I just bought a '99 Yamaha Big Bear 350 4x4.
What are your thoughts on this machine?
Will be installing a Warn 424 kit and 2" lift kit today.
My use for it will be for utility. Hunting, working around the property, a poker run now and then.
Most people tell me these machines are nearly bullet-proof.
The only thing I can find wrong with it is a "tick" in the top half of the engine after it warms up. Already installed a new timing chain and adjusted the valves. The tick is still there.
Thanks!

 

i used to have one of those bikes, not very fast or quick but id take it anywhere and yes that thing was bullet proof i beat the hell outta that thing and it just didnt phase it, as for the ticking im pretty sure its normal,all the yfm350 engines seem to tick a good bit more then other bikes i think its due to there big tappets on the rockers or something

 

My 2005 400 Big Bear has a top end tick.I think it's just how they run.

 

Any ride beats walking.

 

went out riding this weekend with my 1987 350 big bear and it didnt miss a lick. We had six bikes on the trails a 2007 rincon , 2 foreman 500 , 1 can am renegade 500, 1 2004 400 big bear and my vintage big bear and we all went in the same holes and all got stuck in the same holes. Ground clearance is the only thing that would have made any one go where the others could. I think most ATV's these days are very reliable and techknology keeps them all competetive but my ol clanker hell i had the dinosaure at the park except for the guy on a 250 big red

 

i have a 99 Yam Big Bear 350 and it has the same tick in the top end. its nothing to worry about. and yes, they are bullet proof.