Well yes it's been a while since I've been in these forums, but I just had to get some opinions before making a purchase. I'm finishing up the payments on my gixxer in the next couple months, so I should be able to get a new quad just in time for summer. Question is... which one?

Of course I've already done a lot of research and have a couple models in mind. First and foremost, Honda Rincon. Now let me explain. I've owned honda's before and was very impressed with their overall quality. I have the 'shee and the gixxer for the speed dept. so I'm not really achin for power. What does impress me is the fuel injection (not that its uncommon these days) and also the multiple baja wins. That proves to me that it's both a reliable machine and a relatively quick one. Alright I'll move on. Yami griz 700 would be another choice, though I wish it didnt have such a high center of gravity, but I'm sure when it gets really nasty it would come out on top. Last but not least, well maybe least... Can-Am Renegade. More just a conversation piece than a true possibility. I really have no confidence in the Can-Am / Bombardier name (no personal experience) and just think its kind of an american philosophy (Canada, I know) of big engines and nothing else matters. But I have heard some interesting things about their capabilities, so it's worth knowing more about anyway.

I know it sounds like I've already made up my mind, maybe I have. Regardless of what I think though, I'd love some honest opinions about the three models. Thx everybody and it's good to be back!

 

Yamaha made major changes effecting 700 Grizzly stability for 2007. The wheelbase is wider, the fuel tank is lower, shocks now all connect to bottom A-arm front and back, air box is improved and raised up. These changes have completely transformed the 700 Griz into a very nice full featured machine that will go anywhere.
The Rincon is also a very good machine. Negatives include poor engine braking, lack of low range, hydro-mechanical tranny durability question, and lack of front diff lock. But get on Rincon Owners Forum to see some dedicated Rinny lovers.
It could be mistake to draw comparison to Honda Baja race results and real life reliability. Honda knows Baja and hold nothing back for top results. The Baja Rinny is not the showroom Rinny.

 

Well I was very happy to see what Yami had done with the new griz, but I honestly was a little disappointed to hear of the new power steering idea. I know that its not an automotive style piece, but in my book its just one more thing to have break and I'm young enough not to need (or want) any assistance with steering. Honestly I enjoy wrestling the machine a bit to get it through the woods. I'm sure most of the people interested in that feature are older men who will use the machine for hunting anyway. (No offense to anybody, lol). I know its the 'new wave' in utility atv design, but I'm just not so sure I would find it necessary.

What I do like about the rincon is what I've heard about its nimble, stable chassis, and low CoG. I really have a bias against CVTs, I've just never liked them. I wont be using the bike for any type of work, just pure fun, so the lack of a low range doesnt particularly disappoint me. As I said before though, I was quite impressed with the new griz, both in the increased power output and the innovative lower front a-arms.

Also, I'm aware that the rincon I get in the showroom is unmodified and wouldn't stand a chance against the full-on rally version used in the baja races. However, I draw several conclusions from the results of those races. I'm sure that the basic frame remained unmodified, or very lightly modified, and it allowed the rider to maintain stability at high speeds and quickly traverse rough terrain. Now obviously the suspension had a lot to do with that as well and I'm sure that was heavily modified for the races, BUT, in all magazine comparos I've read, the honda's suspension was praised as being very balanced and predictible.

Of course, you can see a bit of bias towards the honda, but as I mentioned, I've done my homework on all these models. The only thing I lack before making an informed decision on which bike to purchase is real owner opinions. I would consider the Griz if I got enough positive feedback on them, as I do appreciate a number of its qualities that the honda lacks.

 

The Baja 1000 winning Rincon had the entire front wheel drive system removed to reduce weight on front end and to better handle desert whoops. I am quite sure the suspension was all replaced and that the motor and chassis was torn down and blue printed. So there is little in common between showroom and Baja Rinny.
The 700 Griz power steering is not just about a cop out for old and slow riders like me. It is a steering stabilizer system that is especially beneficial for the fastest riders in the roughest terrain. The fully adjustable suspension also benefits the best riders.
I was also very skeptical about a belt drive automatic tranny until I learned about the differences between the Yamaha and all other auto belt drive systems. The Yamaha system is better by far.
So here is the big difference; the Rinny will often require a more experienced and talented rider to go places that a novice can easily handle on a 700 Griz.

 

Just forget the whole baja thing, I was merely attempting to illustrate that some aspect of the quad is well suited to handling the baja races, whether that was modified or not, something is the same I'm sure.

Now I still haven't had my original concern adressed, which was just to get some personal records of the new griz in action. How's the efi? cold starting? off cambers? does it feel light and nimble?

I've given due credit to the griz for the new EPS, a-arm design, the locking diff and honestly the looks as well. The rincon just has some features that I feel would be more useful to me personally. I like the sporty physical layout, as I mentioned, the Griz is tall (whether it handles well for being tall is one thing, but just from sitting on it, it was obviously a large machine) and the ability to use the closest thing to a manual available in a big-bore 4x4.

From what you've said so far though, turtle, I feel like the Rincon would be the better bike for me. I enjoy working the machine a bit on a trail ride, not just barreling through on a lay-z-boy, and I'm certainly not a novice.

Ps, I agree that of the CVT's, the yami is the best. The problem though is that it IS a CVT. I just dont like the way they operate, nothing to do with individual machine applications.

 

I like my Grizzly so far. I haven't had it in alot of situations yet, I've only got about 70 miles on it so far. I was thinking about getting a Rinny when I purchased my Grizz. I mostly bought the Grizzly for the power steering, (had a elbow injury a few years back and took me out of atvs for awhile). I've always had good luck with Yamahas and I think their cvt in the best out right now. I can tell you the ride of the Grizzly is great and I don't think it's tippy or anything. Mine has started fine so far, lowest i've started it at has been about 13 above. It does feel light and nimble, maybe partly due to the power steering? The efi is great for starting and throttle response and gas mileage seems pretty good so far, (i've been getting about 20 miles per bar on the gauge). I'd recommend one to anyone.

 

Jim, what do you notice has changed in comparison to your old 660?

 

It has been awhile since I had my 660, but I think it rides and handles better and the seat is more comfortable. It does feel more stable to me and I really like the looks of it too. It would be easier to tell if you rode one right after the other, i'm going on about a three year span of what I can remember?? You ever look at the King Quad 700? i'm thinking of getting a KQ 450 as a second machine.

 

I have looked at the KQ, but it doesnt appeal to me any more than a BF or Sportsman. I remember sitting on them before and they felt a bit tall and the irs was a little soft. At this point I'm pretty much sold on the Rin. I would admit that there will be some situations that I might wish I had the Griz, as it does boast some capabilities I dont think the Rin can match, but overall, I feel the Rincon would be a better machine for my use. I will be placing more emphasis on sporty handling than rock-crawling ability or mudding. Also, I will be riding a lot with my father on his Magnum 325, and the griz might beg me to do things the magnum just wont be able to. I dont want to totally leave him in the dust, lol. Honestly I think I'll be operating more in 2wd anyway, so the lack of a diff lock isnt the worst thing in the world. The trails I like are usually a bit more hardpack and gravel, with a little mud thrown in every once in a while. The main thing I suppose that's sold me on the Rincon is the low CoG, wider stance, and lower seat height. I'm sure 675cc's with fuel injection will get me where I need to go.

I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Although the griz is a tempting option, I just dont think it suits my personal riding style as well.

I tell you what though, I'll be sure to give it another look in person before I buy.