Anyone put leather to leather on a new 09 Grizzly 550 yet? Well, I just did and man was I impressed. Much more power than my Rubicon, and the EFI meant instant throttle response. Handling was super. After muscling around on old stype Rubicon for two hours then jumping on this one, with power steering, I had tears come to my eyes. For those of you that don't want the expense of the 700 Griz, this may be your machine.

By the way, I went to my usual riding park on Sat with Mrs DB so she could get some seat time before we head out to the Hatfield McCoy in a couple weeks and was surprised to find the Factory Yamaha guys there giving demo rides on select Quads and Rhinos. I discovered that I do not like the side by side experience nearly as much as I like my ATV, and that Griz was a cadillac. I might just have to move up my purchase planning. I was going for either a 700 griz or a 700 raptor, but this baby handled pretty good.. almost as good as a sport. Heck, I may have to get them both.

 

I'd kill for your problems. ;-)

 

Well I think I would just give up on the power steering in Yamahas case with the NEW 550.

The standard 700 Grizzly cost less than the EPS equipped 550 Grizzly.

550 with EPS vs non EPS 700 grizzly price.

Hard to justify paying more for less.

 

Thats comparing 2008 700 to 2009 550. The 2009 700 & 2009 550eps are the same price in the states, the 550eps is $500 less than the 700 non-eps in Canada.

But since lots of ppl don't pay list, I am sure there are still some 2008 700 deals to be found.

 

The EPS is worth the extra cost, all it takes is one ride on a rough trail to find out. The difference is amazing even if the trail isn't rough, especially if you are riding with one hand (such as when doing trail maintenance where you might be holding a machete with the other hand).

The EFI 550 will likely get better fuel mileage than the 700 so that would make a nice exploring machine for someone that doesn't need the extra power advantage of the 700...

 

For an old guy, yes the extra dollars would be well spent. As some are saying, once you ride one for a while, you won't want to go back. MY old style full time 4x4 Rubicon will beat you to death. Don't get me wrong, I still think it is the ultimate work horse.. but it beats these old bones up so bad I ache for days after I ride for any time longer than a couple hours. I think these machines will keep us old guys riding longer... so yeah I think they are a good thing.

 

I love all this talk on other threads about if your 'old' or 'weak' you will benefit from the powersteering..

All those that make these comments have obviously never ridden the grizz w/ power steering.

Just yesterday I went riding w/ my buddy, we did 22 miles of some rather rocky terrain, He on a 06 Popo 500...famous for their comfy rides...he was complaining about being sore last night.. I feel great, not sore at all. Comfy ride. Its worth the extra cash IMO. The power steering is awesome.

If I couldn't afford the extra $ for the 700 w/ eps I would get the 550 w/ eps.

 

Hey, if we are lucky we all get there eventually. Just remember that us Old guys have all the money (HAH). It may be a smart move to cater to this crowd as we pretty much know what we are looking for when we go shopping.. and we demand more bells and whistles than the average Joe. Sooner or later everyone comes around to our way of thinking. Just like death and taxes, we all get old. The joints start aching, and the old body just doesn't do the things it was capable of last year. Any help I can get is appreciated if it keeps me in the saddle instead of in the lazy boy dreaming of a day gone by. I don't think I have been this excited about planning another purchase for quite a while.

 

I have also had the chance to ride the 550, and I agree fully - I'd pay the money to get the 550 Griz with EPS over the 700 without it - the EPS is amazing, and the 550 has plenty of power and torque to go anywhere you want it to......and have fun doing it!

 

Considering it is the same exactl machine with a smaller cylinder bore, I think it will actually be a better machine because the cylinder walls are thicker on the 550. I don't think it gives up too much in the power range, although I didn't try pulling anything with it. I suspect the 700 would definitely be a better machine when hauling.. otherwise though, they are virtually the same machines right down to the cupholders. No stipped down model for sure. Everything thing is there but the higher price.

And yeah, I'd spend the extra money for the EPS. If I didn't, I'd be kicking myself every time I rode it for being cheap. Better get in line folks, these are going to sell out fast.