but those driveshafts and a-arms, though smaller and lighter, should be up to the task. Remember, by lightening, stress overall is reduced. Engineers can reduce weight of critical components and still have a little safety margin built in. A well-designed quad SHOULD be light.
Now if there are any weak points, we'll probably know about it first,
then hopefully, eventually, Yamaha can make some changes, if and when they are needed.
So far I think the new Grizz is a real winner. The increased power, narrower engine, full lock 4wd, and lighter weight are BIG pluses over the Sportsman. Wider tires and wheels fix the only problem I had with the Grizz, or the Kodiak for that matter, and for the most part all of the japanese quads. Wider is better, and Polaris has got that figured out. Polaris handling and suspension are also top rate. I don't like the Polaris AWD, which is really "Slowest Wheels Drive" and I don't like the overweight, gutless Fugi 500 motor, a big part of why they're too heavy. I think the Grizz was aimed right at the Sportsman, and I think its' a Bullseye. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

A few wks back when I was at dealerships handing out my safety training cards,I was able to ride the new Grizz and the new Kawi twin 4x4s.I was not impressed with the low end power of either ATV.Neither ATV would wheelie on a paved parking lot in low range.Many owners in these forums said to give the Grizz a few miles and she really wakes up?I liked everthing else about the new Grizz,it felt like it had power steering added to it and it drove fine.Now I was only able to road test the Grizz to speeds up to 20mph.Im concidering the new Grizz myself,but I dislike the rev limiter on the locker[20mph]Before I bought one,that would HAVE to be overridden some how?

The Sportsman is a huge pig in my opionion.I got rid of my first one mainly because of its weight of 697lbs dry.And now they want to give me a new 680cc twin that weighs 740lbs.I dont think so.They can stick it where the sun dont shine.Both my 99 Sportsman and my 00 Xplorer have had NUMEROUS problems,and I think I may be switching soon,
Bill

 

740 lbs. is dry weight of the new 700. So it will probably weigh near 800 lbs. wet!?